Sources and reporting of oil spills and impacts on wildlife 1970-2018

The extraction, transport, and consumption of hydrocarbons occur daily worldwide and can lead to environmental pollution and significant incidents of wildlife mortality. This review of literature and publicly available databases from 1970 to 2018 summarises records on oil spill incidents, sources of spills, and reported effects on wildlife. During this time period, millions of tonnes of oil were released from over 1700 acute oil spills, with only 312 (18%) reporting wildlife effects. The most numerous reported spill source was shipping. From this review, there are obvious global gaps in reporting of oil spills and recording of effects on wildlife. We recommend there is a global need for increased consistency of reporting and availability of data of oil spills, and wildlife impacts. This information is critical to preparedness and response procedures for industry (shipping and oil) and governments.

Automated summary

This review examines global oil spill incidents from 1970 to 2018, highlighting significant gaps in reporting and recording of wildlife effects. The study underscores the crucial need for increased consistency and availability of data on oil spills and wildlife impacts worldwide to enhance industry and government preparedness and response procedures.