Oil Kills Coral Reefs
Coral reefs can be killed off by direct exposure to oil. Intertidal corals are the most vulnerable, since oil on the surface of the water is deposited directly on the coral reef when the tide is low. Branching corals also are more susceptible to damage from oil in contrast to larger plate-like corals. All corals are vulnerable, however, because oil can mix with sediment or thin out from sun exposure and sink. The oil literally smothers the coral.
Pollution associated with oil spills also makes coral reefs more susceptible to bleaching. Bleaching has occurred in coral reefs worldwide because of many factors, including warmer water temperatures and other environmental stresses, such as hazardous material spills and boating accidents, which can severely damage, if not kill coral. The coral loses its symbiotic algae during bleaching, and even if able to withstand the stress, is left with reproductive impairment, slowed growth and less capability to heal itself.
Prevention
It is important to prevent spilled oil from reaching coral reefs. Flexible booms can be used to isolate oil floating on the surface, preventing it from spreading, while skimmers collect it. Effective if the oil is on the water surface, these techniques are viable as long as the weather is fair. Otherwise, agencies are limited to the use of chemical dispersants. Dispersants are recommended only if the oil is moving away from coral reefs.
Oil dispersants prevent oil from reaching shore or harming other sensitive habitats. In a study by the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, researchers found that oil dispersants were more toxic to coral samples than the actual oil. In this study, all Indo Pacific branching coral samples were killed by dispersants applied in concentrations that had been recommended by manufacturers. As a result, the use of oil dispersants is not recommended anywhere near coral reefs.
Organizational Action
Coral reefs are killed by both oil and the agents used break up the oil when it spills. Several measures have been taken to prevent oil spills. The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force was formed in 1998 and created the National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs in 2000, with intention to help reverse the worldwide decline of coral reefs due to oil spills and other hazards. In addition, the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 enabled NOAA, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, to create grant programs to fund coral reef conservation. The aim was to prevent catastrophes such as the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska in 1989 and the 1986 Bahia Las Minas crude oil spill in Panama.
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