Chronic oil pollution

THE POLLUTION OF THE SEA from hydrocarbons (crude oil, fuel, petrol, oily waste, etc) is a global problem that entails between two and ten million tonnes of these products reaching the sea each year. Although the bulk of public attention is focused on the oil slicks caused by major oil tanker accidents, chronic dumping of these substances – in other words, the residue from ordinary maritime traffic – is three times higher.

Washing out the tanks of oil tankers, dumping bilge water and minor spillages on board or in port are the main sources of hydrocarbon pollution of marine origin.

The other side of oil slicks

In December of 2003, Oceana Europe made a splash by exposing the routine illegal dumping practiced by most tankers and transport ships. Every year, the European community learned, three times more oil is intentionally poured into the ocean during routine (but illegal) cleaning procedures than is spilled in accidents like the Prestige disaster. MORE >>

Update: EU Parliament approves oil dumping sanctions!

A year and a half after Oceana began its intensive advocacy effort, the EU Parliament voted to approve strict sanctions for violators of oil dumping laws... MORE >>