Impacts on marine wildlife

The fur of fur-bearing mammals, such as those of sea otters, have the ability to trap air and insulate the animals’ body. However, when in contact with oil on the surface of the sea, this ability is affected. This also applies to birds, whereby the oil will prevent the feathers from trapping air and repelling water. These will lead to the animal suffering from hypothermia.

Sea turtles and dolphins are also affected when the oil gets into their eyes or penetrates their skin and into their lungs.

Further, animals that eat the food from the contaminated habitat will ingest the toxic chemicals. These chemicals will then find their way up the food chain and the harmful effects will be escalated.