What are the environmental impacts of a potential oil spill?

Monday’s collision between an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea immediately sparked environmental concerns.

It has now been confirmed the tanker – the Stena Immaculate – was carrying Jet A-1 fuel. It’s far more flammable than diesel but what about it’s impact if spilled into the sea?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, jet fuels are “relatively less acutely toxic than diesel.”

“Aquatic organisms that come in direct contact with naturally dispersed and entrained jet fuel in the water column may be killed. However, small spills in open water may not result in fish kills.”

We don’t yet know exactly how much fuel the tanker was carrying but estimates suggest it could be up to 100,000 tonnes.

Professor Mark Sephton, Professor of Organic Geochemistry at Imperial College, London, told me the fact the tanker was carrying jet fuel is “significant.”

“Jet fuel is dominated by relatively small hydrocarbons, compared to the more diverse and sometimes larger organic structures found in crude oil,” he said, “Smaller hydrocarbons are very attractive to bacteria who will degrade them more quickly than larger molecules – called ‘biodegradation’.”

“The fact that we are moving into warmer temperatures will also speed up biodegradation rates. In the end it all depends on the rate of introduction of fuel and the rate of destruction by bacteria. Let’s hope the latter wins out.”

If there is a large spill, the big question is where will it end up?

The wind is currently blowing from the north which could be good news for Flamborough Nature Reserve and RSPB Bemptom. They are vital breeding grounds for seabirds including puffins.

Black smoke billowing in the North Sea after the explosion. / Credit: PA

It’s potentially worse news for the Humber Estuary and Spurn.

The estuary is an internationally important area for wildlife, designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and an internationally important wetland under the Ramsar Convention.

Spurn is home to newly planted seagrass which is an efficient sequester of carbon.

Dave O’Hara, senior site manager at RSPB Bempton Cliffs said they were “extremely concerned” about the potential for an oil leak.

“As details continue to emerge, our first thoughts are for the safety of everyone on board and those responding to this incident,” he said.

“The East Coast is home to internationally important seabirds. The incident is also close to Bempton Cliffs, home to the biggest gannet colony in England.

“Naturally we are extremely concerned about the potential for a leak from the tanker as oil pollution can seriously damage habitats and be lethal to seabirds.

“We are keeping a close eye on this situation, and will work with the relevant marine authorities as is needed.”