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Part 8: How do spill response methods in reef areas differ from those in temperate regions?
The goal of spill response in coral areas is the same as in any other habitat--to minimize damages caused by the accident and any associated spillage. In addition to toxic impacts from spilled oil, vessel accidents can hurt coral reefs in other ways, including groundings and other physical impacts, anchor damage, and release of ballast water or hazardous materials.
Physical Impacts: Ship groundings frequently damage reefs, and the process of removal of a grounded vessel can further injure the reef. Responders working near coral reefs must take care to avoid physical damage to coral, especially in shallow waters.
Ballast Water: To lighten and remove a grounded vessel from a coral reef, ballast water may be discharged. Ballast water may contain spores, eggs, larvae, or other life stages of marine life not indigenous to the reef ecosystem at the wreck site, and thus may introduce these non-native (invasive) organisms into areas where they can significantly alter the existing community structure. Response options can include treatment of ballast water before discharge with ozone, chlorine, or heat.
Hazardous Cargo: Stricken or stranded vessels may release hazardous cargoes into a coral reef area. These cargoes can include many substances that are bulk-transported aboard ships: bulk organic (petro) chemicals, pesticides or herbicides, ores (such as copper), bulk acids and bases (such as caustic soda or ammonia), and cement. Other items that have spilled include shipping containers, fishing gear (longlines, traps, or set nets), and decomposing animal matter, such as bait or fish. Response options for these situations need to be developed on a case-by-case basis.
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