Natural Recovery Of Salt Marshes From The 1991 Oil Spill On The Saudi Arabian Gulf Coast

2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 (1) ◽  
pp. 869-872 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuck Getter ◽  
Jacqui Michel ◽  
Miles Hayes
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Salt Marshes ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Arabian Gulf ◽  
Saudi Arabian ◽  
Significant Loss ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Response Effort ◽  
Natural Recovery ◽  
Key Species

ABSTRACT Our team completed a broad multidisciplinary survey in 2003 characterizing several thousand transects along 850 km of oil-impacted shoreline to determine the impacts of the 1991 oil spill on the Saudi Arabian Gulf from the western end of Abu Ali Island to the Kuwait border. Salt marshes and tidal flats there form a very significant portion of the oil-impacted coastline. These habitats were heavily oiled in 1991 and significant loss of biological communities was reported then. Although a large scale response effort followed the spill, the size of the spill overwhelmed it. The overwhelming majority of the spill site is remote and will likely receive little or no cleanup and/or restoration effort. After completing the survey, we conducted an ecological survey at two selected salt marsh transects using line-intercept and quadrat counts counting macrovegetation and intertidal macroepibenthos within one impacted (recovering) and one unoiled (comparison) transect. The objective of our paper is to present useful highlights regarding the nature of the recovery of intertidal macroepibenthos and the vegetation associated with salt marshes. A continuing impact to key species and their assemblages is documented and discussed. We conclude that while recovery has progressed from initial reports of significant damages in 1991–1993 the overall recovery of the salt marshes is far from complete. Some areas of considerable size and importance show little or no sign of recovery. In summary, the oil spill of 1991 was arguably the largest coastal spill in history. Long-term effects are widespread, appear to be profoundly large-scale, and in some cases salt marshes show little sign of natural recovery.

Comparative study of mangrove recruitment in oil deforested areas in Guimaras, Philippines

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (1) ◽  
pp. 2369-2388
Author(s):  
Abner P. Barnuevo ◽  
Resurreccion B. Sadaba
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Natural Recovery ◽  
Recovery Processes ◽  
Recovery Potential ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Persistent Disturbances ◽  
Mangrove Planting

ABSTRACT The MT Solar I oil spill that released over 2 million liters of bunker C oil in Guimaras in August 2006 affected mangrove forest in varying degrees from acute damages, sublethal stresses and long term effects. Although the incident caused only <1 ha deforestation, large scale mangrove planting has been implemented as part of response initiatives without inference to scientific assessment of the natural recovery potential of the damaged habitat. The response and intervention in the aftermath of the oil spill primarily involved planting mangroves. This study assessed the mangrove recruitment and colonization in two deforested mangrove areas in Guimaras, Philippines and evaluated whether replanting was necessary as part of intervention. Results on reconstructed age extrapolated from the internodal index showed that recruitment started to take place one and two years after the spill in Site 1 (3.33% of tagged wildings) and Site 2 (11.67%) respectively. However, the wilding establishment in the former site was impaired in the succeeding years and maintained at very low numbers (0.07–0.15 m−2) whereas wilding establishment was high in Site 2 (2.19–3.31 per m−2). The difference between sites is statistically significant (P<0.0001). The marked difference between sites is attributed to the prevailing interventions and persistent disturbances. The extraction of dead trees and downed wood in Site 1 impaired the progress of recovery and was further compounded by persistent disturbances brought by the socioeconomic activities, whereas, non-intervention in Site 2 favored the progress of natural recovery. Eight years after the incident, the colonizers in Site 2 were already reproductively mature as some already developed flowers. This study highlighted the capacity of mangroves to recover from perturbations as long as the geomorphological features of the habitats are not altered. The large-scale mangrove planting implemented in the affected areas is deemed unnecessary given that one year after the incident recruitment started to progress. Thus, future oil spill responses and interventions should carefully assess the natural recovery processes of the impacted areas first, before proceeding to large scale mangrove planting programs. Otherwise, the good intentions of implementing faster recovery of mangroves and other impacted habitats may be considered a waste of public funds and a futile effort vis-à-vis practicality.

THE GULF WAR OIL SPILL TWELVE YEARS LATER: CONSEQUENCES OF ECO-TERRORISM

2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 (1) ◽  
pp. 957-961 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Michel ◽  
Miles O. Hayes ◽  
Charles D. Getter ◽  
Linos Cotsapas
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Salt Marshes ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Gulf War ◽  
Tidal Flats ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Chemical Toxicity ◽  
Habitat Recovery ◽  
Intertidal Habitats ◽  
Ecological Recovery

ABSTRACT The intentional release of an estimated 11 million barrels of oil during the 1991 Gulf War was the largest oil spill in history. An assessment of the physical, chemical, and ecological impacts of this spill shows that, 12 years later, oil residues and habitat modifications continue to have toxic effects on intertidal communities. As of 2003, there are an estimated 8 million cubic meters of oiled sediment remaining along the 803 km of impacted shoreline in Saudi Arabia. Of this volume, 45% occurs in muddy tidal flats and 23% in salt marshes and mangroves. Much of the oil in these sheltered habitats occurs as oiled crab burrows, with liquid oil remaining in the burrows to depths that exceed 50 cm. These habitats show the lowest degree of ecological recovery since the spill, with 87% of the upper intertidal zones of mangroves and marshes and 71 % of muddy tidal flats having reduced species richness and a disturbed community structure. Those habitats exposed to the greatest amount of wave activity contain the smallest amount of residual oil; however, on outer sand beaches, the oil is commonly buried to depths exceeding 1 m. The factors that affect the ecological recovery of the intertidal habitats include: 1) The chemical toxicity of the oil residues; 2) the physical toxicity of heavy and hardened oil residues; 3) other physical barriers that affect seed germination of plants, settlement of larvae, and burrowing; 4) limited sources for recruitment of biota; 5) reduced hydrological functioning of tidal channels. This study shows the importance of oil removal as the first phase of habitat recovery. It also indicates the potential for large-scale damage by blatant acts of eco-terrorism.

Tidal Flat and Sand Beach Remediation: Choosing Remediation Techniques to Speed Ecological Recovery of Habitats Still Impacted 20 Years after the Gulf War Oil Spill

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 (1) ◽  
pp. 1719-1733
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Minter ◽  
Jason A. Hale ◽  
Christopher D. Cormack ◽  
Linos Cotsapas ◽  
Jacqueline Michel
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Arabian Gulf ◽  
Gulf War ◽  
Tidal Flats ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Optimal Method ◽  
Sediment Loss ◽  
A Priority ◽  
Ecological Recovery

ABSTRACT After nearly 20 years of limited natural recovery following the Gulf War oil spill, surveys were conducted in 2009-2010 to identify where oil has persisted and ecological recovery has been slow along the Arabian Gulf coastline of Saudi Arabia. In 2011-2013, large-scale remediation projects were executed on 3 locations totaling 155 hectares of tidal flats and sand beaches to speed ecological recovery. Targeted remediation techniques were used as tools to meet the following goals: 1) increase suitable habitat for grazers and burrowing infauna; 2) reduce total petroleum hydrocarbon levels; and 3) improve physical processes (drainage) and reduce associated stressors such as ponding. Three principal techniques were developed and utilized along sheltered and moderately exposed tidal flats: 1) tilling of oiled sediments using tines (rake) or disc harrow attachment, followed by manual removal of remaining surface oil; 2) complete physical removal and disposal of the surface or cohesive subsurface oiling layers; and 3) tilling areas contained within berms while flooded to liberate liquid oil that was subsequently recovered by skimming/vacuuming. The first technique was considered appropriate when there was a well-defined gradient between hardened surface oiling and lightly oiled subsurface sediments, within sandy tidal flats, and where sediment conservation was a priority. This technique resulted in 20% additional oiled surface residue cover, which was removed manually. Resulting sediment loss was minimal. Goals 1, 2 and 3 were met. The second technique was preferred when there was a dry cohesive oiled layer either on the surface or beneath a layer of clean sand and where sediment conservation was not a priority. Excavation of oiled sediments resulted in high sediment loss by physical removal; however, goals 1 and 2 were clearly achieved. Additional re-grading including possible sediment replacement was required to achieve goal 3. The third technique was considered the optimal method when there was a high level of subsurface liquid oiling within tidal flats, and if sediment conservation was a priority. Goal 1 was achieved by breaking up surface barriers. To achieve goals 2 and 3, multiple tilling passes were required to liberate and remove liquid oil. Monitoring results show that while oil levels varied across remediated sites, a trend in reduction was common throughout. Short- and long-term ecological responses are being monitored.

Long-Term Effects of an Oil Spill on Populations of the Salt-Marsh Crab Uca pugnax

1978 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 648-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. T. Krebs ◽  
K. A. Burns
Keyword(s):  
Salt Marsh ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Salt Marshes ◽  
Surface Sediments ◽  
Fuel Oil ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Uca Pugnax ◽  
Crab Population ◽  
Body Tissues

A spill of fuel oil at West Falmouth, Massachusetts, in 1969 contaminated contiguous salt marshes with up to 6000 μg oil/g (ppm) of wet mud and affected local populations of the salt-marsh crab Uca pugnax. Directly related to high sediment oil content were reduced crab density, reduced ratio of females to males, reduced juvenile settlement, heavy overwinter mortality, incorporation of oil into body tissues, behavioral disorders such as locomotor impairment, and abnormal burrow construction. Concentrations of weathered fuel oil > 1000 ppm were directly toxic to adults, while those of 100–200 ppm were toxic to juveniles. Cumulative effects occurred at lower concentrations. Recovery of the marsh from this relatively small oil spill is still incomplete after 7 yr. Interpretation of the crab population data upon the basis of detailed analysis of the aromatic fraction of the fuel oil provided by Dr J. Teal, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, showed that recovery of the crab populations was highly correlated with the disappearance of the naphthalene fraction of the aromatics. There had been a decrease in the aromatics from 42% in 1970 to approximately 18% in 1976 in Station I surface sediments, while preliminary analyses show aromatics still high at other stations where little recovery has been observed. By 1970–71 all parent naphthalene compounds were gone in Station I surface sediments, but substituted naphthalenes were still in high concentrations. By 1972–73 dimethyl naphthalenes and C3 and C4 substituted naphthalenes remained at about 25% of original values. By 1976–77 only C3 and C4 substituted naphthalenes remained at less than one tenth of their 1973 levels. In 1972–73 the substituted naphthalenes were at high enough concentrations to prevent recruitment, as large juvenile crab settlements in 1970–73 produced no recruitment into the crab populations. By 1976–77 these toxic compounds were at low enough levels that recovery of the crab population was occurring with recruitment, and increasing density was observed in both years. High aromatic concentrations at other stations may still be inhibiting recovery at these stations. The long-term inhibition of recruitment and low population densities may have resulted from exposure to oil in the interstitial waters during the sensitive molt period and/or during the long periods of time while the crabs were overwintering in the substrate. Key words: petroleum, Uca pugnax, crab, salt-marsh, population, pollution

Experiences With and Lessons Learned From Developing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Support Program for Older Hearing Aid Users and Their Communication Partners in the Hearing Aid Dispensing Setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3S) ◽  
pp. 638-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janine F. J. Meijerink ◽  
Marieke Pronk ◽  
Sophia E. Kramer
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Research Note ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Communication Program ◽  
Communication Partners

Purpose The SUpport PRogram (SUPR) study was carried out in the context of a private academic partnership and is the first study to evaluate the long-term effects of a communication program (SUPR) for older hearing aid users and their communication partners on a large scale in a hearing aid dispensing setting. The purpose of this research note is to reflect on the lessons that we learned during the different development, implementation, and evaluation phases of the SUPR project. Procedure This research note describes the procedures that were followed during the different phases of the SUPR project and provides a critical discussion to describe the strengths and weaknesses of the approach taken. Conclusion This research note might provide researchers and intervention developers with useful insights as to how aural rehabilitation interventions, such as the SUPR, can be developed by incorporating the needs of the different stakeholders, evaluated by using a robust research design (including a large sample size and a longer term follow-up assessment), and implemented widely by collaborating with a private partner (hearing aid dispensing practice chain).

An HPC Framework for Large Scale Simulations and Visualizations of Oil Spill Trajectories

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Tao ◽  
Werner Benger ◽  
Kelin Hu ◽  
Edwin Mathews ◽  
Marcel Ritter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Large Scale Simulations

Towards Control of an Estuary

1987 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 155-174
Author(s):  
Henk L. F. Saeijs
Keyword(s):  
Shallow Water ◽  
Storm Surge ◽  
Salt Marshes ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Oxygen Depletion ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Intertidal Flats ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Short Time

The Delta Project is in its final stage. In 1974 it was subjected to political reconsideration, but it is scheduled now for completion in 1987. The final touches are being put to the storm-surge barrier and two compartment dams that divide the Oosterschelde into three areas: one tidal, one with reduced tide, and one a freshwater lake. Compartmentalization will result in 13% of channels, 45% of intertidal flats and 59% of salt marshes being lost. There is a net gain of 7% of shallow-water areas. Human interventions with large scale impacts are not new in the Oosterschelde but the large scale and short time in which these interventions are taking place are, as is the creation of a controlled tidal system. This article focusses on the area with reduced tide and compares resent day and expected characteristics. In this reduced tidal part salt marshes will extend by 30–70%; intertidal flats will erode to a lower level and at their edges, and the area of shallow water will increase by 47%. Biomass production on the intertidal flats will decrease, with consequences for crustaceans, fishes and birds. The maximum number of waders counted on one day and the number of ‘bird-days' will decrease drastically, with negative effects for the wader populations of western Europe. The net area with a hard substratum in the reduced tidal part has more than doubled. Channels will become shallower. Detritus import will not change significantly. Stratification and oxygen depletion will be rare and local. The operation of the storm-surge barrier and the closure strategy chosen are very important for the ecosystem. Two optional closure strategies can be followed without any additional environmental consequences. It was essential to determine a clearly defined plan of action for the whole area, and to make land-use choices from the outset. How this was done is briefly described.

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