Preventing Small Oil Spills

Small oil spills add up. Their accumulation and persistence make them particularly harmful to the marine environment. Unlike large catastrophic spills that draw media attention, public concern and rapid response, these small oil spills are rarely reported and seldom cleaned up. Unfortunately, they tend to occur in fertile nearshore marine habitats, which are extremely vulnerable to pollution. Prevention and education are key approaches for addressing the problem and there is a continuing need for regional coordination and cooperation.

Washington Sea Grant’s small oil spill prevention education program emphasizes direct interaction with vessel and marina operators and other marine users and agencies to provide safe and practical alternatives to spill-prone practices. The program targets commercial fishing and recreational boats, ferries, ports and marinas to promote innovative waste oil reduction and recycling, as well as sound maintenance and operating practices.

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