Archived press release

Oil Spill Damage Will Last For Decades

13 May 1996

Three months on from one of the worst oil disasters to hit UK shores, a report published today by Friends of the Earth shows that the impacts of the Sea Empress oil spill will be felt for decades to come [1]. This is the first detailed look at the long term environmental and economic effects of the tanker disaster, which affected over fifty important wildlife and conservation sites on the Welsh coast [2].

Tim Deere-Jones, Marine Consultant for Friends of the Earth, said;

"The beaches may look clean, but parts of the Pembrokeshire coast - an area of outstanding natural beauty and international wildlife importance - have suffered a major regional disaster. The damage could remain well into the 21st century."

Key findings include:

Oil is still coming ashore and will remain in the area, exposing marine life to toxic chemicals, for at least 20 years.

The massive kill of marine animals will cause long term ecological damage. Shellfish and crustaceans will take five or more years to recover. The rocky shores will take 10 years to get back to normal.

Local breeding stocks of fish and shellfish have been severely reduced. Survivors will have very high concentrations of oil toxins for some time to come, which may lead to the development of tumours and stunted growth. The impact on the local fishing industry has been severe, and may continue for up to ten years.

A number of the locally and regionally rare species, such as the Green Rock starfish, may never recover

Up to 20,000 sea birds were killed by the oil spill - greater than the Braer or Torrey Canyon accidents. Over half of the West Carmarthen Bay population of Common Scoter Duck died. Future sea bird populations are severely threatened by reduced food supplies.

The health of seals, whales, dolphins and porpoises is at risk from long term consumption of contaminated fish.

Damage to certain sectors of the local tourist trade, such as fishing and walking will be significant.

Gordon James, Friends of the Earth Cymru, concluded;

"Our research reveals that the oil spill has caused severe and long-term damage to wildlife and habitats. We must make sure such a disaster never happens again."

The report contains a full colour photographic section showing examples of the type of damage caused, as well as maps of the affected areas.

*** PRESS CONFERENCE ***

There will be a press conference in Pembrokeshire on Monday 13 May 1996 where copies of the full report will be available. The author, marine consultant Tim Deere-Jones, and local campaigner Gordon James, will be present to answer questions. The press conference will be followed by a tour of the affected coastal sites.

TIME: 10.30am, Monday 13 May 1996 LOCATION: Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Essex Rd, Pembroke Dock, Pembs. SA72

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] Lost Treasure: The Long Term Environmental Impacts of the Sea Empress Oil Spill, Friends of the Earth, May 1996, ISBN 1 85750 276 0. 7.95. Summary conclusions attached.

[2] See attached maps

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust