Recent investigations by Oceana UK have revealed that oil pollution in the North Sea may be significantly higher than previously reported, potentially double the official figures.
This alarming discovery has raised concerns about the environmental impact on marine ecosystems and the effectiveness of current monitoring systems.
A report by the conservation organisation Oceana has found that the actual scale of oil pollution in UK waters has been “considerably underestimated”.
The study suggests that when combining accidental spills with violations of permitted discharges, the documented volume of routine oil pollution should be increased by 43% over the last decade.
The issue of “chronic oiling” – frequent, small-scale releases – is more prevalent than previously thought.
Between January 2011 and May 2024, there were over 1,901 oil spills in the North Sea.
Alarmingly, 215 of these spills occurred within marine protected areas (MPAs), which are home to some of Scotland’s most threatened species and habitats.
Five companies were responsible for 80% of oil spills between 2011 and 2024, with Total E&P being the most frequent offender.
The current reporting framework has been criticised as “obscure,” making it difficult to understand the true volume of oil being released through accidental spills and permit violations.
The ongoing release of oil and other harmful substances poses a significant threat to marine organisms.
Exposure to toxic oil fumes has been recognised to kill whales and dolphins years after exposure, highlighting the long-term consequences of these spills.
Environmental groups are calling for enhanced inspections, stricter enforcement, and more transparent reporting to mitigate spills and violations.
The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive reassessment of oil pollution monitoring and regulation in the North Sea to protect marine ecosystems and ensure accurate reporting of environmental impacts.
