Research Product

Accidental release of petroleum or other hazardous substances during transport or transfer from ships will continue to be a major focal point of pollution control and abatement efforts. At the time of this writing the Amoco Cadiz wreck on the Brittany coast of France represents the largest oil spill resulting from man's activities. It occurred on one of the world's most productive sea coasts in a nation where both technological and scientific skills abound. Heavy weather contributed to both the causes for the wreck and the subsequent spread of the petroleum to over 200 linear kilometers of biologically rich, high energy coastal habitats. From the moment the French realized the existence of the impending disaster there was a public mobilization of fishermen, farmers, students, scientists, and clean-up equipment; all attempting to take action appropriate to prepare for the coming of the "black tide" or "maree noire." This report attempts to summarize highlights of impacts, ecological effects, and evolving response efforts of interest to persons living or working along the shores of the world's oceans.