THREATENING MARINE LIFE

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Context: Tunisian authorities intensified efforts to avoid an environmental disaster after a merchant fuel ship carrying one thousand tons of fuel sank off the coast of Gabes.

• The coast of Gabes has suffered major pollution for years, as industrial plants in the area have been dumping waste directly into the sea.

Oil Spills:

• Oil spills that happen in rivers, bays and the ocean most often are caused by accidents involving tankers, barges, pipelines, refineries, drilling rigs and storage facilities, but also occur from recreational boats and in marinas.
• Spills can be caused by:
  • people making mistakes or being careless
  • equipment breaking down
  • natural disasters such as hurricanes, storm surges or high winds
  • deliberate acts by terrorists, acts of war, vandals or illegal dumping.

Impacts of Oil spill:

• Oil spills can be very harmful to marine birds, sea turtles and mammals, and also can harm fish and shellfish.
• Oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and the water-repelling abilities of a bird's feathers, exposing them to the harsh elements.
• Many birds and animals also swallow the oil and are poisoned when they try to clean themselves or when eating oiled prey.                                                                                                                                                     

What can be done?

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