TIP 11: Effects of oil pollution on fisheries and mariculture

Oil spills can cause serious damage to fishery and mariculture resources through physical contamination, toxic effects on stock and by disrupting business activities. The nature and extent of the impact on seafood production depends on the characteristics of the spilled oil, the circumstances of the incident and the type of fishing activity or business affected. In some cases, effective protective measures and clean-up can prevent or minimise damage.

This paper describes the effects of ship-source oil pollution on fishing and mariculture and provides guidance on response measures and management strategies which may help to reduce the severity of oil spill impacts. Damage to other economic resources is considered in a separate Technical Information Paper.

Categories: Environmental effects, Economic effects, Technical Information Paper (TIPS)