New Publication: The impact of oil spills

Published 03/04/2019   |   Last Updated 27/05/2021   |   Reading Time minutes

Modern economies are reliant on oil due to its multifaceted use in energy, transport and manufacturing. Because of its widespread use and non-stop global transportation, oil spills occur on a daily basis with varying magnitudes, impacts and public attention.

Our new research briefing explains what can happen when oil is spilled into a marine environment. It highlights potential economic and environmental impacts associated with oil spills, as well as outlining clean-up methods and related UK policy. It also provides a brief overview of the global and UK oil industries.

New Publication: The impact of oil spills (PDF, 574KB)


Article by Robert Byrne, Senedd Research, National Assembly for Wales
Senedd Research acknowledges the parliamentary fellowship provided to Robert Byrne by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council which enabled this Research Briefing to be completed.