Oil Exploration on sea animals?
Oil exploration trucks in the Arctic.
Oil Exploration on sea animals?
Oil exploration trucks in the Arctic.
The Arctic Refuge includes 19 million acres of mountains, forests, wetlands, wild rivers and tundra. The diversity of the animal population includes; migratory birds, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, polar bears, and musk oxen. At the Arctic Refuge, there is a rich nutrient base in the coastal waters, which provides the area with a large and diverse sea animal population, particularly in the summertime.
The environment in the Arctic is extremely
volatile. Slight changes in temperature, especially the severity
of the winter, can have huge effects on the balance of the ecosystem, which
can regulate the amount of food resources left for the species in the area.
Since the Arctic is such a sensitive ecosystem that can be so easily affected
by even subtle changes, human disturbances are even more effective.
Human disturbances negatively affect the wildlife, especially Seismic oil
exploration.
Due to the activities of oil exploration
companies the following effects on sea animals may
occur:
1. Spilled oil in areas of open water will block breathing holes where sea animals surface in order to breath.
2. Since the environment is so cold in the Arctic, the spilled oil cannot break down as quickly.
3. Hypothermia is a major factor in the death of Polar Bears. Oil can coat a Polar Bear and effect their insulation is such a way that they are unprotected from the extremely cold temperatures.
4. The fumes from the oil can have respiratory effects on sea animals, as well as all species.
5. Since oil exists in the environment around the sea animals, it is difficult for sea animals not to consume oil and its toxic components. Therefore, when sea animals are feeding they can ingest oil, which can be fatal. Additionally, sea animals can pass along the toxins to their offspring.
6. The noises from the Seismic blasts and drilling have huge effects on the communication of sea animals. The noises disrupt their sonar and have lasting, damaging effects, which can even disorient their motor skills, navigation skills and hunting skills so they can no longer survive in the wild. Additionally, sea animals cannot avoid predators when they are so disoriented from the Seismic noises.
Below are some sea animals living in the Arctic Refuge:
By: Victor Chiarelli III