The Effects of Oil Spills on Ecosystem at the Persian Gulf

The Persian Gulf is a semi-closed basin which has the world’s largest oil reserves and the largest commuter route for oil tankers. In 1980 and 1983, and 1991, from 3 oil spills; Hasbah, Nowruz, Gulf War 11 million barrels of oil spilled into the Persian Gulf. This pollution became severe when 727 oil wells set on fire, such that even under the water, the air, shoreline and mangrove forests were also polluted. Marine pollution has become a global concern. However, the extension of pollution continues and is made severe by the countries which have oil reserves. This has led to serious damage to mangrove forests, fishery, turtles, shoreline, sediments, birds, dolphins, corals and even deep-sea creatures. The impact of the damages will remain for years even for decades on ecosystem of the Persian Gulf. This paper intends to cover some of these effects on the Persian Gulf ecosystem.

Keywords:

Oil Spill , Persian Gulf , Ecosystem , Mangrove forests , Marine Pollution