The effects of the Sea Empress oil spill on the plankton of the Southern Irish Sea

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of the Sea Empress oil spill on the local plankton communities which are an important component of the marine ecosystem. The Continuous Plankton Recorder survey has monitored the plankton in this area since 1970 giving an extensive time series for comparison with post-spill samples. The analytical procedures applied and results obtained are presented and reveal that, with some exceptions, no significant effects were evident. Barnacle larvae were not recorded post-spill and the spring zooplankton community was somewhat different to the previous year. A long-term trend is apparent in the community but the most common taxa showed no significant changes, suggesting a minor shift in species composition rather than a dramatic change. The number of zooplankton taxa in the autumn was significantly higher than in other years. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring programmes which routinely collect samples so that any effects can be determined.