Shoreline oiling from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Issue 1 (15th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nixon, Zachary; Zengel, Scott; Baker, Mary; Steinhoff, Marla; Fricano, Gail; Rouhani, Shahrokh; Michel, Jacqueline
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 107:Issue 1(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 170
• Page End: 178
• Publication Date: 2016-06-15
• Subjects: Oil spill -- Shoreline -- Oiling -- Gulf of Mexico -- Deepwater Horizon -- MC-252; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.04.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: We build on previous work to construct a comprehensive database of shoreline oiling exposure from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) spill by compiling field and remotely-sensed datasets to support oil exposure and injury quantification. We compiled a spatial database of shoreline segments with attributes summarizing habitat, oiling category and timeline. We present new simplified oil exposure classes for both beaches and coastal wetland habitats derived from this database integrating both intensity and persistence of oiling on the shoreline over time. We document oiling along 2113 km out of 9545 km of surveyed shoreline, an increase of 19% from previously published estimates and representing the largest marine oil spill in history by length of shoreline oiled. These data may be used to generate maps and calculate summary statistics to assist in quantifying and understanding the scope, extent, and spatial distribution of shoreline oil exposure as a result of the DWH incident. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Documented oiling along 2113 km out of 9545 km of surveyed shoreline This is an increase of 19% from previously published estimates. DWH spill is the largest marine oil spill in history by length of shoreline oiled. Oiling classes integrating intensity and persistence more ecologically relevant.