A standardised approach to the environmental risk assessment of potentially polluting wrecks. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goodsir, Freya; Lonsdale, Jemma A.; Mitchell, Peter J.; Suehring, Roxana; Farcas, Adrian; Whomersley, Paul; Brant, Jan L.; Clarke, Charlotte; Kirby, Mark F.; Skelhorn, Matthew; Hill, Polly G.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 142(2019)
• Page Start: 290
• Page End: 302
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Potentially polluting wrecks -- Oil -- Risk assessment; 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.2019.03.038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The potential risk to the marine environment of oil release from potentially polluting wrecks (PPW) is increasingly being acknowledged, and in some instances remediation actions have been required. However, where a PPW has been identified, there remains a great deal of uncertainty around the environmental risk it may pose. Estimating the likelihood of a wreck to release oil and the threat to marine receptors remains a challenge. In addition, removing oil from wrecks is not always cost effective, so a proactive approach is recommended to identify PPW that pose the greatest risk to sensitive marine ecosystems and local economies and communities. This paper presents a desk-based assessment approach which addresses PPW, and the risk they pose to environmental and socio-economic marine receptors, using modelled scenarios and a framework and scoring system. This approach can be used to inform proactive management options for PPW and can be applied worldwide. Highlights: National authorities are under political pressure to manage wreck oil release risk. A multi-staged risk assessment for potentially polluting wrecks is reported. Uses modelled oil release scenarios coupled with geo-spatial data to quantify risk. Facilitates prioritisation of UK wrecks and appropriate management strategies.