What are oil spills?
Oil is a black coloured slippery liquid. It is taken out from the land or ocean floor by big oil machines. It has many uses. It’s used to make electricity and fuel for vehicles. It’s even added to our toothpaste!
Oil is quite useful! But when oil spills into an ocean or sea, it makes them uninhabitable for our friends who live there.
How does oil even end up in the ocean?
Since we all use oil in so many different ways, it is needed all over the world. Large amounts of oil are transported through the ocean in big ships.
While moving so much oil, many accidents can happen along the way. These can cause oil to fall into the ocean and harm animals and plants that live underwater.
How does this affect aquatic animals?
Once oil makes its way into the sea, it is swallowed by aquatic animals like fish and sea turtles. It even makes bigger animals like dolphins and whales sick, and unable to have children.
What about plant life and other living things?
Oil stops sunlight from coming into the ocean. Without any sunlight, plants under the sea can’t make food and may die of hunger.
Planktons are like tiny bugs of the sea. They are very helpful! Planktons make oxygen that helps sea animals to breathe better. Planktons are also food for smaller fish. Oil kills planktons and stops them from growing.
How can we stop these spills and help our friends in the ocean?
Sadly, once the oil spills, it’s impossible to clean it all up. Mother Nature plays an important role here. Nature has a way of healing itself slowly, though it may take many, many years. It’s important that we take care of our planet like it takes care of us.
