Effects of the MV Rena oil spill on intertidal rocky reefs in the Bay of Plenty,New Zealand

In the weeks following the 2011 Rena oil spill, a series of surveys was initiated on eight rocky intertidal reefs to describe the distribution of oil and to assess the impacts of oil on ecological communities. Consistent but relatively low cover of oil occurred at two sites (Mt Maunganui and Moturiki). The area covered by oil had decreased by c. 90% after 5 months due to natural weathering processes. There were immediate effects of oil fouling on the mussel Limnoperna pulex and its associated fauna, with reductions in the number of mussels and infaunal taxonomic richness. However, no ecological effects on any of the communities were detectable after 1 month. Overall, the ecological effects of the Rena oil spill on rocky shore intertidal communities were small and not long-lasting, but we stress that this does not consider potential sublethal effects and their consequences on organisms.     

Burial and degradation of Rena oil within coastal sediments of the Bay of Plenty

ABSTRACT

During the Rena oil spill, no data existed for New Zealand conditions on the likely depth of burial and the expected degradation of oil deposited on sandy beaches. Sediment cores were taken from 12 locations along the Bay of Plenty coastline c. 1 year after the Rena oil spill. No visible oil was detected in cores and trenches dug within the beaches. Chemical extraction was performed on 20?cm slices from the upper 40?cm of 26 cores, and the elutriates were analysed for the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The results were compared with known PAH fingerprints of Rena oil and its degradation products. Only seven samples contained some marker PAHs, and none had a complete Rena profile, indicating stormwater contamination. Despite extensive deposition of Rena oil on beaches, no evidence of ongoing contamination could be located, indicating that the clean-up and degradation were effective at removing the oil.     

In situ sampling reveals rapid uptake and depuration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by surf clams (Paphies subtriangulata) affected by the Rena oil spill

ABSTRACT

To investigate the uptake and depuration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with the Rena oil spill we sampled the surf clam Paphies subtriangulata at two open coast locations (6?km apart) just prior to oil coming ashore (7 October 2011), then at 1–3 week intervals for the next 4 months. Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (tPAH) increased at both sites from 1 to 96–124?µg?kg^?1 (wet weight) by 18 October before declining to low levels (<4?µg?kg^?1) by February 2012. Ongoing sampling throughout 2012–2014 included three additional sites to the north east (up to 30?km away) and a site 5?km to the south east revealing tPAH levels generally <10?µg?kg^?1 except in October 2013 where levels ranged between 39–45?µg?kg^?1 at all sites. A comparison of PAH component profiles with oil-contaminated beach sediment indicated that the high levels observed in surf clams between October–December 2011 were clearly associated with the Rena spill. However, the October 2013 peak had a PAH profile inconsistent with weathered Rena oil, suggesting an alternative source of contamination. Our results highlight the potential for P. subtriangulata as a PAH monitoring tool but recognise more study is needed to better quantify baseline levels and uptake and depuration dynamics.     

Environmental effects of the MV Rena shipwreck: cross-disciplinary investigations of oil and debris impacts on a coastal ecosystem

ABSTRACT

The 2011 wreck of the MV Rena off the northeast coast of New Zealand, and subsequent impacts, has been called New Zealand's worst ever maritime environmental disaster. It is certainly one of the world's most complex as it involved a pollutant combination of oil and dangerous goods debris in a dynamic oceanic environment adjacent to a pristine coastline. Heavy fuel oil, shipping containers loaded with cargo, and a wide range of wreck debris and contaminants were spread along hundreds of kilometres of coastline of the Bay of Plenty. Much of this landed on sandy beaches and rocky shores. Broken containers released often toxic substances, and the wreck itself slid down the pinnacle of the wreck site at Astrolabe Reef (Otaiti). The reef remains heavily contaminated, with substantial remnants of the ship and its cargo present, and chemical effects still evident in some species. Here we present the background and timeline of events that unfolded after the grounding. The following articles contain the results of the ensuing chemical, toxicological and ecological studies of contamination and environmental recovery. At the time of writing, numerous legacy issues remain.     

Oil dispersal modelling: reanalysis of the Rena oil spill using open-source modelling tools

ABSTRACT

Oil spill forecast modelling is typically used immediately after a spill to predict oil dispersal and promote mobilisation of more effective response operations. The aim of this work was to map oil dispersal after the grounding of the MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef and to verify the results against observations. Model predictions were broadly consistent with observed distribution of oil contamination. However, some hot spots of oil accumulation, likely due to surf-zone and rip current circulation, were not well represented. Additionally, the model was run with 81 differing wind conditions to show that the events occurring during the grounding represented the typical likely behaviour of an oil spill on Astrolabe Reef. Oil dispersal was highly dependent on prevailing wind patterns; more accurate prediction would require better observations of local wind patterns. However, comparison of predictions with observations indicated that the GNOME model was an effective low-cost approach.     

The wreck of the MV Rena: spatio-temporal analysis of ship-derived contaminants in the sediments and fauna of Astrolabe Reef

ABSTRACT

The October 2011 sinking of the container ship MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef, New Zealand, provided a rare opportunity to examine the fate of shipwreck-derived contaminants on an offshore rocky reef and food chain. Analyses of trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organotins indicated significant but localised contamination of Astrolabe Reef but not of nearby Mōtītī Island. Three years after the grounding, PAH concentrations were greater in sediments at Astrolabe (up to 131?mg kg^?1) than at control locations, while organotins from the ship's antifouling hull paint were found exclusively in Astrolabe Reef sediments and biota. Over 80% of Astrolabe sediment samples contained tributyltin at concentrations above guideline sediment levels (>0.07?mg kg^?1). Tributyltin and its decomposition products were also recorded in sea urchins, gastropods, lobster and fishes at concentrations up to 0.2?mg kg^?1. Wreck and cargo-derived metals, particularly copper, tin and zinc, were present in some Astrolabe sediment samples above Australia and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council guideline concentrations. However, there appeared to be only limited transmission of metals through the food chain. Copper, tin and zinc were recorded at greater concentrations in Astrolabe sea urchins and gastropods compared to control specimens, while metal concentrations in other biota were comparable across impact and control sites. Despite over 3 years having passed since the Rena grounding, the data series does not show any upward or downward trends in contaminant concentrations on Astrolabe Reef. Consequently, there is uncertainty about the long-term implications of the Rena grounding for the ecology of Astrolabe Reef.     

Role of the Spanish scientific community in the initial assessment and management of the environmental damages caused by the Prestige oil spill

The role of the Spanish scientific community in the initial assessment of the environmental and socioeconomic damages caused by the Prestige oil spill is analysed. A discussion of the reasons for the failures in the response of the scientific community is presented, highlighting that despite the existence of adequate human capital and infrastructures, failures were related to the weakness of the structures and organisational capacity of the scientific institutions and the public administration. Some developments for an effective response to future catastrophes are proposed: (1) oceanographic and ecological models, including scientific and local knowledge; (2) management systems for scientific information; (3) organisational and incentive systems to allow the creation of temporary, large and well-organised multidisciplinary teams; (4) protocols for rapid, “real-time”, damage assessments; and (5) participation of different social groups (NGOs, fishers’ organisations, aquaculture industry or volunteer groups) in plans for the assessment and management of crises.     

2011年6月-8月渤海湾溢油事故长期后报数值模拟

三维业务化溢油应急预报系统不仅能提供逐时的海洋环境信息预报和溢油漂移扩散,还能对溢油事件进行后报数值模拟。2011年6月4日在渤海湾蓬莱19-3B采油平台发生溢油事件,同月17日19-3C平台也发生溢油事件。此次溢油事故造成了数千平方公里海水受污染。本文采用国家海洋环境预报中心自主研发的溢油模型对蓬莱19-3溢油事件进行长期后报数值模拟,在风流海洋环境场的驱动下,模拟了2016年6月到2016年8月,两个平台溢油的漂移扩散情况、影响范围,靠岸时间和影响岸段等。风场采用基于WRF模型模拟得到的再分析风场,并用实测风对再分析风场进行订正,流场采用基于POM模式在再分析风场驱动下得到的海流。后报结果显示,溢油主要向西北方向漂移,并最终靠岸,其扫过的海域也主要在平台的西北方向,这与观测结果一致,验证了后报的可靠性。     

溢油模型与SSD曲线法评估渤海溢油事件的海洋生态风险

海上溢油事故不仅会造成大面积的海水污染,还会对海洋生态系统造成严重破坏。为此,采用有效的方法评估溢油事件引起的生态风险,对防灾减灾工作具有重要意义。本文以发生于2011年6月的渤海蓬莱19-3溢油事故为例,使用两种溢油模型(GNOME轨迹模型与ADIOS风化模型)模拟了事故初期油膜的运动轨迹与风化过程。基于模拟结果,利用CAFE模型(Chemical Aquatic Fate and Effect)拟合了相应的物种敏感度分布(species sensitivity distribution,SSD)曲线,首次结合三种模型工具对渤海进行了生态风险评估研究。结果显示,随着原油的持续泄漏,其主要有毒物质(苯系物)浓度达到了1 300μg/L,超过了1%危害浓度值(Hazard Concentration 1%,HC1)。结果表明,在事故初期所产生的生态风险不可忽视,并且风险(多个物种的潜在影响分数)会在96 h内以每日约1%的趋势增长。本文结合溢油运动轨迹和SSD曲线,绘制出了事故期间的生态风险时空分布图。经过定量化的评估,首次发现事故的整体生态风险随时间呈近似二次函数增长,同溢油轨迹一样,向西北方向扩散,越靠近溢油源的海域生态风险概率越高。     

南极长城站输油过程溢油事故风险与防范对策研究

本文报道了中国第16次南极考察期间，作者对考察船向长城站输油期问发生的溢漏油事故全程跟踪结果，分析了主要风险源及发生溢油风险事故的原因和采取预防措施的重要性，指出南极长城站存在着榆油过程抗溢油能力低下、防溢漏油环保基础设施薄弱、风险管理措施亟待加强等主要环保问题，提出了加强长城站环保基础设施建设与风险防范管理的对策，以便对船舶或站上设施溢油风险做出更有效地反应．     

基于MIKE SA模型的厦门西港海域溢油影响的数值模拟研究

基于MIKE SA溢油模块,以燃料油为油种,建立了厦门西港海域溢油模型,模拟静风、主导风向（东北东风）和不利风向（西南风）3种风场条件下,一个潮周期内涨急、高潮、落急和低潮4个时段发生10 t溢油后油膜的漂移路径和影响范围.结果显示,发生在厦门西港海域的溢油在海面的漂移过程主要受潮流和风的影响,其中潮流起着主导作用.不同风向条件下,24 h内油膜的影响范围不同,静风条件下溢油浓度超一类（或二类,≥0.05 mg/dm3）、超三类（≥0.30 mg/dm3）和超四类（≥0.50 mg/dm3）的总影响面积分别为31.33、19.63和11.74 km2;主导风向条件下溢油浓度超一类（或二类）、超三类和超四类的总影响面积分别为99.62、69.01和8.99 km2;不利风向溢油浓度超一类（或二类）、超三类和超四类的总影响面积分别为8.38、5.05和2.10 km2.该预测结果可给出溢油事故发生后的影响范围、影响程度和影响敏感目标的时间,可为溢油事故应急决策的制定及溢油损害评估提供科学决策和支持,提升厦门海域环境风险管理应急能力建设.     

渤海海上溢油漂移扩散数值模拟研究

近几年渤海海上溢油突发事件频发,对海洋环境造成严重的污染。本文将业务化气象数值模型(Weather Research and Forecast model,WRF)、海流数值模型(Regional Ocean Model System,ROMS)的数值预报结果作为海洋环境驱动场,采用"油粒子"的海上溢油漂移扩散数值模拟方法,对在渤海发生的溢油扩散行为进行模拟预测。本文针对渤海溢油事件,设计敏感试验,研究不同风、流系数和网格分辨率对溢油扩散模拟结果的影响,获得适合于渤海的溢油数值模型参数,提高溢油漂移扩散预报的准确度,为海洋溢油应急处置和防灾减灾提供技术支持。     

雷达波段对多极化SAR海面溢油检测极化特征参数的影响

多极化SAR数据海面溢油检测研究日益受到重视。本文研究不同波段极化SAR数据的海面溢油检测能力,为最大程度减小观测条件、环境因素等的影响,选取准同步获取的SIR-C/X多极化SAR数据。针对海面油膜、生物油膜和低风区疑似溢油现象,研究L波段和C波段的共极化相位差、一致性系数、极化熵、各向异性和平均散射角等极化特征对海面油膜以及不同海面暗斑现象的检测能力。研究结果表明:在海面溢油检测以及探测不同暗斑现象间差异方面,C波段总体优于L波段;L波段,极化分解特征各向异性参数优于共极化相位差和一致性系数;C波段,共极化相位差、一致性系数特征优于极化分解特征各向异性和极化熵,结合平均散射角特征有助于滤除生物油膜和低风区。     

同化技术在渤海溢油应急预报系统中的应用

溢油应急预报对溢油事故现场处理具有重要指导意义。国内外已开展大量溢油数值预报技术研究,但由于各类误差的引入(尤其风和流数值预报误差的引入)以及模型本身的不完善等各种原因导致溢油数值预报无法满足日益提高的溢油预报精度需求。随着现场观测技术和监测水平的提高,如何充分利用实时观测数据提高业务化溢油应急预报精度,并满足应急预报迅速快捷的要求,成为目前业务化溢油应急预报的首要问题。国家海洋环境预报中心于2008年实现了渤海溢油业务化预报系统的建立和业务化应用,本文针对当前渤海溢油业务化应急预报中存在的现实问题,利用已有渤海海上5个石油平台从2010年1月至2011年2月的风场观测数据,初步开展最优插值方法(optimal interpolation assimilation method,OI)同化技术在国家海洋环境预报中心渤海溢油应急预报系统风场订正的应用研究。本文采用交错订正方法,确定了OI同化技术中相关尺度因子的选取,从而实现在这5个观测站地理分布情况下,OI同化技术应用中参数的最优化,之后在理想实验和实际案例的应用中,该同化方法明显提高渤海溢油预报精度。本文为如何进一步利用同化方法迅速快捷地实现溢油应急预报精度的提高提供了一定研究基础。     

厦门湾海上溢油风险的评估与分析

本文使用数理统计与概率的相关知识,并且根据厦门湾近几年进出船舶的统计资料,估算了未来几年中厦门湾海域船舶突发性溢油事故发生的概率．结果表明,厦门湾未来几年的溢油发生概率为0．27次／a．然后运用数值模拟方法对假设的突发溢油事故中溢油的扩展进行预测分析并结合建立的欧拉潮流场对油膜的漂移路径进行研究,分别从高潮、低潮、涨急、落急四个时刻开始计算溢油路径,结果显示油膜影响范围可从海沧南部延伸至浯村屿东部,根据模拟结果可对突发溢油的风险进行评估．     

Environmental crime and judicial rectification of the Prestige oil spill: The polluter pays

The enforcement of institutional rules requires the judicial system to perform well. In the case of oil spills, courts are key actors in determining the allocation of liabilities according to international and national norms. In 2002, the Prestige oil spill led to a major environmental disaster on the coasts of Spain, France and Portugal. The limitations of liability provided by the International Regime of Civil Liability and Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage have prevented the polluters from fully compensating injured parties for the damage the spill produced. In 2013, the Spanish Provincial Court of A Coruña condemned the captain of the tanker for disobedience, but no environmental crime was found; therefore, no further civil liabilities were incurred. Nevertheless, in 2016, the Spanish Supreme Court overruled the ruling of the provincial court and proclaimed the existence of an environmental crime. This judicial rectification changed the allocation of liabilities, extended the application of the polluter-pays principle, and opened a different stage for estimating and covering the costs of the damage. This paper presents a highly relevant case study that analyses the new situation involving oil spills and the distribution of liabilities within the current international regime.     

厦门港刘五店航道海域溢油扩散数值模拟

利用MIKE 21 HD模块建立了厦门湾二维水动力模型,经2008年最新实测资料,验证了模型的可靠性和适用性,模拟结果为厦门湾刘五店航道二维溢油模型的建立提供水动力基础数据.利用MIKE21 SA模块建立厦门湾刘五店航道二维溢油模型,应用"油粒子"模型模拟输移、风化和热量迁移等过程,对刘五店航道一期工程溢油泄露事故进行...     

黄河口湿地潜在溢油污染生态风险评估

黄河口有着我国典型的新生湿地生态系统,生态环境非常脆弱,极易受到陆源和海洋污染事故的影响。本文针对黄河口附近海上油田的开发和运输带来的潜在溢油风险,结合溢油污染概率模型以及河口的生态脆弱性,对黄河口湿地潜在溢油污染风险进行评估。在河口水动力模拟的基础上,采用随机情景模拟法选取300种风和潮流组合作为溢油模拟的强迫条件,分别模拟溢油后72 h和720 h的污染结果,并统计黄河口湿地受溢油污染影响的最大概率和最短时间,采用环境敏感指数表征湿地对溢油污染的敏感程度、危害后果指数量化表征其危害程度及风险矩阵量化风险高低。结果表明黄河口国家公园受潜在溢油污染概率较大,危害后果指数值为29,处于较高危害等级,属于中风险区;河口岸线受潜在溢油污染概率较小,危害后果指数值均小于1,溢油危害后果低,属于低风险区。     

长江口宝钢码头溢油事故油膜漂移扩散数值模拟

溢油事故发生后,油膜的漂移扩散会对周围水域和环境敏感目标造成污染。研究溢油事故后油膜漂移扩散,可为溢油事故的处理提供理论指导。本文应用河口海岸三维水动力模式ECOM-si(semi-implicit estuarine,costal and ocean model),耦合溢油漂移扩散模块,模拟和分析长江口宝钢码头发生溢油事故后油膜的漂移扩散,以及对环境敏感保护目标的影响。基于长江口崇明东滩气象站实测风速风向资料,给出影响溢油漂移的主导风和不利风向。在冬季多年平均1月径流量11700m³·s^–1、主导风、3个不利风和潮汐作用下,数值模拟并详细给出了宝钢码头溢油事故发生后油膜的平面分布、油膜到达和离开4个水库取水口和饮用水水源保护区以及其他环境敏感保护区的时间、持续影响时间和最大油膜厚度。长江口宝钢码头溢油事故发生后,油膜随涨落潮流作上下游来回振荡,径流使油膜向海输运,风使油膜朝风向方向漂移。在主导风北风5.6m³·s^–1风速下,油膜沿长江口南岸向下游漂移扩散,小部分进入北槽南侧。在不利风向东南风4.0...