Amazzone: the impact
Birds
The
first oiled birds beached on Ushant Island on 1st February, and
thereafter on the continent. Most of the seabirds came from the
Ushant region. According to the ornithological station on Ile Grande,
the birds found were Northern Gannets, Guillemots and Razorbills.
The consequences of the oils spill on the Razorbill populations
were particularly serious as it was the reproductive birds which
were affected.
Rescue
and census operations were organised by volonteers from the SPNB
(Society for the Study and Protection of Nature in Brittany) and
the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds). In the Pleumeur-Bodou
and the Lannion clinics, a particularly high mortality rate was
reported. Oiled birds have a very low chance of survival, as the
viscous oil sticks to their wings and attacks the flesh. In total,
the Amazzone's oil killed almost 5,000 birds.
Economic
impact
As
a precautionary measure, the sale of marine produce from the risk
zones was banned. Fishing was temporarily banned, due to a high
mortality rate amongst cockles and clams in the Bay of Douarnenez.
Stocks of fish, crustaceans, seashells and seaweed were destroyed
to protect consumers. Piscicultural facilities were protected using
booms. In the Rade de Brest, the deep-water oyster cultures remained
unaffected. In a few rare cases, fishing boats and pots were soiled
with oil. Although the majority of the waste was made up of oil
trapped in seaweed, the seaweed industry did not suffer as the seaweed
was cleaned before being harvested.
The
tourism industry feared a decline due to the spill. Furthermore,
repeated clean-up operations sometimes damaged the shores. Some
beaches, such as in Audierne, were severly diminished. The reputation
of the beaches was marred. However the shores were cleaned before
the summer season began, and in the end economic damage to the tourist
industry was minimal.
Bird
killed by the Amazzone's pollution. © Cedre
Ecological
impact
The
flora and fauna appeared to have suffered relatively little damage.
The seaweed fields in northern Finistère, which are uncovered
at low tide, may have been affected by the pollution. The booms
set up to protect the oyster parks in Abers were not infallible,
and waves could push oil over the top of them. The potential long
term effects of the spill were a source of concern. Scientific and
technical programs set up after the Amoco Cadiz disaster were resumed,
and collaboration coordinated. Several articles resulted from the
incident but no overall ecological report.
Last update: April
2006