Amoco Cadiz: Medium term impact
Scientists
showed that in 1978-1979 opportunist species, resistant to hydrocarbon,
settled in the most affected areas.
In
1982-1983, an increase in tolerant species was recorded, representing
more than three quarters of the populations. Eventually species
sensitive to hydrocarbons settled back, and their level of presence
had returned to normal by 1984-1985. In the end, six to seven years
were necessary for natural equilibrium to return to normal.
Economists
had difficulties in fully understanding the situation. Firstly,
damages in the fishing industry were difficult to quantify as resources
and fishing techniques are constantly evolving. Secondly, tourism
industry statistics were totally different from one year to another,
thus hiding the oil slick effect itself. The American judge experienced
difficulties in fully understanding the real scientific meaning
of the mathematical models used by Amoco and French experts. He
considered that a global survey of the damages should have been
undertaken. This is however easier said than done as no disaster
of this scale had ever occured.
Evolution
of the population of sandy mud on the river of Morlaix:
Temporary colonisation by opportunist polychaete (Lanice)