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Harm to Sea Birds
The feathers of sea birds are arranged to trap air and keep the bird buoyant and warm after diving into water. When a bird dives into water covered in oil, the oil sticks to the feathers. Oil-covered feathers no longer trap air, and the bird struggles to stay warm and avoid drowning. Birds coated with oil will ingest it when they try to clean themselves, resulting in health issues that include anemia and reproductive difficulties.
Damage to Marine Mammals
Marine mammals that depend on fur to keep them warm in the water have difficulties after encountering oil in the water. When oil coats the fur of animals like sea otters and polar bears, it reduces the amount of air trapped in the fur, making it difficult for them to stay warm in cold water. Marine mammals will consume toxins while grooming themselves after exposure to oil. Polar bears have died from ingesting too much oil after grooming.
Destruction of Fish
Large oil spills can reduce fish populations and harm animals that depend on them for food. Oil can coat the gills of any fish that swims through it, reducing the fish's respiration and chances of survival. Fish exposed to oil can develop fin erosion, enlarged livers and reproductive problems. Disruption of the supporting ecosystem caused by oil spills reduces feeding opportunities for fish. Oil contains toxins that kill fish eggs and larvae, affecting fish populations long after the oil is gone.
Danger to Invertebrates
Oil in the water poses significant threats to invertebrates like anemones and mollusks. The oil may coat invertebrates and suffocate them or interfere with their ability to feed. Invertebrates coming into contact with oil may die after exposure to toxic chemicals released by the oil or suffer from chronic conditions as a result of the exposure. Oil can settle into sediments where invertebrates live and cause persistent problems. Intertidal invertebrates are particularly endangered by oil spills, as the oil becomes highly concentrated near shorelines.