Wednesday, March 27, 1974
32
INTERIM REPORT ON DAMAGE TO MARINE LIFE BY OIL SPILL
Submitted By Consultant
Dr. Hiroshi Tokuda, the Japanese consultant commissioned to
examine the damage to marine life resulting from the spill, has submitted
his interim report.
On Dr. Tokuda's recommendation, further research is being
conducted by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department into the long-term
effects of the spill on marine life in surrounding waters.
Commenting on Dr. Tokuda's report, a Government spokesman said
today: "As summer approaches, oceanographic conditions will change and it
may be anticipated that more subtle and longer term effects may make their
appearance,"
Dr. Tokuda noted a rapid disappearance of oil from the sea surface
in the weeks following the spillage last November. This was probably due
to the sinking action of the emulsifiers used in the clean-up operation,
facilitated by the seasonal change in water conditions which dispersed the
thermal layer formations.
"What is significant is that the superficial disappearance of the
oil could well be more apparent than real," remarked the spokesman. Until
there has been an adequate exchange with oceanic waters there could still
be inherent
-
although not dramatic local effects."
/It was