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A tanker carrying jet fuel was carried on a cargo ship at the nearest anchor point 13 miles from England’s east coast. This triggered a series of large explosions and a lot of black smoke, while the still unknown jet fuel had already spilled into the sea.
We are marine ecologists at the University of Hull, the city with the nearest event. We know this coast and these oceans very well. While it’s too early to say what the consequences are, we do know that the risk of this leak makes the most important coastline in Britain – both the risk of protection and commercial fishing.
The collision occurred in Holding a marine reservea rough sandy seabed area that supports many different species. Among them is Ocean Quahog, an edible clam that has been around for more than 500 years. The area also serves as a nursery for fish such as lemon soles, pla and European Sprat.
This area overlaps the specified protected area Port dolphins and nearby Humber Estuary and Mud flat, dunes and swamps Thousands of birds spend the winter with other important species, such as lamp and ash seal.
The largest continental breeding seabird colony in Britain is just north of the collision site, along Flamburg and the rich coast. 250,000 birds nest each year, including the impressive Guillemots and Razorbills. It also houses species with conservation issues such as Ganuts, Katie Vickers and Puffins.
The south is the other Protected coastline This is an important Ash-sealed breeding ground. The four rivers in the washing river enter the same large square estuary, 70 kilometers south, in the general direction of drifting from the collision of the oil tanker. There are large salt marshes in the area, which is another important location for more birds.
