Oil Spill Cleanup: Technology's Limitations

Despite advances in cleanup technology, major oil spills still devastate marine ecosystems for decades. Blue Ocean News investigates why the industry's response capabilities fall short of the risks they create.

Boom and skimmer systems work only in calm conditions, while most spills occur during storms. Chemical dispersants break oil into smaller particles but may increase toxicity to marine life.

This feature follows cleanup crews responding to spills and examines why prevention remains far more effective than response. With deepwater drilling expanding, are we prepared for the next major accident?