topic:                       OIL  and  TAR
                                         POLLUTION
     
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2.2. Oil and Tar Pollution

Based on earlier surveys (Georges & Oostdam, 1983; Atwood et al., 1988 ; Oostdam, 1992), oil and tar pollution have diminished as a result of more stringent international regulation and such measures as LOT (Load-On-Top), COW (Crude Oil Washing), double h ulls and waste oil receiving facilities. Oil Spill Contingency Plans are in place, but few if any islands could cope with a major spill without regional or international cooperative efforts which need more emphasis and public visibility. Proper assessment of the relative vulnerability to oil pollution of specific coastal environments, e.g. mangrove swamps and coral reefs is especially useful to establish cleaning priorities (Research Planning Institute, 1978, 1987).

In our 1995 survey, highest ratings of the oil and tar pollution problem ranged from 3 to 4 (on a scale of 5) and were given by respondents from Puerto Rico, Grenada and Anguilla. The average rating for all respondents amounted to 2.5, making it the 5th in overall ranking of ten coastal hazards and problems ( Fig. 5 ).

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