Operation ERGOS, a Pilot Project to fight against marine oil pollution

Abstract

More than a third of oil pollution in marine waters comes from the transportation of crude oil, due either to accidental or to deliberate spills caused by the illegal cleaning of oil tanks at sea.

 This type of pollution has a very high impact on the marine and coastal environments, with significant implications for different productive sectors closely linked to the sea, such as fishing and tourism, which are vital to maintain the economy of the Canary Islands.

 Being aware of this problem, in February 2000, WWF Spain designed and put into practice Operation ERGOS: a complete and innovative pilot program for the prevention, conservation, awareness raising and monitoring of marine oil pollution. This program incorporates preventive actions and direct intervention against deliberate and accidental spills.

 Since its implementation in the Canary Islands, ERGOS has undertaken an intense effort to enhance the quality of the waters and the environment of the Canary Islands, with significant technical and social achievements in the fields of research, awareness raising and intervention regarding oil spills into the sea.