Workshop on the role of scientific support co-ordinator (SSC) in oil spill response : proceedings of National Workshop, Mackay, Australia, November 22-25, 1988

Abstract

Under the Australian National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and various State and regional supplements, an extensive framework for oil spill response has been established. The National plan has been in effect since 1973. During that period there have been no major (on a world scale) oil spills in Australian waters. There have. however, been a number of minor spill incidents in ports and ha&ours and in coastal (territorial) waters. There have been very few incidents on the high seas. Despite the low incidence of spills and the estimated low probability of major incidents, there is a strong case for preparedness. The Australian coastal zone and offshore waters are the focus of a wide range of uses, including fishing, recreation, tourism, urban and industrial development, agriculture, aquaculture/mariculture and conservation. Depending upon factors such as location, time, type and amount of oil spill, an incident could have significant economic and environmental consequences.