By outdoor-nature-child.com In a recent interview, Hugo Tagholm, the executive director of Oceana, expressed urgent concerns about oil pollution in UK waters caused by the fossil fuel industry. According to a report released today by Oceana, the actual extent of oil pollution has been “significantly underestimated,” putting marine wildlife at risk.
Tagholm elaborated on the issue, indicating that chronic oiling in the North Sea, marked by frequent small-scale releases, is far more severe than current estimates reflect. He criticized the existing reporting system for oil discharges and spills as “opaque,” which exacerbates this underreporting. “Oil companies are required to report both accidental spills and intentional discharges of produced water—which can contain oil and other toxins. Unfortunately, breaches of permitted discharge levels are reported separately, which hinders thorough oversight,” he explained.
Oceana’s report estimates that, when accounting for both accidental spills and breaches of permitted limits, the recorded volume of routine oil pollution over the last decade would increase by a staggering 43%. “The current system effectively conceals the true volume of oil being discharged. Only those within the industry truly grasp the full magnitude of the issue,” Tagholm remarked.
He also pointed out the lack of inspections at oil sites, stating, “With so few sites being inspected, it’s easy to miss the true state of affairs. Even when violations do occur, enforcement actions are minimal.” Tagholm criticized regulators for their inadequate oversight, calling the fines imposed “a drop in the ocean” compared to the vast profits of the industry. He stressed the urgent need for more rigorous inspections and stricter enforcement to tackle pollution effectively.
Oceana’s findings were bolstered by a freedom of information request, which revealed that only 15% of oil and gas installations were inspected by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (Opred) in 2023—down from 25% in 2022.
Over the past five years, there have been only two convictions related to oil pollution, including a fine of £7,000 imposed on BP for a 95-tonne oil spill. BP acknowledged its failure to uphold “high standards,” indicating that such an incident “should not have happened.”
Notably, Oceana’s report revealed that five companies were responsible for 80% of oil spills from 2011 to 2024, with Total E&P topping the list of offenders. Furthermore, the report indicated that five companies contributed to 84% of oil released through permit violations, with the Spanish company Repsol leading this category.
Dr. Rosie Williams, a postdoctoral researcher at the Zoological Society of London, added, “An expanding body of research demonstrates that the continuous release of oil and other toxins into marine environments represents a significant danger to marine life.”
In response, a spokesperson from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero stated that each oil spill and non-compliance discharge is thoroughly investigated by Opred, which has the authority to impose fines or pursue criminal charges as necessary.
Mark Wilson, representing Offshore Energies UK, mentioned that recent data from Opred indicates a decline in the amount of oil in produced water since 2019. “Our industry is dedicated to continuous improvement in oil and gas production while ensuring transparent communication about our progress,” he said.
When approached for comment, Repsol directed inquiries to Offshore Energies UK, while Total Energies emphasized its commitment to reducing discharges, including investments in produced water re-injection wells in the North Sea, along with ongoing efforts to lower overall emissions.