Droplets of oil can impact coral health, and affect their reproduction
Petroleum oil from spills and leaks can interact with corals at both the water's surface and at depth. This can affect adult corals on the sea floor as well as impeed coral reproduction.
This study examines the effects of oils and oil compounds on the sensitive early coral life stages fertilisation and larvae under controlled laboratory conditions.
Pollutants such as petroleum oils rarely act in isolation, and need to be considered along with other stressors. Coral reefs in clear waters are naturally exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation (UV) and this can increase the toxicity of some components in petroleum oils. Additionally, projected future increases in sea temperature due to climate change may also affect the toxicity of oils to corals.
We will therefore also investigate the cumulative effects of UV and increased water temperature on the toxic thresholds of oils to early coral life stages.
These results can be used by industry and regulators to assess the risks posed to corals by spills and leaks.
