Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies International Atomic Energy Agency United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs International Energy Agency Eurostat European Environment Agency


ENV4-2: Oil discharges into coastal waters



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ENV4-2: Oil discharges into coastal waters 
Brief Definition 
Total accidental, licensed and illegal disposal of 
mineral oil into the coastal and marine 
environment 
Units 
Tonnes 
Alternative Definitions 
None 
Agenda 21 
Chapter 17: Protection of the oceans, all kinds of 
seas, including enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, 
and coastal areas and the protection, rational use 
and development of their living resources 
POLICY RELEVANCE 
(a) Purpose: This indicator shows the amount of oil discharged into coastal waters 
and the effectiveness of measures designed to reduce these discharges over time in 
accordance with regional seas conventions and action plans. 
(b) Relevance to Sustainable Development: Coastal ecosystems provide important 
economic benefits, such as fisheries, tourism and outdoor recreation. They are also 
important for biodiversity, which is recognized by the Convention on Biological 
Diversity (CBD). Agenda 21, based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of 
the Sea (UNCLOS), advocates an integrated, ecosystem approach to protect oceans 
and coastal areas.
Such an approach is heavily dependent on the application of 
precautionary and anticipatory principles to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem 
productivity while improving the quality of life of coastal communities. 
Oil lost or discharged into the sea represents a pollution threat that can damage coastal 
ecosystems, endanger marine life and pollute beaches and coastlines. Its toxic effects 
can kill or damage marine organisms, and its physical effects on marine life can result 
in the loss of water-repellent properties and reduced thermal insulation and buoyancy. 
Furthermore, oil spills can have a considerable impact on human activities that depend 
on clean seawater and clean shores, notably tourism, fishing and aquaculture. 
Oil is used by the population at large and enters the marine and coastal environment 
not only directly from shipping, oil drilling, etc., but also as the final sink from a large 
variety of hinterland uses. Although there may be legislation to limit this 
‘background’ pollution, enforcement depends heavily on the public’s understanding 
of the threat, good practices and the reward of good practices. By focusing on the 
input from all sources and designing suitable monitoring and reporting techniques, an 
indicator can be developed that could be used for assessing policies and defining 
strategies for improving the situation. 
The impact of oil pollution depends on the type of oil and the sensitivity of the 
specific area affected, as well as the weather and the way the cleanup is handled. 
Damage to a salt marsh polluted by oil may be almost irreversible, whereas a rocky 
shore can be restored with a relatively quick and satisfactory recovery programme. 

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