Furthermore, the level of funds allocated for the scientific 

 study of an oil spill must not be based solely on gross factors 

 such as the size of the spill or the degree of publicity, as has 

 often been the case. The Tsesis study has shown that many factors 

 are important in determining the seriousness of even small to 

 medium pollution incidents. These include topography, water depth, 

 oceanographic conditions, season, life stages, type of oil, degree 

 of oil trapping, effectiveness of mitigative measures, species and 

 communities insulted, and so on, forming a large matrix. The 

 establishment of a reliable general fund will allow the initial 

 scientific investigation to proceed quickly to evaluate elements of 

 this matrix and to focus on the construction of a follow-up program 

 that is the most scientifically competent. 



2. Contingency research planning is needed . The Tsesis study was 



launched in a few days. Few of the local scientists involved had 

 any experience with oil pollution studies. During the first days 

 and weeks after the spill, a number of important processes took 

 place rapidly in the affected area and had to be studied while in 

 progress. Under such circumstances it is not surprising that 

 important sampling at one site was neglected while scientists were 

 occupied at other sites. In specific regions where future spills 

 are likely, as with the Sb'dertalje strait and archipelago, local 

 scientists must perform careful advance planning. The plan should 

 list the different investigations to be carried out; materials and 

 sampling equipment needed for the various investigations should be 

 listed and procured. The plan should designate experienced person- 

 nel and institutions capable of performing the studies; a project 

 leader should be appointed and a center designated for the coordi- 

 nation of the various investigations (see Pollack and Stolzenback, 

 1978). 



It is not reasonable, however, to expect spills to occur close 

 to existing facilities, as with Tsesis ; this fact is the basis for 

 the scientific support capability which was established in NOAA. A 



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