342 



Oil deleteriously affects plants by damaging cell membranes reducing transpira- 

 tion, often increasing respiration, inhibiting translocation and possibly reduc- 

 ing photosynthesis. 



Studies of salt marsh vegetation in Milford Haven have revealed that it may 

 be damaged by exposure to crude oil, although treatment measures may induce 

 more damage (Anonymous, 1970). British investigators have attributed the dis- 

 appearance of eel grass (Zostera sp. ) to minute (juantities of oil (FWQA, 1969, p. 

 46). The FWQA report states that oil weakens the plant and makes it susceptible 

 to attacks of a parasitic protozoan Labyrinthvla. Cowell (1971, p. 429-43(5) re- 

 views some of the effects of oil spillage on marsh vegetation in Milford Haven. 



On the Brittany coast, PuccincUia maritima, one of the chief types of European 

 salt marsh grass, and several other varieties of salt marsh grass were killed by 

 MV Torrey Canyon oil that had been weathered at sea for at least 7 days (Mc- 

 CauU, 1969). The oil that came ashore on the Brittany coast was considered to be 

 free of detergent and to have weathered for 24 days (Smith, 1968, p. 67). Holme 

 (1969) attributed much of the destruction of the vegetation and invertebrate life 

 from this spill to smothering. 



The fuel oil spill of the barge Florida in Massachusetts (Blumer and others. 

 1970, p. 23) killed bottom plants and animals, thereby reducing the stability of the 

 marshland and increasing erosion. Even chronic level pollution can kill vegeta- 

 tion, resulting in erosion'of marshes (Cowell. 1971). 



Foster and others noted that the main effect of oil seeps of the Santa Barbara 

 coast will be to reduce the availability of intertidal surfaces for the attachment 

 and growth of marine organisms. Effects may be long term, influencing the 

 growth and reproduction of various marine organisms, especially the surf grass 

 and its associated flora and fauna in the intertidal zone. Examples of the loss of 

 marine resources along the Palos Verdes and Point Loma Peninsulas over a 40- 

 year period were noted. 



The impact of introduce<l material on marine vegetation depends on the tyi>e 

 of material and the time that the material is in contact with the vegetation. In an 

 oceanic environment, dispersion and dilution set relatively short limits to contact 

 time, processes controlled by the natural behavior of the water itself. In the 

 coastal environment there is a wide variation in the circulation regimes of in- 

 shore waters and continuing contact with vegetation is more likely. Added con- 

 siderations related to oil spills and marine vegetation are the clean-up procedures 

 and agents used. Clean-up procedures that increase dispersion and dilution by 

 solubilization may affect both the sea floor beyond the intertidal zone and the 

 suspended plant plankton. 



Environmental Impact Statement — Ratification of Proposed Convention 

 ON the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and 

 Other Matter 



SUirMARY sheet 



1. Name of Action. — Ratification of proposed Convention on the Prevention of 

 Marine PoUution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter. 



2. Description. — The action under consideration is the ratification by the 

 United States of a convention developed at an Intergovernmental Conference 

 held at London, October 30 to November 13. 1972 that would prohibit all deliberate 

 disposal at sea from vessels and aircraft of certain dangerous substances, and 

 require permits for the fluminng of other substances in accordance with detailed 

 criteria. AU coastal states l)oi-dering upon the high seas are particularly affecte<l 

 by the action under consideration. 



3. Summary of Environmental Impact. — The proposed convention would im- 

 prove the quaMty of the marine and coastal environments by eliminating, under 

 normal circimistances, tlie dumping at sea by the parties of certjiin particularly 

 hazardous materials and controlling the dumping of other potentially harmful 

 substances. As such the convention hopefully would stimulate other nations to 

 abide by procedures and standards for ocean dumping that are in general har- 

 mony with those contemplated in the U.S. Marine I»rotection. Research and 

 Sanctuaries Act of 1972. 



4. Alternatives Considered. — (A) reliance solely on domestic laws; (B) ex- 

 pansion of the subject convention to cover other forms of marine imllution and 

 activities; and (C) U.S. participation in a possible regional rather than a global 

 ocean dumping convention. 



