Impact of oil pollution on marine populations, communities, and ecosystems: a summing up

The Discussion Meeting revealed a considerable divergence of views. Present evidence suggests that oil pollution may have serious local and temporary consequences, but they are no greater, and generally less than natural fluctuations. There are a number of areas of ignorance or uncertainty, which accounts for the different attitudes taken at the meeting. The principal need is to gain a better understanding of the functional performace of ecosystems and their response to disturbance, whether caused by natural events or pollution.