Sources of Oil Spills
- Approximately 210 million gallons of oil are spilled into oceans each year
- Oil is also released naturally from the ocean floor. An estimated 3000 gallons of crude oil are released from the sea floor every day
- Natural oil release accounts for roughly 46 percent of oil released into the ocean
- Accidental tanker spills account for about 20 percent of oil released
- According to an NPR study, a total of 29 million gallons of petroleum are released into North American waters each year due to human activity
- Human activity, whether accidental or on purpose, account for roughly 40% of all oil spilled into the ocean