How are marine mammals and sea turtles impacted by the oil?
Cetaceans, manatees, and sea turtles may be exposed to oil and/or dispersants. These toxic chemicals can affect them both externally and internally: • externally • swimming in oil or dispersants can result in these toxic chemicals coming in to contact with all external body parts such as skin and eyes • internally • eating or swallowing oil • consuming prey that has also come in to contact with oil • breathing volatile compounds that the oil gives off Sea turtles are at additional risk from oil washing ashore on nesting beaches where nesting females and/or their nests may be exposed to chemicals, which may result in decreased survival of eggs and/or developmental defects in hatchlings. Further, oil has the potential to persist in the environment long after a spill and could have long-term impacts on sea turtles, marine mammals, and other wildlife such as fish and coral reefs. For more detailed information, see the fact sheet on oil impacts [pdf]. • What should I do if I find oiled mari
