Oil pollution in UK waters underestimated by 43% - report

A report by conservation group Oceana claims that oil pollution in UK waters has been significantly underreported, with actual levels 43% higher than official figures over the past decade. The discrepancy arises from oil companies' underreporting of both accidental spills and discharges of "produced water," which contain oil and toxins. Oceana criticises the UK’s Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (Opred) for insufficient inspections – only 15% of installations were checked in 2023. Five companies, including Total E&P and Repsol, were responsible for 80% of spills. Oceana calls for stricter oversight and penalties to protect marine ecosystems. (The Guardian)