Exxon Valdez Oil Spill - March 1989

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill - March 1989

On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez, a large Exxon tanker, struck the reef "Captain Bly Reef" in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA, spilling approximately 412,000 liters (260,000 barrels) of crude oil into the ocean. This was one of the worst oil spills in U.S. history, contaminating an area of approximately 3367 square kilometers of ocean. In addition, the oil spread over approximately 2,092 kilometers of Alaskan coastline, severely damaging a wide range of marine ecosystems.

The ecological damage caused by the accident was so severe that an estimated 250,000 seabirds, 3,000 sea otters, 250 eagles, and approximately 22 killer whales lost their lives, and fishery resources such as salmon and herring were severely impacted. Following the accident, Exxon spent approximately $2.1 billion to clean up the site and paid approximately $1.5 billion in fines and compensation, with an additional $2.5 billion or more being claimed through litigation.

The accident led to the enactment of the Oil Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 in the United States, which mandated double-hulling for new tankers. Regulations for accident response and compensation for damages were also strengthened, and a system was put in place that required a rapid response. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) subsequently amended the Convention to recommend double-hull construction, further strengthening awareness and regulations for marine environmental protection in many countries.