§ Mr. Adleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effect detergent dispersants have on marine life.
§ Mr. BishopAll dispersants are to some extent toxic to marine life and must be used with care. The effect they have depends on the particular circumstances of their use. When advising on whether the chemical dispersal of spilled oil should be attempted my Department has regard to the protection of fisheries and of the marine environment generally. More specifically, account is taken of the organisms exposed to the oil/dispersant mixture, the type of oil, the type of dispersant itself and the amount of water into which it is dispersed. If it is considered that marine life would be put at risk by the use of dispersants advice is given accordingly.