Oil Vulnerability and Oil Fate and Behaviour Conceptual Models

The oil fate and behaviour visual guides, along with oil vulnerability conceptual models, were developed by the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Pacific Region Science Spill Response Program in collaboration with DFO species experts, DFO Emergency Response Science, and the Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research (COOGER). These visual tools assist DFO Environmental Incident Coordinators (EICs), recovery coordinators, response organizations, and other stakeholders to understand the fate, behaviour, exposure pathways, and ecological effects of petroleum products released into the marine environment. Additionally, these tools guide strategies for protection, sampling, and monitoring in areas affected by marine pollution incidents. Oil fate and behaviour visual guides These visual guides illustrate the key fates and weathering processes of Bunker C and marine diesel—such as spreading, evaporation, emulsification, dispersion, dissolution, sedimentation, sinking, photo-oxidation, shoreline interaction, biological uptake, and biodegradation. These visuals provide timelines for different fate pathways (e.g., hours to days, days to weeks, or weeks to months) and highlight…

Publisher

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Resources

7

Catalogue metadata updated

2026-03-24