EFFECTS OF THE MARCH 18, 1973 OIL SPILL NEAR CABO ROJO, PUERTO RICO ON TROPICAL MARINE COMMUNITIES

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Abstract
During the early morning hours of March 18, 1973 the Greek tanker, Zoe Colocotronis spilled 37,000 barrels of Venezuelan crude oil into the coastal waters of southern Puerto Rico. About 24,000 bbl of oil washed ashore at Cabo Rojo, contaminating sandy beaches, turtle grass, and rocky shore communities. Within 48 hours following the spill, dead and moribund invertebrates, representing several distinct phyla were being deposited along the beach and intertidal zone. Population analysis of the affected mangrove prop root and sublittoral turtle grass (Thalassia) communities revealed a sparse and impoverished fauna. Subsequent survey trips have revealed marked increases within certain affected populations. In one area (1.0 hectare)the red (Rhizophora mangle) and black (Avicinnia nitita) mangrove trees have defoliated and died during the three years following the spill. Analysis of the sediments in this area indicates significant levels of petroleum hydrocarbon residues were present as of January 1976.

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