A new study warns that a natural solution previously effective in combating oil spills may not act swiftly enough to mitigate a potential oil spill disaster in the Canadian Arctic. Researchers led by Eric Collins from the University of Manitoba have found that oil-degrading microbes in the Arctic waters respond very slowly to oil contamination, taking weeks or even a month to begin breaking down the oil.
The GenIce II research project, initiated in November, aims to investigate the impact of an oil spill in the Arctic marine environment. Collins, an expert in biological oceanography and a Canada Research Chair in Arctic Marine Microbial Ecosystem Services, emphasizes the need for understanding how microbes react to oil in Arctic waters compared to warmer regions like the Gulf of Mexico, where the significant Deepwater Horizon spill occurred.
The Deepwater Horizon incident in 2010 highlighted the role of natural microbial communities in cleaning up oil-contaminated water. During that disaster, microbes were responsible for cleaning up significantly more oil than human interventions. Collins and his team are particularly concerned about the potential risks posed by an oil spill near the Arctic coastline, as the current circulation patterns in Hudson Bay could spread contamination along the entire coastline, endangering ecosystems and communities reliant on the natural environment for survival.
The team conducts its research at the Churchill Marine Observatory, which plays a crucial role in facilitating controlled experiments in natural Arctic waters. The facility utilizes large tanks to simulate oil spills and assess their effects on Arctic microbial communities. These experiments are essential for understanding and preparing for potential oil spill scenarios in the Arctic region, especially with the prolongation of the shipping season in Hudson Bay due to melting ice and increased marine traffic.
Feiyue Wang, the head of the observatory, highlights the unique capability of the facility to conduct controlled experiments in the Arctic environment. The facility’s establishment, delayed due to various challenges, including changes in ownership of the Port of Churchill and logistical issues, underscores the importance of proactive research in addressing environmental risks in the changing Arctic landscape.
With the Arctic region on track to experience significant environmental changes, researchers are committed to studying the challenges and opportunities associated with Arctic development. Collaboration with international partners and the integration of traditional Indigenous knowledge into research efforts are essential components of the ongoing research at the Churchill Marine Observatory. The GenIce II team plans to continue their investigations into oil spill responses and further their research during upcoming expeditions to the observatory.
