Oil spills occur when waterways and oceans are polluted by an escape of oil.

Accidental pollutions can happen from breaks in oil rigs and pipelines, or by runoff from cars, factories, and farms. When oil ends up in our ocean ecosystems, it creates a slick surface on the water that is difficult to clean. This negatively impacts water health and the plants and animals that live there. Scientists are learning new ways to clean oil-damaged ecosystems and organisms and keep our waterways safe. Investigate the ways that scientists clean up oil spills in the ocean!