Hanöbukten fish populations recover after Marco Polo oil spill

A study conducted by researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) indicates that the fish community in Hanöbukten has recovered following the 2023 Marco Polo ferry oil spill.

When the ferry ran aground off the coast of Blekinge in October 2023, between 50 and 90 tons of heavy bunker oil leaked into the coastal waters. By comparing data from sample fishing conducted in 2022 with post-accident samples, researchers were able to observe the direct impact on eelgrass meadows, which are critical habitats for coastal fish.

Researcher Örjan Östman noted that while certain fish species disappeared immediately following the accident and others took their place, the overall effects appear to have been short-lived. Within two years, fish have already re-colonized the most affected areas. The study highlights the importance of long-term environmental monitoring to accurately assess the consequences of unexpected environmental accidents.