How fish die from oil?

* Direct contact: Oil can coat fish gills, preventing them from breathing. It can also damage fish skin, making them more susceptible to infection.

* Ingestion: Fish can ingest oil when they feed on contaminated water or prey. This can lead to a number of health problems, including liver damage, kidney failure, and reproductive problems.

* Habitat destruction: Oil spills can damage or destroy fish habitats, such as coral reefs and mangrove forests. This can make it difficult for fish to find food and shelter, and can also lead to increased competition for resources.

* Long-term effects: Oil spills can have long-term effects on fish populations, even after the oil has been cleaned up. For example, oil spills can cause changes in fish behavior, such as reduced activity and avoidance of certain areas. This can make fish more vulnerable to predators and disease.

In addition to these direct effects, oil spills can also have indirect effects on fish populations. For example, oil spills can reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the water's surface, which can affect the growth of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are a major food source for many fish, so a decline in phytoplankton can lead to a decline in fish populations.

The effects of oil spills on fish can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of oil, the amount of oil spilled, the water temperature, and the species of fish. Some fish species are more sensitive to oil spills than others. For example, salmon and trout are particularly sensitive to oil pollution, while species like tuna and mackerel are more resistant.