What is the effect of oil spills on marine life?

Sea water polluted with crude oil leakage causes oil spills which contaminate sea water and lead to the death of marine organisms.

Oil spills kill marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, seals, and sea otters. Oil can clog blow holes of whales and dolphins, making it impossible for them to breathe properly and disrupting their ability to communicate. Oil coats the fur of otters and seals, leaving them vulnerable to hypothermia.