Oil can also cause long term environmental and economic damage to the marine ecosystem near a spill.
There are several ways to fight oil spills at sea. The best method is to contain the oil then physically recover it from the water. The natural action of ocean waves can break up oil slicks into small droplets, especially if the seas are rough. The rougher the seas, the better the chance the dispersants will work. Chemical dispersants are usually applied by spray systems mounted on vessels or aircraft.