Can a damaged coastal habitat and damaged wildlife ever recover from an oil spill?
• Yes they can, but it can be and often is a matter of many, many years, even decades. Again, every situation is unique and depending on the particular conditions and circumstances in that area and the characteristics of the spill (see above on the fate of oil in the water). Some areas might recover in a matter of weeks, whereas others will need up to 20 years. The recovery of an ecosystem will also depend on the share of important populations being killed off or affected by acute poisoning.
