Oil Spill Science and Technology, 2nd Edition

1.5. Conclusions

The remarks offered in hindsight by the DWH National Incident Commander continue to resonate with this practitioner, “Adapt, manage, or suffer. We all have to understand that there will never again be a major event in this country that won't involve public participation. And the public participation will happen whether it's managed or not” [2].

This chapter has attempted to explore and integrate insights from the research literature with oil spill practitioners and decision maker knowledge in the hope this might lead to constructive adaptation and mutually beneficial public participation. Oil spills, especially large ones, capture the attention of the public. Broadcast in the media, images raise an array of risk perceptions, considerable ...