Analysis of Oil Spill Risks in the Islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura Due to Exploration Under Adverse Weather Phenomena

Abstract

The 23rd January 2002 BOE (n#20) published the Real Decreto 1462/2001, of 21st December, a resolution by which the Spanish Government allows the Repsol Company to search hydrocarbon, in the areas near to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. This permission is the so-called CANARIAS 1-9. A large amount of institutions such as the councils of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, the Canary Government, ecologist organisations, political parties and citizens have shown their opposition to this imposed measure due to the impact it would have upon these coasts. This project aims to analyze the risk that oil prospection and extraction would suppose in the bordering ecosystems, since they would take place so close to the littoral of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Actually, this study concentrates on the possible consequences of oil prospection during an episode of adverse meteorological phenomenon, like the ones in December 2013. It is clear that these weather conditions are being more frequent in recent years. The Model of Hydrocarbon Transport Simulation (Modelo de Simulación de Transporte de Hidrocarburos), or TESEO provides information about hydrocarbon deterioration and also about objects floating freely in the sea.