I think you've misinterpreted the article, and that's not what is being said: > Although previous oil spills around the world have not been in as environmental

I think you've misinterpreted the article, and that's not what is being said: > Although previous oil spills around the world have not been in as environmentally sensitive areas, [my emphasis] they have still significantly affected marine animals and plants. > In 2010, the Deep Water Horizon incident off the Gulf of Mexico saw nearly 400,000 tonnes of oil spill, resulting in the death of thousands of species ranging from plankton to dolphins. > There were also other longer-term impacts on marine life including impaired reproduction, reduced growth, lesions and disease. The article doesn't advocate that oil spills in unprotected areas are less serious, it actually highlights the fact that there are terrible consequences for wildlife regardless of whether the spill site is "protected" or not.