Wetlands are highly vulnerable to oil spills because they are sensitive environments that can be severely disrupted by contamination.

Wetlands  especially those along U.S. coastlines, are crucial for filtering water, supporting wildlife, and protecting against storm surges. Oil spills in these environments can have devastating effects on plant and animal life, as oil can coat plants, animals, and sediments, disrupting the entire ecosystem. The slow recovery of wetlands, due to their delicate balance, makes them especially vulnerable. While coral reefs, sandy beaches, and rocky shorelines are also impacted by oil spills, the long-term damage to wetlands is often more profound due to the loss of biodiversity and the difficulty of cleaning and restoring these areas.