What is the function of skimmers in oil spill management?

Skimmers play a crucial role in oil spill management by collecting and removing oil from the surface of the water. Their primary function is to separate the oil from the water, which is essential for minimizing environmental damage caused by oil spills. Skimmers operate by utilizing various mechanisms, such as suction or mechanical action, to capture the floating oil, allowing it to be then transported to storage tanks for proper disposal or recovery.

While dispersal, monitoring, and filtering may be elements of a comprehensive oil spill response strategy, the core purpose of skimmers is directly tied to the extraction of oil from the surface, making it an essential tool for mitigating the impact of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems. This targeted approach directly contributes to the overall effectiveness of spill response efforts.