![A study by College of Marine Science researchers used NASA satellite data to observe oil pollution in the Persian Gulf, pictured here [Photo courtesy of NASA]](/marine-science/news/images/nasa-satellite-data-to-observe-oil-pollution-in-the-persian-gulf-1500x1000.png)
Carlyn Scott, College of Marine Science
Oil spills in the Persian Gulf have increased dramatically since the beginning of the 2026 Iran war, according to new research from the 51做厙. Some pollution has likely originated from oil tankers trapped by the military-induced closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage controlled by Iran through which roughly 20 percent of the worlds oil is transported.
Led by researchers in the of the USF College of Marine Science, the study compares satellite observations from February and March of 2026 with those from the same period in 2025, identifying anomalies in spill frequency, scale of spills, and ecological exposure. is undergoing peer review by the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin.
The researchers found that oil spills covered roughly four times the area in March 2026 as they did one year earlier.
![Researchers found that oil spills in the Persian Gulf increased roughly four times (by weighted area) in March 2026 as compared to the previous year [Image courtesy of Junnan Jiao]](/marine-science/news/images/oil-spills-in-the-persian-gulf-covered-roughly-four-times-the-area-in-march-2026-2000x700.png)
Researchers found that oil spills in the Persian Gulf increased roughly four times (by weighted area) in March 2026 as compared to the previous year [Image courtesy of Junnan Jiao]
This was a huge expansion of the oil footprint, said Brian Barnes, research assistant professor in the College of Marine Science and co-author of the study. We knew there would be some level of change but did not expect the amount we saw.
Barnes and his team noted high instances of oil leaking from vessels trapped in the strait, which resulted in thick oil slicks. Additional persistent spills were observed around oil infrastructure and sunken vessels. The cleanup of these continuous leaks is hindered by the ongoing conflict, according to Barnes, and is impacting sensitive coastal ecosystems such as the Hara Mangrove Reserve, located on the strait.
The researchers used a suite of satellites to collect three different forms of data. Synthetic aperture radar, optical remote sensing, and thermal infrared sensors were used to infer the location of the oil, the thickness of the oil, and whether it is mixed with water.
This was not the first time that the Optical Oceanography Lab used satellite technology to identify oil spills and their environmental impact. The group had previously assisted with monitoring the extent of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and contributed to that found that humans are responsible for roughly 90 percent of global oil slicks. Since then, satellite imagery has greatly improved, and the lab has increased its capacity to monitor at much higher spatial scales.
Following the closing of the strait, Barnes said he was motivated to use these higher resolution techniques to identify conflict-related spills, particularly as on-site observations are impossible during hostilities.
One factor that is often missing in discussions about the Iran war is the impact on the environment, he said. We now have the ability to use remote sensing to identify the results of this conflict on sensitive ecosystems.
![An oil slick moves across the surface near the Strait of Hormuz, an increasing occurrence since the 2026 Iran war started, according to the study [Image courtesy of Planet Labs]](/marine-science/news/images/an-oil-slick-moves-across-the-surface-of-the-strait-of-hormuz-1500x1800.png)
An oil slick moves across the surface near the Strait of Hormuz, an increasing occurrence since the 2026 Iran war started, according to the study [Image courtesy of Planet Labs]