Responses of aquatic organisms to marine pollution by drilling fluids and cuttings

The active oil and gas development of on the continental shelf negatively affects marine organisms, degrading their habitat condition and reducing their viability. The effects of drilling fluids, cuttings, and their components on various marine organisms are analyzed. The feasibility of using marine organisms as indicators of the ecological status of coastal waters at sites of intensive oil and gas extraction is discussed. The prospects of using natural substitutes for toxic components in drilling fluids to mitigate environmental risks are assessed.