BfR-Wissenschaft 
87 
13 Marine Management Organisation (MMO) - Dispersant use in UK waters 
Product Approval Process and Pollution Response 
Bernard Christie 
Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 
Introduction 
The MMO presentation that was delivered at the workshop in Berlin on 13 th November 2015 
is largely taken from training material that is directed at staff working in our coastal offices. It 
is intended to explain how MMO act in a Marine emergency situation and how we interact 
with different organisations to hopefully achieve the best possible outcome. 
In the UK, the MMO has responsibility for both the control of the UK Approved Products (Oil 
Spill Treatment Product) and also for decision making on whether or not dispersant use can 
be allowed at the given location of a spillage in English/Welsh waters. 
Product Approval 
As prerequisite of product approval by MMO, all oil spill treatment products must be tested 
for their efficacy (effectiveness) and for toxicological hazard. The tests can be carried out 
within MMO-commissioned laboratories, or by independent laboratories, which must follow 
standard test protocols and have a recognised accreditation. 
Efficacy is determined by a standard laboratory-based procedure described in annex 1 to 
appendix A WLS Report LR448. The efficacy test aims to assess the proportion of the total 
volume of treated oil that is dispersed into the water column. The minimum efficacy require 
ments depend on the type of dispersant being tested. Dispersants must achieve an efficacy 
of 30 % for type 1 (hydrocarbon solvent-based dispersant applied undiluted) and type 2 
(concentrates diluted 1:10 with seawater before application) and 60 % for type 3 (high effica 
cy concentrates applied undiluted). 
For the evaluation of toxicological hazards, 2 toxicity tests using marine species are used. 
The first test is called the Sea Test and is carried out using the brown shrimp (Crangon cran- 
gon). This test compares the relative toxicity of an oil dispersant mix to that of oil alone. In 
order to pass, the product must not increase the toxicity of the oil. The second test is called 
the Rocky Shore Test and is carried out using the common limpet (Patella vulgate). This test 
compares the toxicity of dispersant alone to that of the standard test oil. In order to pass, the 
product must not be more toxic than the oil alone. Offshore dispersants are not required to 
pass the Rocky Shore Toxicity Test, but may only be used in waters more than 12 nautical 
miles from the baseline. 
In brief, applicants approach MMO with a request to include their product on the UK list of 
approved oil spill treatment products. They do this electronically by following the process 
detailed on the MMO website. 
https://www.aov.uk/aovernment/uploads/svstem/uploads/attachment data/file/470085/ostp- 
application-new.pdf 
Depending upon the type of product, the appropriate testing fee must be paid in order for 
MMO to arrange the necessary Efficacy and Toxicity testing. If MMO are asked to arrange 
the tests we currently use Ricardo Energy and Environment for Efficacy tests and Cefas 
(Centre for environment fisheries and aquaculture science) for Toxicity tests. Cefas act as 
scientific advisors to MMO.