Ecological impact of the oil industry on the Campeche Sound, Mexico, after three decades of activities: a review

Offshore activities of the Mexican oil industry in the Campeche Sound are analyzed, and how the oil industry is integrated in their exploration, production and transportation processes. Specific information of how each one of industrial activities generates impact on the ecosystems and their biotic components, is presented. Risk zones are delimited and identified, impacting installations and pollutants emitted, and how they affect biological groups. The lack of information previous and the one generated subsequently of the oil industry operations, has not followed a continuous monitoring program that integrates the research carried out in the region. This makes difficulties to recognize the reach and duration of the environmental damage caused and impede to determine impacts due to natural factors and those arising from anthropogenic factors. The need to erradicate inadequate operating systems in intallations and processes, following with industrial certification under international standards for environmental management systems is pointed out.