Book excerpt: The transport and fate of hydrocarbons in the sea is governed by complex oceanographic and physico-chemical processes which make oil spill research one of the most difficult challenges in science. The risk of spills still continues to overwhelm prevention measures and to create potential danger in sensitive natural environments. Seeking to close the gap between theoretical developments and practical application, this work presents state-of-the-art techniques designed to model, prevent and control oil spills on land and in water. The papers featured come from the Second International Conference on this subject and include discussion of: spills in estuaries and delta areas; operational procedures for storage, handling and transportation of oil; biological impact of oil pollution; biological control methods; use of dispersants; oil spill treating agents; in-situ burning; experimental and laboratory analysis; sensitivity maps; rehabilitation of oil-damaged resources; and recovered oil management.