Hundreds of animals along the coast were coated with the thick crude oil and many died . State parks and beaches located along the coastline were temporarily closed . While much smaller than the oil rig blowout that resulted in the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill , this spill may have greater long term effects due to its potential impact on four state marine protected areas . Due to the unique characteristics of the area , it is one of the most studied marine environments in the United States
1969 Santa Barbara oil spill
1969 Santa Barbara oil spill
Refugio oil spill