It is a process of Bio-remediation,Certain marine microorganisms have the unique ability to break down hydrocarbons to access energy stored in bonds; they are capable of inserting an oxygen atom into hydrocarbon to form a degradable alcohol or carboxylic acid.
Microorganisms like Alcanivorax borkumensis which specify in aerobic decomposition of hydrocarbons have been discovered, providing a base organism to genetically modify.