Effects of floating oil on wind friction at sea

A delightful article in Deep Sea News illustrates the potent visual effect of "wave-stilling", as Benjamin Franklin called it. Normally, rough terrain is associated with greater wind friction.

Would a small amount of a vegetable oil on the surface of the sea affect wind friction, either (a) by affecting the shape of the waves, or (b) by directly altering the friction between air and oil for chemical reasons? Is (a) the result of (b)? How would we best calculate the net force applied by the treatment?

If it comes up, the desired application would be the diversion of hurricanes by targeting the winds from one direction only.