Context: The Russian government has declared a federal state of emergency following a major oil spill in the Kerch Strait, a crucial waterway connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. 

• The declaration comes as authorities grapple with the ongoing environmental disaster caused by two aging tankers that were severely damaged during a storm on December 15.

The incident and its impact

• A Russian oil tanker named Volgoneft 212, carrying more than 4,000 tons of fuel, broke apart off the coast of Crimea on December 15, 2024. 

• Oil spill was triggered by storm damaged oil tankers near Kerch Strait which released thousands of tons of heavy fuel oil, known as mazut, into the sea. 

Declaration of a Federal State of Emergency

• Due to the ongoing pollution and the need for a larger response, Russian officials declared a federal state of emergency. 

• This will mobilize more resources and funding for the cleanup effort. As of now, only 15% of the necessary work to address the spill had been completed. Russian authorities hope this declaration will speed up the response and help mitigate the ongoing environmental damage.

• With federal support now allocated, specialized companies will be deployed to assist with the cleanup and disposal of thousands of tons of oil-soaked sand. The situation remains dire, and authorities are working to prevent further emissions from the stricken tankers.

Oil Pollution

• Oil pollution includes the accidental or deliberate, operational spills of oil from ships, especially tankers, offshore platforms and pipelines. 

• Oil discharges to marine environment may also occur from natural seeps, and land-based sources such as untreated sewage and storm water, rivers, coastal refineries, oil storage facilities etc.

• Oil floats on saltwater and spreads out rapidly across the water surface to form a thin layer called oil slick.

Impact of Oil Pollution

• Environmental Impacts:

• Threat to Biodiversity: Marine mammals, Fishes, Turtles, Seabirds face threats like poisoning, hypothermia, drowning, damaged airways, loss of insulating ability etc. 

• Impact Coastal and Marine Habitats: Coral reefs risk smothering and toxicity; mangroves, marshes, and seagrasses suffer damage or death.

• Socio Economic Impacts: 

• Fisheries Sectors: Polluted Fisheries impact livelihood.

• Health Risks: Exposure through direct contact, inhalation, or consumption of contaminated seafood.

Remedial Measures for Cleaning Oil Spills

• Bioremediation: Use of microorganisms to degrade contaminants For e.g., Oilzapper and Oilivorous-S.

• Booms and Skimmers: Booms are physical barriers that slow the spread of oil while skimmers are boats that skim spilled oil from water surface. 

• Sorbents: Big sponges used to absorb oil.

Laws and Convention on Oil Pollution

• International

• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) 1978

• OPRC (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response, and Cooperation) 1990

• International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage 1992

• National                     

• The Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 

• The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

• National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan, 1996