Oil Spill off Kerala Coast

Context:

• The Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MSC ELSA 3 sank 14 nautical miles off the Kerala coast in the Arabian Sea, causing a major oil spill and raising serious environmental concerns.
• In response, the Indian Coast Guard deployed the ship Saksham and a Dornier aircraft to manage and contain the oil spill.

What is an Oil Spill?

• An oil spill refers to the accidental release of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons from sources like tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs, or wells into the environment, particularly affecting marine areas.
• The spilled material can include refined petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel, as well as heavier fuels like bunker fuel used by large ships, or any oily waste substances.

Notable Oil Spill Incidents

International Incidents:

• Venezuela (2020): Oil leakage from the El Palito refinery.
• Mauritius: The Japanese ship MV Wakashio, carrying fuel oil, broke into two near Blue Bay Marine Park in southeast Mauritius.
• Russia (Norilsk, Arctic): Diesel fuel spill in the Arctic region.
• Deepwater Horizon (2010): Major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Indian Incidents:

• Chennai (2017): Collision between two ships near Kamarajar Port Limited’s (KPL) harbor led to a significant oil spill disaster.
• Sundarbans (2014): Oil spill in the Sela River, Bangladesh, causing environmental concerns for India.
• ONGC Uran Plant (2013): Oil leakage in the Arabian Sea.
• Mumbai Coast (2010): Collision between two ships resulted in an 800-tonne oil spill.

Damage Caused by Oil Spills

• Environmental Impact: Oil spills severely affect fish, birds, mammals, and other marine life. Oil coats the fur or feathers of animals, impairing their ability to swim or fly and leading to injury or death.
• Habitat Destruction: Coastal ecosystems such as beaches, marshes, and mangroves become contaminated, causing long-lasting damage to these critical habitats.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture: Pollution reduces fish populations and damages fishing equipment, threatening the livelihoods of communities that depend on fishing and aquaculture.
• Tourism: Oil-contaminated coastal areas suffer declines in tourism due to the adverse image of polluted beaches and waters, resulting in significant economic losses.
• Human Health Risks: Toxic chemicals in oil, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pose health hazards. Exposure through inhalation, consumption of contaminated seafood, or skin contact can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other long-term health problems.

Global Efforts in Tackling Oil Spills

• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL):
  Established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1973, MARPOL emphasizes the need for coordinated international action to prevent oil pollution from ships.
  • India is a signatory to this convention.
• International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC), 1990:
  This convention provides a global framework to promote international cooperation and mutual assistance in preparing for and responding to major oil pollution incidents.

Indian Efforts for Managing Oil Spills

• National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP):
  Managed and implemented by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), this plan was introduced in 1996 and updated in 2015. Its key objectives include:
  • Timely and effective reporting of oil spills.
  • Rapid response to prevent, control, and mitigate oil pollution.
  • Ensuring protection of public health, welfare, and the marine environment.
  • Utilizing science and technology for prevention, management, and cleanup of oil spills and related pollution.
• Merchant Shipping Act, 1958:
  This legislation empowers the central government to issue notices to ship owners if their vessels do not comply with prescribed safety and environmental standards.
  • Failure to comply with such notices can lead to legal prosecution and penalties.

Control Measures for Oil Spills

• Bioremediation:
  The use of specific microorganisms to break down and remove toxic substances from the environment.
  • TERI has developed Oil Zapper Bacteria, which accelerates the degradation of oil.
• Oil Booms:
  Temporary floating barriers deployed to contain oil spills, protect sensitive areas, and aid in recovery efforts.
• Use of Dispersants:
  Chemicals sprayed via aircraft or boats that help break down oil into smaller particles, enhancing natural degradation processes.
• In Situ Burning:
  Controlled burning of concentrated oil patches on the water surface to reduce the volume of spilled oil.
• Skimming:
  Mechanical removal of oil from the water surface using specialized equipment, preventing it from reaching the shorelines.

Source: Indian Express