Oil Spill off Kerala Coast

Syllabus: GS3/Environment 

Context

• A Liberian-flagged cargo ship, MSC ELSA 3, sank 14 nautical miles off the Kerala coast in the Arabian Sea, resulting in a significant oil leak, raising environmental concerns.
  • The Indian Coast Guard ship Saksham and a Dornier aircraft have been deployed for oil spill response.

What is an Oil Spill?

• An oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon from tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs or wells into the environment, especially marine areas. 
• Spilled substances: It may be refined petroleum products, such as gasoline and diesel fuel, as well as their by-products — heavier fuels used by large ships such as bunker fuel or oily refuse of any kind.

Past incidences

• International Incidence: 
  • Venezuela: In 2020 oil leakage from the El Palito refinery in Venezuela.
  • Japanese ship MV Wakashio carrying fuel oil split into two parts near Blue Bay Marine Park in south-east Mauritius.
  • Russia: Arctic (Norilsk diesel fuel spill) Oil Spill.
  • Deepwater Horizon oil spill: Gulf of Mexico, 2010
• Indian incidents:
  • Chennai 2017: Two ships collided off Kamarajar Port Limited’s (KPL) harbor and resulted in a major oil spill disaster.
  • Sundarban 2014: Oil spill in Sela River, Bangladesh created an environmental concern for India too.
  • ONGC Uran Plant leaked oil in the Arabian Sea in 2013.
  • Mumbai coast: In 2010 two ships collided causing the 800 tonnes of the oil spill.

Damage caused by oil spill 

• Environmental Impact: Oil spills harm various species of fish, birds, mammals, and other marine life. The oil can coat and damage the fur or feathers of animals, making it difficult for them to swim or fly.
• Habitat Destruction: Oil can contaminate coastal habitats, including beaches, marshes, and mangroves, leading to long-term damage. 
• Fisheries and Aquaculture: Contaminated waters reduce fish populations and damage to fishing gear, affecting the livelihoods of communities dependent on these activities.
• Tourism: Coastal areas affected by oil spills experience a decline in tourism due to the negative perception of polluted beaches and waters, resulting in economic losses.
• Exposure to Toxic Substances: The chemicals present in oil, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pose health risks to humans. Inhalation of fumes, ingestion of contaminated seafood, or direct skin contact with oil can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and long-term health effects.

Global Efforts In Tackling

• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): It was rolled out by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 1973 and recognised the need for international coherent efforts for curbing oil spill.
  • India is a signatory to the MARPOL Convention.
• International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation 1990: It is the international instrument that provides a framework designed to facilitate international cooperation and mutual assistance in preparing for and responding to major oil pollution incidents.

Indian Efforts for dealing with Oil Spill

• National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is responsible for maintaining and implementing the Plan. It was promulgated in 1996 and revised in 2015. Its Objectives are:
  • Effective reporting of spillage,
  • Prompt response to prevent, control and combat oil pollution,
  • Adequate protection to Public Health and Welfare along with Marine Environment,
  • Use of Science and Technology for preventing and managing oil spills and pollution and residuals.
• Merchant shipping Act, 1958: The Act, describes the power to give a notice to the owner, when the central government is satisfied the ship is not as per the prescribed rules.
  • After notice, if the person fails to comply, the government can convict the person of an offense.

Control measures for Oil Spills

• Bioremediation: It refers to the use of specific microorganisms to remove any toxic or harmful substances
  • TERI has developed Oil Zapper Bacteria which can degrade the oil quickly.
• Oil Booms: They are temporary floating barriers used to contain marine spills, protect the environment, and assist in recovery. 
• Using Dispersants: Dispersal agents are chemicals that are sprayed upon the spill with the help of aircraft and boats, which aid the natural breakdown of oil components.
• In Situ Burning for controlled burning of concentrated oil patches to reduce volume.
• Skimming: It is the physical removal of oil from the surface using specialized equipment before it reaches coastlines.

Source: IE