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Read, Debate: Engage.
| topic: | Ocean Pollution |
|---|---|
| editor: | Bob Koigi |
In what is shaping out to be one of the most devastating environmental catastrophes in protected marine ecosystems, last month Japanese ship MV Wakashio ran aground off the Indian Ocean in Mauritius spilling approximately 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil that continue to put marine life in danger and contaminate the pristine waters that are a magnet for tens of thousands of tourists each year.
Scientists have christened it the worst ecological disaster in Mauritius history that is likely to have lifelong impact on the country’s economy, health and food security.
While the magnitude of the oil spill is minimal compared to past spills, it is the location that has got experts worried.
Mauritius is a biodiversity bedrock hosting 1,700 species among them 800 types of fish, two turtle species and 17 unique kind of marine mammals. It is also home to mangroves and coral reefs that are a source of life for about 25 per cent of the fish in the ocean. Coral reefs are also crucial in insulating coastlines from erosions and storms. Mauritius marine ecosystem is one of the few left in the planet.
Blue Marine Park Reserve the area where the 27 square kilometer spill is happening is a wetland that has international importance.
Volunteers who are removing the oil from the ocean have reported seeing dead fish floating in water and dozens of dead eels.
And as the cleanup intensifies and Mauritius comes into terms with the long lasting effect the oil spill will have on the economy and the environment, the happenings have ignited debate on the ban of heavy fuel oil in Antarctic waters that has been in effect and the need to extend it to northern polar extreme even as commercial interests by industry players come into question for blatant disregard to environmental safety. This is another incident that has brought to fore the need to have strict and enforceable legislation that will hold the shipping industry to account.
Image by Louisiana GOHSEP
