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Topic : Impact of Oil Spills on Environment

GS-3 Mains  : Environment

Context

• Recent oil spill: Typhoon Gaemi caused an oil tanker to sink in Manila Bay.

Oil Spills

• Definition: Release of crude oil or refined petroleum products into the environment.
• Causes: Transportation accidents, offshore drilling, tanker mishaps.
• Types: Major incidents (large-scale, long-term impact) and minor spills (routine operations).

Global Incidents

• Major spills: Venezuela, Japan, Russia, Santa Barbara, India (Chennai, Sundarbans, Mumbai, ONGC Uran).

Environmental Impact

• Marine life:
  • Physical damage: Oil coats water surface, blocking sunlight, affecting marine plants.
  • Chemical harm: Toxic components harm fish, shellfish, and accumulate in the food chain.
  • Wildlife impact: Kills birds and mammals through poisoning, suffocation, and loss of buoyancy.
• Coastal and marine environments:
  • Slow recovery: Decades for ecosystems to recover.
  • Mangrove and wetland damage: Impacts biodiversity.
• Economic impact:
  • Fisheries: Disrupted activities, economic losses.
  • Tourism: Reduced due to contaminated areas.

Addressing Oil Spills

• Prevention: Strict regulations, improved safety protocols.
• Response and cleanup: Containment, recovery, dispersants, natural degradation.
• Control measures: Bioremediation (using bacteria), oil booms, dispersants.

Global Efforts

• International conventions: MARPOL, Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response, and Cooperation.
• UN Environment Programme (UNEP): Awareness, capacity building, best practices.
• OECD: Tracks recovery measures, promotes green recovery.
• IEA: Emphasizes clean energy transition.

Indian Efforts

• National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP): Effective reporting, response, and protection.
• Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: Powers to regulate ships.
• Indian Coast Guard: Central coordinating authority for oil spill response.
• NATPOLREX: National-level pollution response exercise.

Conclusion

• Oil spills pose a significant environmental challenge.
• Prevention, effective response, and sustainable energy are crucial for mitigation.