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Journalism of Courage
(Written by Saima Mehta)
Typhoon Gaemi has wreaked havoc across Taiwan, the Philippines and parts of southeastern China. The resultant heavy rains also led to the sinking of the oil tanker MT Terra Nova, laden with 1.4 million litres of oil, in Manila Bay on Thursday (July 25). One crew member died while 16 others were rescued.
The incident has also sparked serious environmental concerns. Here is why.
The MT Terra Nova was en route to the city of Iloilo in The Philippines when it capsized due to the severe weather conditions. A BBC report on Friday noted that the oil spill has spread across several kilometres. Should it spill into Manila Bay, it could become the largest in Philippine history, severely affecting marine life and coastal ecosystems.
To mitigate the damage, the Philippines’ Coast Guard and other agencies are deploying containment booms and skimmers. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), booms are floating, physical barriers against oil, made of plastic, metal, or other materials, which slow the spread of oil and keep it contained. Skimmers are boats deployed to remove oil from the water surface and from reaching ecologically sensitive areas.
Accidents involving oil tankers, drilling rigs, pipelines, or refineries, can be triggered by natural disasters, human error, or equipment failure. The environmental consequences are influenced by factors such as the type of oil, the volume of the spill, weather conditions, and proximity to sensitive ecosystems.
When oil spills into water, it rapidly spreads. Due to its lighter density compared to water, it forms a layer that obstructs sunlight and disrupts photosynthesis in marine plants and phytoplankton, which are crucial for oxygen production. The microscopic algae are consumed by fish and other marine animals, and form the base of multiple food chains.
Marine animals, especially those near the surface, face immediate dangers from toxic exposure. With oil coating the feathers of birds, they may lose their insulation abilities, leading to hypothermia and drowning. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that fish and invertebrates may also endure challenges with reproduction and growth.
Despite technological advancements, cleaning up oil spills is challenging. Oil spreads quickly and rough seas and strong currents complicate cleanup efforts. Oils vary in properties, with some sinking or emulsifying with water and making separation tough. Methods like chemical dispersants can harm marine life, and manual cleanup is labour-intensive and often ineffective in remote areas.
The long-term impacts of oil spills are extensive, affecting marine ecosystems, habitats, and local economies. These spills can wipe out animal populations, with toxic substances accumulating in the food chain and posing significant risks to higher-level predators, including humans. This bioaccumulation can result in long-term health problems and a reduction in biodiversity, disrupting entire ecosystems.
Coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, coral reefs, and marshlands, are especially at risk, as oil can suffocate these habitats and kill vital plants and animals. Recovery can take decades, with some species facing the threat of extinction.
Moreover, the economic fallout is significant for communities dependent on fishing and tourism. The cleanup effort is often costly and lengthy, diverting resources from other critical areas.
Major oil spills from the past point to the complex challenges of recovery. One of the worst such cases was the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989, which released approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound off the Gulf of Alaska.
The oil spill killed an estimated 250,000 seabirds, 2,800 sea otters, 300 harbour seals, 250 bald eagles, as many as 22 killer whales, and billions of salmon and herring eggs, according to the EPA.
Despite extensive cleanup efforts, the region continues to suffer environmental damage, and wildlife populations have not fully recovered yet. Studies by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have revealed persistent contamination in sediments, ongoing declines in certain fish populations, and continued challenges in restoring kelp forests and other essential habitats.
Similarly, the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 saw an estimated 210 million gallons of oil spilt into the Gulf of Mexico over 87 days. Long-term studies by the USGS have documented lasting impacts on the Gulf’s marine life, including reductions in animal populations and severe damage to deep-sea coral ecosystems. Efforts to restore the ecosystem are ongoing, with scientists focusing on rebuilding habitats.
The author is an intern at The Indian Express
