Black Sea oil disaster threatens marine life & regional economies
An oil spill in the Black Sea following the collision of two Russian tankers in the Kerch Strait is being described as an unprecedented environmental disaster. Experts warn that the effects may endure for decades, impacting marine life and regional economies.
On December 15, 2024, two Russian tankers collided in the Kerch Strait, resulting in a spill of more than 4,300 tons (approximately 9.5 million pounds) of petroleum products into the Black Sea. The resulting oil slick is spreading along numerous coastlines, and experts predict that its impact will be felt for years to come.
Volunteers, armed only with shovels and plastic bags, are making attempts to clean up contaminated beaches. However, the lack of heavy equipment is hampering their efforts. Volunteers have also started reporting initial health concerns, but it remains unclear what substances they might be inhaling.
Russian authorities declared a state of emergency a full ten days after the disaster. Even Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the actions taken have been inadequate. "From what I see and from the information I receive, I conclude that everything being done to minimise the damage is clearly not enough yet," he stated.
The oil slick has already reached the western coast of Crimea and is moving towards Odessa, with potential to affect the shores of Turkey, Georgia, and Romania. Experts warn that fish and shellfish from these areas may contain toxic substances, posing a threat to local fisheries and food safety.
Dead birds and dolphins
In the Tuzlivski Lymany National Park in the Odessa region of Ukraine, birds covered in oil have been discovered, including the great crested grebe. One bird has already died, and its body will undergo laboratory tests. Park staff also observed a cormorant, although it could not be saved.
It's not just birds that are at risk. In the northeastern part of the Black Sea, there has been an increase in dolphin mortality. Experts are investigating whether the deaths are directly related to the oil spill but also point to other factors such as toxic waste from ships, missile attacks, and infectious disease outbreaks.
Dr. Pavlo Goldin from the Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine emphasizes that this is the largest oil spill in the history of the Black Sea in terms of volume and area. He estimates that the environmental damage will be evident for at least 20-30 years, citing the 2007 disaster in the Kerch Strait.
Environmental organizations, including Greenpeace Ukraine, are calling for immediate action to limit further pollution. However, experts warn that the complexity of the spill and the ongoing war in the region complicate rescue efforts. The oil spill represents not only an ecological crisis but also an economic one, threatening the fishing industry and the stability of the region.
Following the disaster, Denmark, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, and other Northern European countries will monitor Russian tankers to prevent a similar incident in the future.
