While fuel-soaked wildlife limp onto shore and coral reefs that have existed for centuries have been smothered by oil for weeks, the Japanese ship that has leaked hundreds of tonnes of oil into the ocean off Mauritius has begun to break apart. The toxic spill is predicted to leave a lasting impact on the tourism-dependent country, causing an ecological and environmental disaster. In addition to endangering the bio-diverse marine ecosystem that is already under threat from climate change, the spill brings devastating consequences for the economy, food security and health concerns.
The “MV Wakashio” was sailing under ballast, without cargo, through a major shipping lane in the Indian Ocean when it went off course and grounded on a coral reef in an environmentally sensitive area off the east coast of Mauritius. It contained approximately 4000 tonnes of fuel that slowly began to leak into the ocean. On Saturday, “a major detachment of the vessel’s forward section was observed”, the Mauritius National Crisis Committee said in a statement.
Coast guards and local authorities have been positioned at the site to assess the damages and place booms to absorb any oil that leaked. Mauritius has asked for compensation from the Japanese firm, Nagasaki Shipping, to make up for the disaster.
The marine wildlife have been severely impacted. “This oil will have cascading effects across the web of life”, said Adam Moolna, an environmental scientist from Mauritius. Dead fish have been discovered floating above the water or washing onto shore.
About 15km of coastline have been affected by the spillage, and it was reported that local residents were now “breathing heavy vapours of oil”. There was a “mixture of sadness and anger” over the spill that will impact the country for decades. Many locals are even wading unprotected into toxic waters to soak up as much oil as possible.
While Pakistan has achieved an incredible milestone in meeting Goal-13 Climate Action in the UN Sustainable Development Report, we must still take crucial measures to ensure the safety of our environment and ecosystem. We must recognize the importance of our planet in aiding our survival, and stand up to protect it.
Whether it be through making an active change in our lifestyle, building awareness or donating to environmentally conscious firms and NGOs, each of us has a part to play and a duty to fulfill.
