Black Sea ecological catastrophe: Oil spill's lasting impact
An oil spill in the Black Sea following the collision of two Russian tankers in the Kerch Strait represents an unprecedented environmental disaster. Experts warn that the effects may endure for decades, impacting marine life and regional economies.
On 15 December 2024, two Russian tankers collided in the Kerch Strait, resulting in the spillage of over 3,900 metric tonnes of petroleum products into the Black Sea. The resulting oil slick is spreading across many coastlines, and experts warn that its impacts will be felt for decades.
Volunteers, equipped only with shovels and plastic bags, are attempting to clean contaminated beaches. The absence of heavy equipment is hindering their efforts. Volunteers are also beginning to report initial health issues. No one knows exactly what substances they are inhaling.
Russian authorities declared a state of emergency only ten days after the disaster. Even Vladimir Putin admitted that the actions are 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 said.
The oil slick has already reached the western coast of Crimea and is spreading towards Odessa and potentially 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 found, including the great crested grebe. One of the birds has already died, and its body will be subjected to laboratory tests. Park staff also noticed a cormorant, but it could not be saved.
Not only birds 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 emphasises 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 visible for at least 20-30 years, referencing the 2007 disaster in the Kerch Strait.
Environmental organisations, 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 avoid a similar incident in the future.
