The Disaster of a Lifetime: The Mauritius Oil Spill
“If there is magic on this Planet, it is contained in water.”
Loren Eiseley
Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation which is located about 2,000 kilometers off the southeast coast of the African continent, has been blessed by Mother Nature in every aspect of its geography. The country with a multi-ethnic population boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and lagoons in the world, including Pereybere, Flic en Flac, Le Morne, Belle Mare, Blue Bay and Ile aux Cerfs.
The idyllic and majestic Mauritius
Source: Pixabay
But this “Jewel of the Indian Ocean” was struck by an environmental tragedy on the 25th of July, 2020. On the ill-fated day, a Japanese ship named MK Wakashio, headed to Brazil, struck a coral reef on the southeast coast of Mauritius. The collision resulted in an oil spill of over 1,000 tons into the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean
Location of the Mauritius Oil Spill
Source: The New York Times
As a consequence, the crystal clear lagoons and breathtaking turquoise waters of Mauritius have turned into the shades of black and brown and gray, particularly between the mainland at Pointe D’Esny and the island of Ile-aux-Aigrettes.
What led to the Mauritius Oil Spill?
Owned by Nagashiki Shipping and operated by Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd., MV Wakashio, a bulk carrier that was travelling from China to Brazil, went off course and grounded on a coral reef off the coast of the island nation on July 25. At that time, the vessel was carrying 200 tons of diesel and 3,800 tons of heavy fuel oil. Less than two weeks later, more than 1,000 tons of oil and diesel leaked, leading to what scientists are now calling “the worst ecological disaster” in the history of Mauritius.
Satellite image of the Mauritius Oil Spill
Source: The Guardian
The catastrophic impact of the Disaster
“There are very few such marine areas with such rich biodiversity left on the planet. An oil spill like this will impact almost everything there.”
Dr Corina Ciocan, a senior lecturer in marine biology at the UK’s University of Brighton
A home to around 39% of plants, 80% of non-marine birds, 80% of reptiles, and 40% of bat species reported as endemic, including 691 species of indigenous flowering plants, 52 native species of vertebrates, 30 species of land birds, and 1,700 marine species, Mauritius has been designated by IUCN as a “Centre of Plant Diversity” and is included in the Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands biodiversity hotspot.
In recent years, socio-economic-geographical changes have posed a risk to this unique biodiversity hotspot. The occurrence of the oil spill near two environmentally protected and fragile marine ecosystems and the Blue Bay Marine Park reserve, which is a wetland of international importance, has left Mauritius’ environment, ecology and economy in jeopardy.
Mauritius Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Olive White-eye, Aldabra Tortoises, Telfair Shrinks, Green Turtle, Ebony Forests, and Mangrove Wetlands – these are some of the many unique species and habitats that have been directly hit by the devastating oil spill.
Mauritius Olive White-Eye bird
Source: Forbes | Mauritius Wildlife Foundation
“One of the major concerns has been for coral reefs in the lagoon – which are sometimes called the rainforests of the sea – because of the diversity of life found in them.”
Navin Singh Khadka, Environment correspondent, BBC World Service
Very briefly, coral reefs are large underwater structures composed of the skeletons of colonial marine invertebrates called coral. They are extremely important for ensuring environmental protection, food and nutrient supply, generating employment opportunities, advancement of medical research and attracting tourism.
The Mauritius Oil Spill can potentially lead to the death and the disappearance of coral reefs in the fragile ecosystem. Blue Bay Marine Park alone is a home to 38 unique species of coral. As Professor Richard Steiner, an international oil spill adviser and a marine biologist in Alaska, US, puts it,”The toxic hydrocarbons released from spilled oil will bleach the coral reefs and they will eventually die.”
In his article, Nishan Degnarain, a Development Economist focused on Innovation, Sustainability, and Ethical Economic Growth, states,”In recent years, Blue Bay Marine Park and the surrounding area had been experiencing a strong resurgence in coral life, offering hope that Mauritius could become a beacon to the world of how to build back a vibrant coral ecosystem amid global warming caused by the oil and gas industry, such as the toxic heavy fuel oil being used by the Wakashio.”
The centerpiece of Blue Bay Marine Park was the Brain Coral (similar to seen here), that was the oldest found in the Indian Ocean.
Source: Forbes | Getty Images
This incident not only threatens to destroy and damage the marine treasures of the Republic of Mauritius, but can possibly deepen the economic woes of a country which highly depends on the expansion of the tourism sector. Although Mauritius successfully contained the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the suspension of international flights and restrictions on movement has deeply impacted the economy.
The familiar story of inaction by the Mauritian Government
The Mauritius’ government, led by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, has drawn fierce criticism over its handling of the oil spill. After a prolonged period of inaction and initial containment measures, the government declared a “state of environmental emergency” on August 7, 2020. The government has put restrictions on movements in the areas affected for health reasons. Those who violate these rules could face a $2,500 (£1,800) fine and up to two years in prison.
On being heavily criticized for its slow response to the crisis, the government blamed the bad weather and claimed that it is following expert advice. Yet, several questions remain to be answered: Why was Mauritius not prepared to deal with the catastrophe in spite of all the training and past experiences? What could have been the alternative strategies to contain the oil spill? Would there be any inquiry launched to probe the case? Will the government undertake an independent environmental impact assessment?
Equally questionable is the silence of the international coordination and cooperation to extend help and support the government of Mauritius.
Responding to calls for international help, French President Emmanuel Macron sent military aircraft from the neighboring island of Reunion carrying pollution-control equipment and a naval vessel carrying booms and absorbents. New Delhi, as part of its Indian Ocean Region outreach, dispatched over 30 tons of technical equipment and material on board an Indian Force Aircraft to Mauritius to supplement the country’s ongoing oil spill containment and salvage operations. Japanese government has also extended help with special oil-absorbent materials.
Spirit of the Mauritians: Race to Save the Aquatic Life
Nothing – fear of lost livelihoods, bleak futures, sight of debris, government advisories, COVID-19 induced impositions, mounting anger towards government’s inaction – absolutely nothing could dampen the spirit of Mauritians when they came forward to protect their pristine waters and picturesque lagoons.
Volunteers cleaning up oil that washed ashore from a grounded ship on the southeast coast of Mauritius
Source: The New York Times
Credit: Laura Morosoli/EPA, via Shutterstock
As the Mauritius’ government continued to decide upon the future course of action without undertaking any significant action in the present, Mauritians mobilized themselves and took the matters into their own hands.
“When this leakage started there was a sense of revolt within the population…there is a sense of love for the country and trying to save it…The reefs protect us from waves, and the sea grass belts and the mangrove play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide…It’s a tragic story, which brings sorrow and anger.”
As told by Sunil Mokshanand Dowarkasing, an environmental expert and a former lawmaker, to The New York Times
Aa reported by Abdi Latif Dahir and Elian Peltier, tens and thousands of volunteers have been engaged in collecting donations on fundraising platforms; children have been busy in collecting straw from fields to help soak up the oil; people have been making makeshift booms using donated hair and plastic bottles to accelerate cleanup activities. Several others are scrubbing contaminated beaches, donating money, offering food and free accommodation to volunteers, and raising online awareness among the masses.
Mauritians made barriers of straw and fabric to contain the oil slick.
Source: The New York Times
Credit: Laura Morosoli/EPA, via Shutterstock
Voices have emerged from the various quarters to protest against the government and hold the political leaders responsible for its inability and inept attitudes to minimize the damage.
Call for protest on the 29th of August, 2020, in the capital city of Port Louis
Even as the oil spill seems to have already changed the things irrevocably for a significant population of Mauritius and the future may be nothing but bleak, the courage, the unity, the solidarity of the citizens towards the cause is worth appreciating and emulating.
LearnBlue Global’s #SaveMauritiusWater Campaign
In order to raise awareness on the Mauritius Oil Spill and hold the government responsible for mishandling the crisis, LearnBlue Global has started the #SaveMauritiusWater campaign. Among our many demands, we ask for more transparency regarding the situation and establishment of rehabilitation centers.
Being a concerned citizen of the world and for the sake of a better environment, it becomes our prime duty to heed to the call for ACTION. Even when the government’s claim to have supreme authority, the real power to bring a positive change still lies with the citizens. If anything, the Mauritians have taught us this lesson. For, the change will always begin with us! #ItBeginsWithUs
Still wondering how to help and take action?
Sign the petition, NOW.