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Oil spill near Mauritius
Why is it in News?
- Mauritius declares emergency due to oil spill in Indian Ocean of its coast.
Details:
- Ship owned by Japan was carrying fuel and it began to spill due to cracks.
- As Mauritius depends on tourism, oil spill threatened its tourism and economy.
- Effects of oil spill on marine life:
(1) Oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters.
(2) Oil also destroys the water repellency of a bird's feathers.
(3) Without the ability to repel water and insulate from the cold water, birds and mammals will die from hypothermia.
(4) Juvenile sea turtles can become trapped in oil and mistake it for food.
(5) Dolphins and whales can inhale oil, which can affect lungs, immune function and reproduction.
(6) Fish, shellfish, and corals may not be exposed immediately, but can come into contact with oil if it is mixed into the water column.
(7) Shellfish can also be exposed in the intertidal zone.
(8) When exposed to oil, adult fish may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers, changes in heart and respiration rates, fin erosion, and reproduction impairment.
(9) Oil can make fish and shellfish unsafe for humans to eat.