In recent weeks, Kerala has been shaken by two significant maritime incidents—a shipwreck and a fire on a vessel carrying hazardous materials. These events have raised serious concerns regarding maritime security and their potential impact on the marine ecosystem along the Kerala coast. The shipwreck and subsequent fire released various harmful substances into the environment, sparking a heated discussion about the environmental, fisheries, and navigational risks associated with such incidents.
The fire aboard the MV Wan Hai 503 on June 9, which led to the loss of containers filled with flammable liquids, industrial chemicals, and pesticides off the Beypore coast, poses severe risks not only due to the immediate release of toxic substances but also because of the 2,000 tonnes of fuel and 240 tonnes of diesel present on the vessel at the time of the incident. Concerns surrounding oil spills and chemical releases have intensified as scientists and maritime experts urge a more comprehensive monitoring system to safeguard the coastal waters of Kerala.
Former principal scientist of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), K Sunil Muhammed, emphasized the need for a robust long-term monitoring strategy to manage maritime accidents and pollution in Kerala’s coastal waters. He advocated for a state-level maritime disaster management authority that would include technical experts to effectively respond to future maritime accidents. Current operations by the Indian Coast Guard, which has a track record of handling maritime pollution in South Asia, underscore the necessity for ongoing vigilance and enhanced capabilities to address these incidents.
The potential environmental fallout from chemical contaminants and oil spills is alarming. For instance, the release of marine diesel from sunken vessels can create surface slicks that block sunlight, crucial for photosynthesis in phytoplankton, which forms the base of the marine food web. Exposure to oil can also hamper fish respiration and damage benthic organisms. Furthermore, hazardous materials like hydrobromic acid and methyl methacrylate can significantly alter the chemical composition of seawater, while compounds such as potassium nitrate may contribute to harmful algal blooms, leading to oxygen depletion in the water and the formation of dead zones.
Given the expected increase in vessel traffic due to the opening of the Vizhinjam port, where more ships carrying dangerous goods will navigate closer to shore, experts stress the urgency of implementing effective monitoring and regulatory measures. These measures should focus on ensuring that hazardous cargo vessels avoid passing too close to fragile coastal ecosystems.
Overall, the maritime incidents off Kerala’s coast underline the pressing need for an integrated and proactive approach to maritime safety and environmental protection, as well as highlighting the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including research institutions and governmental authorities, to mitigate the risks posed by increasing maritime activities.
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