Assessing the Impact of the Sundarbans Oil Spill
Ashton Routhier
Overview
The oil spill in the Sundarbans was caused by the collision and sinking of the oil tanker Southern Star 7, which was struck by the freighter M/V Total on December 9, 2014. This accident released approximately 325,000 liters of heavy oil into the waters and shoreline of the Sundarbans, a critical UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's largest mangrove forests. In response, NOAA has taken a leading role within the UN assessment team, providing expertise to the Mangrove and Wildlife groups and guiding efforts to mitigate the environmental impact.
Introduction
December 29, 2014 - NOAA Offers Support to UN Team in Sundarbans Oil Spill Assessment
In a significant environmental response effort, NOAA is providing critical assistance to a United Nations team that has arrived in the Sundarbans. This team is part of a larger assessment initiative aimed at aiding the Government of Bangladesh following the release of approximately 325,000 liters (over 85,000 gallons) of heavy oil. The oil spill occurred when the oil tanker Southern Star 7 sank near the port of Mongla on December 9, 2014, after being struck by the freighter M/V Total.
Initial Incident Overview
The oil spill in the Sundarbans, one of the world's largest mangrove forests and a UNESCO World Heritage site, poses a severe threat to the region's rich biodiversity. The collision and subsequent sinking of Southern Star 7 resulted in the release of a substantial amount of heavy oil, contaminating the water and shoreline. The immediate aftermath saw local authorities and environmental agencies scramble to contain the damage, but the complexity of the ecosystem required more specialized intervention.
Formation and Structure of the UN Assessment Team
To address the multifaceted impacts of the spill, the UN assessment team has been divided into six specialized subgroups: Oiling Extent, Response, Aquatic, Mangrove, Wildlife, and Human/Livelihood. NOAA, known for its expertise in environmental protection and disaster response, is leading the Mangrove and Wildlife groups. These groups are tasked with evaluating the extent of the oil contamination and developing strategies for the protection and restoration of these critical habitats.
NOAA's Expertise and Contributions
NOAA's involvement is pivotal given its extensive experience in managing oil spill impacts, particularly in sensitive ecological zones like mangrove forests. The agency recently updated a comprehensive report on mangrove ecosystems, providing valuable insights into mitigating oil spill damage. This report is a crucial resource for responders, helping to minimize environmental impacts and guide restoration efforts.
Initial Findings and Recommendations
On January 14, 2015, initial findings and recommendations from the UN assessment team were presented to the Bangladesh Ministry of Environment and Forests. These findings are expected to offer detailed strategies for protecting the Sundarbans' unique ecosystem. The team's recommendations will focus on immediate response measures, long-term restoration plans, and policies to prevent future incidents.
https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/about/media/noaa-assisting-un-spill-response-team-bangladesh.html