32 Dolphins Dead from Kerch Strait Oil Spill, Environmental Disaster Declared by Authorities

Three weeks ago, two storm-stricken tankers' fuel oil spill in the Kerch Strait, separating the Russia-occupied Crimean Peninsula and Russia's southern Krasnodar region, caused the death of thirty-two dolphins, as reported by an animal rescue group.

Russia's Delfa Dolphin Rescue and Research Center stated that the deaths of the dolphins were "most likely related to the fuel oil spill.

Record of the Incident and Consequences

Since the incident, a total of 61 dead cetaceans, including whales and dolphins, have been recorded, with the center noting that the majority of these cetaceans died in the first 10 days after the disaster.

The Russia-appointed officials in Moscow-occupied Crimea declared a regional emergency on Saturday after oil was detected on the shores of Sevastopol, the peninsula's largest city some 250 kilometers (155 miles) from the Kerch Strait.

The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has labeled the oil spill as an "ecological disaster." Furthermore, following estimates made in December, it was reported that up to 200,000 tons in total may have been contaminated with mazut, a heavy, low-quality oil product.

Moreover, the Emergencies Ministry of Russia has taken measures to clean up the incident site, removing over 96,000 tons of contaminated sand and soil along the Krasnodar region's Anapa and Temryuk districts' shoreline, as it works to assist in recovering from this environmental crisis.

New Environmental Challenges

On a more recent note, the ministry revealed the discovery of two new oil slicks, one off the seaside resort of Anapa and the other in the bay of Kapsel, with the second slick extending two kilometers.

Furthermore, following reports made by the Russian news agency TASS, officials related the challenges faced in addressing the oil spill, stating that the type of fuel oil involved in the incident is particularly hard to clean due to its density and heaviness, making it non-floatable at the surface.

Broader Impact and Response

The incident in the Kerch Strait is a stark reminder of the fragility of marine ecosystems and poses significant challenges to the conservation of marine life. With the shoreline heavily impacted, efforts to clean up over 68 kilometers of coastline have been reported, highlighting the extensive reach of the spill.

Internationally, the environmental disaster has drawn attention, with prominent figures, including advisors to the Ukrainian President, condemning the oil spill as a "large-scale environmental disaster" and advocating for further sanctions on Russian tankers.

Historical Context and Ongoing Concerns

The Kerch Strait holds significant historical and geopolitical importance, serving as a crucial global shipping route between the inland Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. Moreover, it has been a focal point of tension between Russia and Ukraine since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, leading to legal disputes and temporary closures of the strait in subsequent years.

Lessons from Past Oil Spills

This environmental tragedy is not an isolated occurrence, as oil spills have had devastating effects on marine life in recent years. Reports from previous incidents in southern Louisiana, including the death of aquatic salamanders, turtles, dolphins, and other wildlife, highlight the profound and lasting impact of oil spills on diverse marine ecosystems.

The interconnection between oil spills and the decline of fine species, underscored by the demise of dolphins in Mauritius following a massive oil spill from a Japanese vessel, underscores the far-reaching consequences of such incidents on global marine biodiversity.