Home Southern Africa 18 Dolphins die due to oil leak off Mauritius coast

18 Dolphins die due to oil leak off Mauritius coast

207

(4 minutes read)

· Due to oil spill off the coast of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean, when the Japanese carrier MV Wakashio, hit aground letting more than 1,000 tons of fuel spread on a coral reef late last month, eighteen dead dolphins were washed ashore, according to reports

· The oil also spilled to soft soil of mangrove forests along the coastline, which the experts say, may cause considerable damage to the ecosystem

Due to oil spill off the coast of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean, when the Japanese carrier MV Wakashio, hit aground letting more than 1,000 tons of fuel spread on a coral reef late last month, eighteen dead dolphins were washed ashore, according to reports. A few dolphins still alive on the shore are said to be seriously ill. This is causing huge concerns to the environmentalists across the world.

The Mahebourg Lagoon, which was mostly affected, has a protected wetlands area, mangroves and a small island which is a bird and wildlife sanctuary. The oil also spilled to soft soil of mangrove forests along the coastline, which the experts say, may cause considerable damage to the ecosystem,

There are reports that the experts so far found no damage to the coral reef or bottom of the sea. But they apprehend that the remaining wreck may be grinding against the reef when waves push the wreck back and forth. That may damage the coral reef. Several environmental groups including Greenpeace have called for an investigation. The opposition parties in Manutius blame the government for acting late. But the government sources point out that preparedness of Mauritius to prevent any incident that causes damage to the marine system is one of the best in the world.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments