Exploring the catastrophic oil spill in Tobago

In the waters off the coast of Tobago, a dual environmental crisis has emerged. An oil spill, originating from the vessel "Gulfstream," has been observed extending as far as 144 kilometers (89 miles) west of Tobago, potentially reaching Venezuela. This incident coincides with an influx of sargassum, the brown seaweed that has been plaguing Caribbean coastlines.

The Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is leading the cleanup efforts, with assistance from various organizations. The National Oil Spill Contingency Plan of Trinidad and Tobago has been triggered to address the spill. Notably, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has provided assistance with the cleanup work on the oil barrier in Tobago.

The interaction between oil and sargassum is uncertain. On one hand, clean-up efforts alongside sargassum have been effective in catching oil and making it easier to collect. On the other hand, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggests that the mixing of sargassum with oil may cause oil to sink and negatively affect organisms on the seafloor.

The Petit Trou Lagoon, an ecologically sensitive area and popular tourist site, has been significantly affected by the spill. Structurally complex systems like mangroves, which provide crucial habitats for various organisms, may have suffered damage. TEMA has advised against the collection, sale, and consumption of fish from affected areas.

By February 13, TEMA had made noticeable progress in removing oil from certain waters and containing the spill using a floating barrier called a boom. However, divers were unable to stop the leak at its source due to turbulent waters and limited visibility.

The effects of an oil spill can be detrimental to marine life and human livelihoods. Fumes from oil can cause respiratory damage if inhaled and poison organisms if ingested, which can affect human health if consumed.

Images released by TEMA show oil mixing with and being impeded by large mats of sargassum. Sargassum can form extensive "mats" and serve as habitats for various organisms. However, the long-term impact of this dual environmental challenge on these ecosystems remains uncertain.

The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) is focusing on analyzing samples from Petit Trou and other selected areas to monitor changes in hydrocarbon concentrations. This data will be crucial in understanding the extent of the damage and the recovery process.

This oil spill is not an isolated incident. Over the past several years, Trinidad and Tobago has experienced several other spills, including the 2020 "Nabarima" incident. As the cleanup efforts continue, it is hoped that lessons learned from these past incidents will help in mitigating the impact of future spills.