Russia’s Transport Ministry claims all identified polluted areas have been cleaned, but Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov warned of a persistent threat of further leaks.
Incident Overview:
- Two tankers collided during a storm in the Kerch Strait on December 15.
- One tanker sank; the other ran aground, leading to a major oil spill.
Extent of Spill:
- Tankers carried 9,200 tonnes of fuel oil; approximately 40% spilled into the Black Sea.
- Cleanup efforts are ongoing but have been criticized as insufficient by Russian scientists.
Environmental Impact:
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the situation as “truly critical.”
- The Kerch Strait, a critical marine ecosystem and trade route, faces long-term ecological damage.
The Black Sea has seen a decline in marine life, including dolphins, molluscs, and crustaceans, due to war and pollution.
Additional Info:
- The Kerch Strait is a critical waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, strategically located between the Kerch Peninsula (part of Crimea) and the Taman Peninsula in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai. The strait plays an important role in maritime traffic, serving as the only sea route between these two bodies of water.
- The Black Sea is a significant marginal Mediterranean sea located between Europe and Asia. It is surrounded by the following geographic regions and countries:
- East: Balkans
- South: East European Plain
- West: Caucasus
- North: Anatolia
- Countries bordering the Black Sea:
- Bulgaria
- Georgia
- Romania
- Russia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Key features of the Black Sea:
- Drainage Basin: The sea’s drainage basin extends over parts of 24 countries in Europe, with major rivers such as the Danube, Dnieper, and Dniester feeding into the Black Sea. These rivers contribute significantly to the sea’s freshwater influx and influence its ecological and environmental characteristics.
- Strategic Importance: The Black Sea has been of historical and geopolitical importance due to its location, providing access to the Mediterranean and serving as a trade route connecting Europe with Asia. Its waters are also vital for the economic and military activities of the bordering nations.
- Ecological Aspects: The Black Sea is known for its unique ecosystem, including its relatively low salinity compared to other seas, due to the high influx of freshwater from the rivers. However, the Black Sea faces environmental challenges like pollution, overfishing, and the depletion of oxygen in its deeper waters, making it prone to “dead zones.”