Mauritius Oil Spill

On July 25th 2020, Japanese owned ship, the MV Wakashio ran into the coral reef Point d'Esny with 4000 tonnes of fuel oil. The subsequent 1000 tonnes of oil spilled has become an enormous issue for local tourism, the Mauritian economy, international wildlife preservationists, and scientists. While this oil spill may not be comparable in size to many other oil spills, it's ramifications may be significantly more impactful.

Police have established that the captain of the ship, Sunil Nandeshwar, has been arrested for endangering safe navigation. Law enforcement also detailed that the accidental crash onto the reef was a result of a birthday party or an attempt to get wifi closer to land.

The oil spill is receiving so much attention due to the long term impacts it could have on the environment and ecosystem of Mauritius. The previously turquoise water is now stained black and brown. This is intensely detracting from touristic appeal resulting in a blow to the economy. Moreover, the Point d'Esny is known for being a biodiversity hotspot with plants and animals unique to the area. This oil spill is not only resulting in the death of much of Mauritius sea life, but it is also resulting in coral bleaching.

As a result of the oil spill, the area will see its wildlife struggle to reproduce and grow, and a lower tolerance for lesion/disease. It is essential that the international community put this in the spotlight in order to highlight the vitality of careful oil transportation, as there is nothing worth jeopardizing the environment for.