Mauritius is best known for its wonderful white beaches, boasting over 150 km of beaches around its shoreline. However, on July 25, a Japanese oil tanker known as the Wakashio broke into two in the seas off Mauritius whilst on its way to Brazil. Officials claim that cracks in a cargo hold led to this disaster in which approximately 1000 tons of fuel oil was leaked into nearby waters. The ship broke just two kilometers off Blue Bay Marine Park, which is an important conservation area, raising concerns that the local ecosystem could be badly affected.

By August 28, at least 40 dolphins were found dead or seriously ill near the site of the oil spill in Mauritius causing concerns that the wildlife and the pristine environment of the area could be significantly affected. The government of Mauritius stated that it is not clear if the oil killed the dolphins, but experts are already naming the situation as the worst ecological disaster in the history of Mauritius.

The Ecological Damage and Associated Health Risks

Oil spills can affect plants, animals, and humans in two ways. First, the oil itself can have a negative impact on plants and animals, and secondly, the process of the clean-up operations can harm humans. In the case of spilled oil, it can affect animals from internal exposure following ingestion or inhaling. In the case of external exposure, this can choke animals and reduce their ability to maintain their body temperature.

To quote Professor Park Hyun Je (Department of Marine Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University), among the pollutants within the leaked fuel oil, there exists a substance called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (P.A.H.s). Depending on the amount of exposure to this deadly chemical, marine life could die and, in cases of low exposure, lose reproductive abilities or its capability to grow.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (I.D.P.H), if this chemical is consumed, people will encounter long term health defects including but not limited to kidney and liver damage, cataracts, and if exposed, inflammation of the skin. In Mauritius, volunteer workers have attempted to clean the oil spill with minimal or no protective gear, which may pose a serious threat to them. Another concern is that the fish caught in the area may be consumed by the locals, resulting in serious health issues.

How Oil Could Be Cleared and Its Economic Impacts

Prior to the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, almost ten percent of the Mauritian economy relied on tourism. According to a Channel News Asia (CNA) report, many environmentalists argue that the oil spill could take up to 35 years to overcome, possibly a death blow to the Mauritian tourism industry.

Another impact of the oil spill will be the downfall of the fishing industry. As fish contaminated by P.A.H.s are wholly unsuitable for human consumption, the fishing industry of the country may suffer terrible losses, and countries importing the nation’s fish may place an embargo on the products citing health concerns. In addition, Mauritius has an exclusive economic zone (E.E.Z) of approximately 1.7 million square kilometers. Professor Park maintains that fishing will be impossible before clearing the oil spill, which will, without doubt, be detrimental to the island nation’s economy. As many people rely on the fishing and tourism industries, this event may lead to a long-term recession for the country.

Furthermore, Professor Park states that it is realistically challenging to reduce pollutants to levels before the oil spill. An effective way to clean up the oil spill could be to stop the entire fishing and tourism industry. This should be followed by reducing pollutants to safe levels with the utilization of both artificial and natural means. However, both of these methods will require an extended period of time and the local population's consent.

For Mauritius to be able to withstand this crisis, it may need reimbursements from the Nagashiki Shipping Company, the oil tanker’s owner, or Japan. As the damage is significant, this price is expected to be immense. The offending parties may therefore have second thoughts on compensating Mauritius. In an interview with Bloomberg, the former President of Mauritius Ameenah Gurib-Fakim stated that there has been “a deafening silence from the shipping industry.” That is, Mauritius, the victim, has yet to hear any word from the offending parties. It may, therefore, lead to a long legal struggle for the island nation to receive its compensation.

In order to help with the situation, one team of specialists was sent by Japan to assess the damage done to the local environment and another team to help with the oil spill. This has led environmentalists to criticize the Japanese government for its *weak and slow* response following the disaster. Although the Mauritian government has continued to express its desires for compensation, Nagashiki Shipping stated that “it feels its responsibilities acutely,” perhaps implying no intention to compensate Mauritius.

What Could Be Done to Prevent Future Accidents

As long as humanity relies on oil, similar accidents may repeat in the future. South Korea has experienced its own oil leaks on a frequent basis as well. In the opinion of Professor Park, among the many factors, the main cause of such accidents is human negligence. To prevent or minimize such accidents, education on safety must be conducted flawlessly, and in cases of oil leaks, immediate responses will be required to curtail the aftereffects of such leaks.

Additionally, an early warning system to report on any signs of accidents will be required for a quick response. A control system will be needed to deal with such issues, and to ensure that everyone knows what to do, simulations of oil leaks will be helpful. These measures will not prevent future accidents entirely but minimize their frequency and the damage resulting from them.

The unfortunate accident at Mauritius is expected to have a lasting impact on the country. Indeed, it remains to be seen whether the accident will have a lasting impact on the nation or if an effective response can swiftly end the crisis. It is hoped that the Mauritius oil damage will provide the opportunity for countries to prepare adequate preventive measures so that similar tragedies do not occur.