A recent report released by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) stated that approximately 100 tonnes of oil have leaked in the Black Sea.
Now, Russian scientists launched a pollution probe to examine the coast between Novorossiysk and the resort town of Anapa.
Here is what you need to know.
How Dangerous is the Oil Slick?
The recent event could bring the Black Sea closer to a worst-case scenario. The massive oil slick reported by the WWF could threaten the sea’s ecosystem if not investigated.
The area also has some of the country’s best beaches.
Where did the leak happen?
The leak happened at a sea terminal close to the southern port city of Novorossiysk.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) reported that the spill was contained. It was estimated that 12 cubic meters (423 cubic feet) of oil had spread over 200 square meters (2,150 square feet).
On August 8, the CPC announced that the situation was back to normal. Also, the oil slick posed no danger to wildlife or the local population.
However, the Russian scientists and the WWF think otherwise. Apparently, the oil slick was a lot more dangerous than initially reported and could affect the environment.
As per WWF’s findings, the slick has spread over an area of 94 square kilometers by August 8.
Moreover, when Greenpeace released its statement, more shocking details emerge. Apparently, the polluted region could be 400,000 larger than first reported.
Dolphinarium Under Threat
WWF published on Facebook the following message:
“Despite the prompt involvement of rescue teams, the oil spread over a colossal area.”
A dolphinarium outside the well-known resort town of Anapa reported that the oil slicks could’ve been observed on the surface. The staff is now working its best to protect marine mammals.
The situation might worsen, and people’s health could be really in danger, not only the animals’.
