29 May Marine Pollution from Ships: An Emerging Threat to Ocean Health
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic of Marine Pollution from Ships: An Emerging Threat to Ocean Health
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-3- Environment- Marine Pollution from Ships: An Emerging Threat to Ocean Health
FOR PRELIMS
What are oil spills from ships? Why are they harmful, and how can we clean them up?
FOR MAINS
What role does the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) play in reducing ship pollution?
Why in the News?
Authorities in Kerala have issued an environmental alert after a Liberian-flagged cargo vessel sank off the Kochi coast in the Arabian Sea, leaking oil and hazardous cargo. The incident threatens the ecologically sensitive coastal region, known for its rich marine biodiversity and tourism. While all 24 crew members were rescued, drifting containers and leaked substances—including oil and chemicals—pose serious risks to marine ecosystems, public health, and the local economy. Emergency response teams have been deployed to contain the spill and prevent further damage.
What is ocean pollution due to ships?
Ocean pollution from ships refers to the release of harmful substances such as oil, plastic, chemicals, ballast water, sewage, and air pollutants into the sea through ship-based operations, accidents, or negligence.
Significant sources of ship-induced Ocean pollution
1. Oil Spills: Caused by collisions, groundings, or sinkings of tankers and cargo ships carrying large volumes of fuel oil.
2. Plastic & Solid Waste Dumping: Includes improper disposal of packaging, fishing gear, and garbage; container losses during storms release plastic debris.
3. Ballast Water Discharge: Introduces invasive species, disrupting marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
4. Sewage & Greywater Discharge: Untreated waste from cruise and passenger ships contaminates coastal waters.
5. Air Pollution & Ocean Acidification: Emissions of SOx, NOx, and particulates contribute to air pollution and acidify marine waters.
6. Hazardous & Chemical Spills: Includes accidental release of toxic cargoes like fertilisers, industrial chemicals, and solvents.
Reasons for the growing ocean pollution from ships
1. Increased Maritime Traffic: Rising global trade has led to a higher number of cargo ships, tankers, and cruise liners traversing the oceans.
2. Ageing and Poorly Maintained Vessels: Older ships are more prone to technical failures, leaks, and accidents that can result in pollution.
3. Inadequate Waste Management Systems: Many ships lack proper facilities to treat sewage, greywater, and garbage before discharge.
4. Weak Enforcement of International Regulations: Lax monitoring and enforcement under MARPOL and other conventions, especially on the high seas, allow non-compliance.
5. Flag of Convenience Practices: Ships registered in countries with lenient environmental standards often bypass stricter pollution controls.
6. Container Loss and Marine Litter: Rough seas and poor cargo securing lead to containers falling overboard, releasing plastic and hazardous materials.
7. Improper Ballast Water Management: Discharge of untreated ballast water leads to biological contamination and the spread of invasive species.
8. Use of Low-Quality Bunker Fuels: High-sulphur fuels used by ships emit harmful pollutants, contributing to both air and ocean degradation.
9. Accidental Spills and Collisions: Increased shipping density raises the chances of accidents that lead to oil and chemical spills
Impact of ship-based pollution
1. Marine Ecosystem Degradation: Oil spills and chemical leaks harm coral reefs, fish, and marine mammals, disrupting food chains.
2. Biodiversity Loss: Ballast water discharge introduces invasive species, threatening native marine flora and fauna.
3. Coastal Pollution: Solid waste, sewage, and drifting cargo contaminate coastlines, affecting local habitats and livelihoods.
4. Fisheries Decline: Contaminated waters reduce fish stocks and breeding grounds, impacting both subsistence and commercial fishing.
5. Public Health Hazards: Polluted seafood and contaminated water sources pose risks of disease and long-term health issues for coastal communities.
6. Tourism Industry Losses: Polluted beaches, dead marine life, and oil slicks deter tourists, affecting local economies.
7. Air Quality Deterioration: Emissions of sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter from ships affect coastal and global air quality.
8. Ocean Acidification and Climate Change: Shipping emissions contribute to atmospheric CO₂, accelerating ocean acidification and global warming.
International legal framework
1. MARPOL (1973/78): Main convention to prevent marine pollution from ships (oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage, air emissions).
2. UNCLOS (1982): Obligates states to protect the marine environment; allows regulation of ship-based pollution in national waters and EEZ.
3. Ballast Water Management Convention (2004): Controls the spread of invasive species via treated ballast water discharge.
4. London Convention (1972) & Protocol (1996): Regulates and restricts the dumping of harmful waste and incineration at sea.
5. Basel Convention (1989): Governs transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous ship waste (relevant to shipbreaking).
6. International Maritime Organisation (IMO): UN body that oversees the implementation and enforcement of global maritime pollution regulations.
Challenges in enforcement
1. Lack of Monitoring on High Seas: Difficulty in tracking pollution incidents in international waters due to vast ocean areas.
2. Flags of Convenience: Ships registered in countries with weak environmental laws evade stricter regulations.
3. Inadequate Port State Controls: Many ports lack the capacity or will to inspect ships and ensure compliance with international norms.
4. Limited Surveillance Infrastructure: Developing countries often lack satellite, radar, and marine patrol systems for effective enforcement.
5. Jurisdictional Issues: Complexities in prosecuting pollution offences involving multiple countries’ laws and waters.
6. Economic Pressures on the Shipping Industry: Cost-cutting leads to non-compliance with waste treatment and fuel standards.
7. Weak Penalties and Deterrents: Fines or legal actions are often too lenient to deter violations.
8. Delayed Incident Reporting: Many pollution events go unreported or are reported too late for effective response.
Conclusion
Ship-induced ocean pollution has emerged as a growing maritime crisis, threatening marine biodiversity, coastal economies, and global ecological balance. Despite comprehensive international conventions like MARPOL and UNCLOS, enforcement gaps, weak surveillance, and rising maritime traffic continue to undermine effective control. The recent incident off the Kerala coast underscores the urgent need for strengthened global cooperation, stricter enforcement of pollution laws, enhanced port-state controls, and investment in pollution-monitoring technologies. Ensuring sustainable maritime practices is crucial not only for protecting oceans but also for securing the livelihoods and well-being of millions who depend on marine resources.
Prelims Questions
Q. Consider the following pollutants commonly associated with maritime shipping:
1. Ballast water
2. Sulphur oxides
3. Microplastics
4. Industrial wastewater
Which of the above are directly associated with pollution from ships?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 4 only
D. All of the above
Answer: B
Mains Questions
Q. Ship-induced ocean pollution poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems, coastal economies, and human health. Discuss the major sources, impacts, international legal framework, and challenges in enforcement. Suggest measures to strengthen ocean governance in this context.
(250 words, 15 marks)
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