Foreword

Pollution of marine environment by crude oil or petroleum products arises from tanker accidents, deballasting operations, tank washing, offshore production, coastal refineries, municipal and industrial wastes, atmospheric fall outs and natural seepages. The latest estimate of oil and its products that finally reaches the marine environment by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP 1992) indicates about 2.33 million tonnes per year. Almost 50 percent of this is contributed by land based activities. The oil production in the world over is 3452 million tonnes, out of which 2026 million tonnes are transported to different parts of the world. The lion share is transported through marine environment. Among this 45 percent of the transport originates from Middle East countries and passes through Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. From this we may be able to assume the vulnerability of our seas and coastal environment to oil pollution.

The coastal marine environment is considered to be one of the most dynamic and biologically productive environments on the earth. Besides, it varies in nature from loose muddy to consolidated rocky cliffs in our country. Therefore, the implementation of appropriate action for coastal or marine oil spills requires a combination of environmental, logistical and operational knowledge. Through this compilation we have tried to bring out a comprehensive document on oil pollution and our marine environment. The efforts made by our colleagues, working at the Zonal Office, Vadodara, to collect the data/information and compile this document are appreciated. The co-operation rendered by the Department of Ocean Development, Government of India and Indian Coast Guard, Government of India by providing data / information is gratefully acknowledged.

We hope that this document will be useful to all concerned with oil pollution and marine environment.