An Oil spill in the Gulf of paria

The bitter taste left by unsustainable practices and aging infrastructure raises its ugly head.
During the week of 8th-13th August 2021, marine activities from the Claxton Bay, Carli Bay (Couva), and even as far south as Point a Pierre area came to an almost complete halt as a result of sightings of a glossy film on the waters of the Gulf of Paria, Trinidad. 

On Wednesday 11th August, Several NGO's consisting of representatives from Environment Tobago, Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS), The Cari-Bois News Network (Cropper Foundation), and media personnel embarked on an eventful expedition on a fishing boat to examine the extent of the spillage.

The team spoke to operators of nearby fishing vessel operators, and also observed tugboats from the Paria Trading Company going through the oil in circular motions which was with a view of using chemical deposits in the water to disburse or break up the oil, allowing nature to take its course. Several areas in the gulf after much examination on that said day, showed signs of the film and remnants of oily deposits floating in various but well spaced areas. 

The experience as described by those affected:
First hand experience and interviews in particular from the affected fisher folk that lost engines and also nets as a result of this spillage demonstrated that a harsh reality that exists. A clear and direct indication that petroleum industries and management of their deposits and safety practices generally need immediate attention, and should be treated with as a top priority or emergency. 

As a result of this and the genuine fears and ongoing concerns of the fisher folk, they quickly sought to notify various interest groups and in particular the Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS). Along with this  The Management Authority (EMA) as first responders, and the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) were also put on alert as to the sightings and what the fisher folk experienced in the Gulf of Paria. 

In due course of a series of visits spanning a three day period, examinations indicated that oil was coming from sections of ruptured piping or runoff systems originating from the Paria Fuel Trading Company operations at Point a Pierre. An even more shocking observation made was the volume of oil that was found in several quarters, particularly close to the Point a Pierre area. Another key fact found is that already the ocean current has contributed to this oil being taken out about 1-2 nautical miles further out into the Gulf of Paria. 

During the investigations on the part of this team, the FFOS have since asked for seafaring parties, and anyone else operating within the marine space to be vigilant and to observe closely if they see any of the oil. Several parties inclusive of the fisher folk and their associations that represent the affected groups, have called upon the authorities to ensure that the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) is carried out and implemented as the spillage has the ability to reach on shore and affect the coastal mainly the seafront areas. 

FFOS along with representatives from the fisher folk association from the Couva/Carli-bay are actively lobbying for the authorities to make a public statement on the cause of the spill, volume, nature of the hydrocarbon content spilled, and the originating location along with the company responsible. Facts about ongoing spillage and previous sightings of petroleum industry related environmental disasters that have occurred in Trinidad and Tobago.  

To date, it is important to note that there have been well in excess of 377 incidents of chemical, and petroleum bi-product spills since 2015 and no entity or individual has ever been charged, tried, prosecuted or held accountable for such environmental atrocities. Further to this alarming rate of spillage and contamination into a sensitive eco-system, in areas bordering the gulf such as the mangroves, it is also noted that aging pipeline systems, and storage facilities are factors that contribute to this already exacerbated situation over a period of 5-10 years.

Having said that, another important point to consider is that hydrocarbon has a detrimental and long lasting impact on our marine and other nearby eco-systems. Such occurrences will continue to affect the shores of Trinidad and Tobago, but the real challenge is navigating such a tricky situation, and getting all stakeholders inclusive of the governance structure to adhere to best practices.

Prevention is certainly better than cure, and the sincere hope that all is done going forward to avoid such environmental hazards and man made catastrophes from occurring in the future.  After all is said and done, who will speak up on behalf of the environment?