Call for long-term monitoring system to tackle marine disasters

Scientists and maritime experts also demand a mechanism to keep track of the growing vessel traffic on Kerala coastline following the opening of Vizhinjam port

- MANOJ VISWANATHAN @Kochi

TWO maritime disasters -- a shipwreck and a fire on board a vessel carrying dangerous goods -- within a span of three weeks have caused concern about maritime security and damage to marine ecosystem on Kerala coast. Apart from oil spill, release of toxic chemicals, pesticide contamination and chemical fire releasing toxic plumes have triggered a debate on the possible environmental, fisheries and navigational hazards caused by the incidents.

Scientists and maritime experts have demanded a mechanism to monitor the growing vessel traffic on Kerala coastline following the opening of Vizhinjam port and to ensure ships carrying dangerous goods do not pass close to the shoreline. "The Indian Coast Guard is well equipped to tackle pollution caused by ships as they have been leading such operations in South Asia for years. They have got all facilities and equipment to remove the oil spill," said K Sunil Muhammed, former principal scientist of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).