Oil leak causes ecological disaster in Kamchatka, Russia
The black volcanic sand of Khalaktyrsky beach – one of the gems of the Kamchatka peninsula – is littered with hundreds of dead sea animals. This is the legacy of the fossil fuel industry.
Photo: Greenpeace Russia
A leak of oil products from a commercial tanker has caused devastation to wildlife along the Kamchatka Peninsula. The 1,250-kilometre-long volcanic peninsula in the Far East of Russia is well known for its breathtaking scenery and stunning natural environment. The Pacific Ocean waves, favoured by local surfers and loved by tourists, now have a strong toxic smell and the colour of the water has a clear yellow tinge. The black volcanic sand of Khalaktyrsky beach – one of the gems of the Kamchatka peninsula – is littered with hundreds of dead sea animals, from deep-sea Giant Pacific octopuses, to seals, sea urchins, stars, crabs and fish.
Surfers got sick. Dead octopi washed up on shore.
On the environmental disaster in Kamchatka: https://t.co/zS998ZaCj7
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) October 5, 2020
“To avoid such a catastrophe in the future, we need to end the fossil fuels era and develop a Green Deal for Russia and the EECCA region,” said Svitlana Romanko, 350.org EECCA Managing Director.
Three weeks ago surfers reported burning sensation in their eyes, strong headaches, often fevers, throat aches and a feeling of losing eyesight after getting out of the water.
Water analysis carried out by the Ministry of Natural Resources showed there was a spike in levels of phenols (2.5 times) and oil products (3.6 times). Images shared across social media — including by popular blogger Yuri Dud — over the weekend showed dead octopuses, large fish, sea urchins, crabs, and other marine animals had washed up on the shore.
A spokesperson for TASS representing the emergency services of the region confirmed on Monday 5th of October that an oil spill was the cause of the leak. The area is situated near the Avacha gulf, a shipping lane for oil tankers. Environmental activists are demanding an investigation to determine what happened and the extent of the contamination.
Read more from 350.org and Greenpeace Russia on how cities and the region can choose a Green Deal instead of destroying the natural environment for fossil fuels.