What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India? (150 words)

Meaning

Oil pollution is the release of crude oil or petroleum products into seas through tanker accidents, offshore operations, ports, pipelines, urban runoff or chronic leakage.

Ecological impacts

• Surface films reduce light and gas exchange; toxic hydrocarbons poison plankton, fish, corals and seabirds.
• Oil smothers mangroves, beaches and intertidal organisms, disrupts reproduction and bioaccumulates through food webs.
• Shoreline persistence and oxygen depletion delay ecosystem recovery.

Indian vulnerability

• India has a long, densely populated coastline, major ports, fisheries and sensitive mangroves, coral reefs and estuaries.
• Monsoon currents can spread a spill across coastal livelihoods and tourism; dependence on imported oil increases shipping risk.

Response

Strengthen port-state control, double-hull compliance, liability and compensation, satellite monitoring, tiered contingency plans and rapid containment.

Keywords

hydrocarbons; mangroves; bioaccumulation; MARPOL; contingency plan