At a one-day session organised by the Clean Caribbean Cooperative, Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said The Bahamas is a major transshipment area for vessels transporting oil, and the government must remain alert to the serious economic impact of spills, which could result in reduced tourism and destruction of fisheries.
All participants in oil-spill contingency plans should be familiar with the procedures in order to effectively perform their duties, she said.
Between January and June of this year, Mrs. Hanna-Martin said, there were 18 reported cases of oil spills in Bahamian waters and three confirmed cases of petroleum contamination on land.
The government recognises the vulnerability of the country to the worst effects of an oil spill, especially because of the significant quantities of crude oil handled at transshipment facilities in Grand Bahama, she told the gathering.
Vessels containing bunker “C” lubricants and white fuels pass through the islands on a frequent basis, while pleasure craft, mail boats, and cruise ships move throughout our waters continually.
“For these reasons, we should be aware of the real potential for a major disaster and the imperative need to be in a position to respond quickly to avoid a catastrophe,” Mrs. Hanna-Martin said.
She said the government is taking a proactive stance by having resources and expertise available.
“The openness, transparency, and identification of a clear line of command will allow for quick and effective response. The chain of command is clearly set out in the national oil spill plan and, in this regard I encourage all of our strategic partners to familiarize themselves with the plan.”
The contingency plan must be regularly tested and updated, and the command and control system, as well as organisation structure should be known to all key governmental departments and agencies involved, she said.
While the technical aspects of dealing with a spill are clearly important, the effectiveness of the response to a major pollution event will ultimately depend on the quality of organisation and control aspects of the clean-up operation, she said.
In 1999, more than 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled into the waters in Elizabeth Harbour, in Exuma, sparking the new oil spill plan.
On Christmas Eve, 2002, the Front Highness narrowly averted a spill, which would have been the largest, because it contained more fuel than the “Prestige” off the cast of Spain.
“The ecological impact of marine spills can cause serious damage to natural resources and to those whose livelihood depend upon these resources. Hotels and restaurant owners and others who gain their livelihood from the tourist trade can be adversely affected. The local fishing industry can be serious impacted also.
“It is well known that catches of fish and shellfish have been reduced in fishing areas affected by a spill,” Mrs. Hanna-Martin said.
By KEVA LIGHTBOURNE Guardian Staff Reporter
