The ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has launched a study to assess the changes in the marine environment following the MSC Elsa-3 shipwreck that occurred 38 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. The study is currently being conducted in four-member teams on the coastal areas of Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The teams are collecting water, phytoplankton and sediment samples from 10 stations in these districts at regular intervals for the investigation.
Water quality parameters, including dissolved oxygen content, pH, nutrients, etc., are being studied. The presence of oil and grease in the water and soil is also being studied to detect any potential oil spill. Benthic organisms in the coastal soil are also being collected and tested.
Although on-board survey was initiated, sampling from in and around the accident site was not possible due to adverse weather conditions. This will be undertaken once the conditions improve in the coming days. Ongoing adverse weather has also prevented testing of fish samples, as fishing activities are currently not possible. Benthic organisms in the sea will also be collected using grabs for analysis.
According to Director Dr Grinson George, the study aims to understand various types of marine pollution associated with the shipwreck. Guidelines for future management measures will be decided based on the output of the study and will be provided to relevant agencies, he added.
