The recent occurrence of black, oil-emanating spheres, known as tarballs, has been reported on the coast of Mumbai Beach, sparking a wave of concern amongst environmentalists and marine biologists. These sticky masses, which range in size from small globules to as large as a basketball, are formed by the weathering of crude oil on the surface of ocean waters, and are often transported from the sea to the shore by currents and waves.
Understanding Tarballs
Tarballs are dark-coloured, sticky conglomerations of oil that result from crude oil floating on the ocean’s surface. These balls are formed through a process known as weathering, which occurs in marine environments. Their sizes can greatly vary, with some specimens being as large as basketballs, while others are merely tiny droplets. Irrespective of their size, tarballs are usually carried from the open sea to the coastal shores by sea currents and waves.
Frequently, the presence of numerous tarballs indicates an oil spill; however, their yearly appearance on the west coast during monsoon season has prompted marine biologists and experts to call for an investigation into the matter. Several factors contribute to the formation of tarballs, including oil-well blowouts, accidental and deliberate release of bilge and ballast water from ships, river runoff, municipal sewage discharges, and industrial effluents.
The Journey of Tarballs to the Shore
Once formed, tarballs embark on a journey from the open ocean to the coastlines, courtesy of sea currents and waves. After reaching the beaches, they can be manually picked up or removed with beach-cleaning machinery. However, their sticky nature often leads to a whole new set of problems.
Concerns Arising from Tarballs
One of the major problems caused by tarballs is the damage they inflict upon the fishing industry. Tarballs traveling toward the coast can adhere to fishing nets installed in the sea, making it difficult for fishermen to clean their equipment.
The presence of tarballs also poses a significant threat to marine life, particularly filter feeders such as clams and oysters. Owing to their resilience and ability to travel hundreds of miles, tarballs are hard to break down and eradicate, leading to widespread pollution of the marine ecosystem.
Moreover, tarballs pose a risk to human health by contaminating the larger food chain. Seafood sourced from coastal waters, including fish and other aquatic life, can become tainted, thereby posing potential health risks to consumers.
Tarball Pollution: A Global Concern
Tackling tarball pollution has become a global concern due to its wide-ranging impact on marine ecosystems, industries, and human health. The persistent nature of tarballs, coupled with their effects on both sea life and human livelihoods, places them among the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Therefore, addressing this issue necessitates immediate attention and action.