Bulgarian officials have confirmed that the recent oil spill in the Kerch Strait, resulting from damage to two Russian tankers, poses no immediate threat to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastline. This assurance comes after rigorous monitoring and sampling efforts.
Surroundings and Water Minister Petar Dimitrov,speaking at a seawater sampling site near Durankulak,stated,”Pollution is directed to the eastern direction of the Kerch Bay and north to the Kerch Strait,there is a high probability of serious ecological pollution of the Sea of Azov. despite the limited information we had and the impossibility of monitoring by satellites at the time of the incident, the observations now show that there is no threat to the Bulgarian coast.”
The ministry, upon learning of the tanker disaster, instantly engaged Bulgarian and European scientific expertise to model and monitor potential pollution.This collaborative effort involved universities,the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) institutes,the Centre for Integrated Management and Monitoring of the Coastal Zone of VVMU “N. J. Vaptsarov,” and the German Center ”Herion.”
Minister Dimitrov emphasized the ongoing monitoring program, stating, “The monitoring is permanent and regular, but at the moment we appointed a new one in connection with the incident in the Kerch Strait. We will monitor this contamination with both models and satellite imagery and will take regular samples.”
On December 22nd, experts from the Basin Directorate ”Black Sea Region” – Varna and the regional Laboratory – Varna of the executive Agency for the Environment conducted water sampling. This included participation from the director of BDCHR, Yavor Dimitrov, and Professor Miroslav Tsvetkov, Head of the Scientific sector at the “Nikola Yonkov Vaptsarov” Higher naval School in varna. Dimitrov explained, “After the incident in the Kerch Strait, we will carry out extraordinary monitoring of the same indicators and at the same points where we regularly monitor sea waters. At the moment, monitoring does not show an excess of the norms for this season.”
The monitoring focuses on key indicators including petroleum products, heavy metals, pesticides, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, and water temperature. Sampling locations include durankulak (near the fishing port and Cosmos campsite), Shabla, and Kaliakra.
Professor Tsvetkov provided further reassurance based on satellite imagery: “According to the latest data from the satellite that flew over the area of the accident last night, an oil spill was observed on the sea surface, but the currents are moving it so that there is no danger for Bulgaria. ‘The spill is not heading into our exclusive economic zone and will moast likely stay there either until it sinks or until measures are taken to contain and contain it.’ The very first models of the ‘Copernicus’ program showed that the oil spill will go in a favorable direction for us.”
While the situation in the Kerch Strait remains concerning, bulgarian authorities are actively monitoring the situation and have assured the public that their coastline is currently safe.
No Immediate Threat to Bulgarian Coastline: An In-Depth Look at the Kerch Strait Oil Spill
An oil spill in the Kerch Strait,resulting from damage to two Russian tankers,has raised concerns about the potential ecological impact on the Black Sea region. Bulgarian authorities have acted swiftly to assess adn monitor the situation, assuring the public that the country’s coastline is currently safe. to better understand the situation and the efforts being undertaken, we sat down with Dr. Maria Ivanova, a marine ecologist and expert on Black Sea ecosystems.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: “Dr. Ivanova, thank you for joining us. Can you provide our readers with some background on the recent incident and the potential threat it poses to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastline?”
Dr. Maria Ivanova: “Certainly.the oil spill in the kerch Strait, which is a vital waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, is undoubtedly a serious environmental concern. The spill originated from two russian tankers that unfortunately collided and sustained significant damage. While the immediate threat to Bulgaria appears to be limited based on current projections, the potential for long-term ecological damage cannot be ignored.”
World-Today-News Senior Editor: “Bulgarian officials have expressed confidence that the oil spill poses no immediate danger to the country’s coastline. What measures are being taken to ensure this?”
Dr.Maria Ivanova: “Bulgaria has taken a proactive approach to monitoring the situation. The Ministry of Surroundings and water has activated a thorough monitoring program involving universities, research institutions, and specialized agencies. They are utilizing satellite imagery, modelling, and regular water sampling to track the oil spill’s trajectory and assess its potential impact. This collaborative effort, which includes expertise from international partners, is essential for making sound environmental decisions.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: “Could you elaborate on the specific monitoring techniques being employed?”
Dr. Maria Ivanova: “Certainly. Key indicators such as the concentration of petroleum products, heavy metals, and pesticides in the water are carefully monitored. Additionally, they are tracking dissolved oxygen levels, pH, salinity, and water temperature to gain a comprehensive understanding of the spill’s impact on the marine ecosystem. Sampling is being conducted at strategic locations along the Bulgarian coast,including Durankulak,Shabla,and Kaliakra. “
World-Today-News Senior Editor:
“What is the latest facts from these monitoring efforts, and what does the future hold for the Kerch Strait and Bulgarian coastline?”
Dr. Maria Ivanova: “Preliminary data and satellite imagery indicate that the current prevailing currents are pushing the oil spill eastward towards the Sea of Azov. While this is good news for Bulgaria, the situation remains dynamic and needs constant vigilance.The long-term ecological impact on the Black Sea region, including sensitive habitats and maritime species, will depend on several factors, including the size of the spill, weather patterns, and the effectiveness of containment measures being undertaken by Russian authorities.
world-Today-News Senior Editor: “Thank you, dr. Ivanova, for providing your valuable insights into this concerning situation. We will continue to closely monitor developments and keep our readers informed.”
