Potential oil spill risk from shipping and the implications for management in the Caribbean Sea.
The semi enclosed Caribbean Sea is ranked as having one of the most intense maritime traffic in the world. These maritime activities have led to significant oil pollution. Simultaneously, this sea supports many critical habitats functioning as a Large Marine Ecosystem (LME). While the impacts of oil pollution are recognised, a number of management challenges remain. This study applies spatial modelling to identify critical areas potentially at risk from oil spills in the form of a potential oil spill risk (POSR) model. The model indicates that approximately 83% of the sea could be potentially impacted by oil spills due to shipping. The results from this study collectively support a management framework for minimising ship generated oil pollution in the Caribbean Sea. Among the recommended components are a common policy, surveillance and monitoring controls, standards, monitoring programmes, data collection and greater rates of convention ratifications.
Commission for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, Morne, Castries, Saint Lucia. Electronic address: asingh@yahoo.ca.
Asha
A
Singh
Institute of Marine Affairs, Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago. Electronic address: hamishasmath@gmail.com.
Hamish
H
Asmath
14 Maraj Street, Arouca, Trinidad and Tobago. Electronic address: cleungchee@gmail.com.
Candice Leung
CL
Chee
Department of Geography, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. Electronic address: junior.darsan@gmail.com.
Junior
J
Darsan
D017691:Caribbean Region; D055884:Chemical Hazard Release / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D000066388:Oil and Gas Industry; D059392:Petroleum Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012767:Ships
Caribbean Sea; Management framework; Oil pollution; Potential oil spills risk (POSR) model