IMA INVESTIGATES GULF OF PARIA OIL SPILL-August 10th 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 10th 2021
IMA INVESTIGATES GULF OF PARIA OIL SPILL
The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) on Monday 9th August 2021 responded to reports of an oil spill in the Gulf of Paria (GOP). IMA is conducting investigations as part of a multi-agency team comprising technocrats from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).

On Monday, the multi-agency team began its investigations with a marine survey to determine the extent of the oil spill. Preliminary information reaching the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries indicates, a leaking oil pipeline which had been earlier contained to prevent oil entering the Guaracara River, was the source of the oil spill.

The IMA collected seawater samples to determine the extent of dissolved hydrocarbons in the water column. Sample collection for oil fingerprinting analysis is ongoing to establish a link between affected areas and the suspected source. And using training provided by the Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB) of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) received earlier this year, the IMA is also analyzing satellite information to confirm the origin of the oil spill and identify the areas affected.

As of 5:00 p.m. on August 9th 2021, there have been no reports of the oil spill impacting the coastlines around the Gulf of Paria. However, ground monitoring and follow-up marine surveys will continue and sampling at coastal locations at La Brea and the southwestern peninsula, will also be conducted as this is historically, the common trajectory of oil spills originating in the Gulf of Paria.

Investigations of the multi-agency team continue today, August 10th 2021, to determine if there are any traces of oil in the marine areas and coastlines off the Guaracara River and Claxton Bay.
Members of the public are reminded that reports of any environmental incidents (oil and chemical spills, lionfish sightings and other coastal and marine anomalies etc.) may be made via the IMA SeaiTT mobile Application. The SeaiTT Mobile App was launched in November 2020.

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Alicia Carter-Fisher
Chief Information Officer
Institute of Marine Affairs
(mobile) 1-868-294-4719
(email) acfisher@ima.gov.tt