By Jean Hugues Gardenne | Fund raising & Communications Manager
It will take years to fully comprehend the oil spill's long-term impacts on Mauritius' fragile ecosystems. The environmental crisis caused by the Wakashio oil spill is a reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems. The lagoons of Pointe d'Esny and Blue Bay are biodiversity hotspots that have been under intense pressure, more recently with urban development, tourism-linked activities, and climate-induced coral bleaching events.
The short-term effects of the oil spill are already evident. A green heron has been found oiled and a critically endangered hawksbill turtle found dead, Mangroves along the coastline have been soaked in oil,. Larger marine species such as whales and dolphins have died along the affected shores; the cause of their deaths is still under investigation.
The delicate balances of these ecosystems could be further disrupted. There are fears that the oil may have infiltrated into the ecosystem of Ile aux Aigrettes. Toxic chemicals can potentially accumulate in the unique coral island’s native plants and poison endemic invertebrates, birds and reptiles feeding on those plants. The petroleum can also cause genetic mutations in reptiles. The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation will need to allocate resources to fully understand and mitigate the long term impacts of this oil spill on Ile aux Aigrettes, a Nature Reserve which is being restored since 1985.
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