No sea bathing or fish for dinner: how Russian oil threatens the coastline of the Odessa region.

Pollution of marine waters and coastlines with petroleum products is one of the most pressing environmental issues in the Black Sea, which has been exacerbated by the war. On December 15, 2024, two Russian tankers met with a disaster in the Kerch Strait due to a storm, splitting in half. This resulted in a leak of between 2400 and 8500 tons of fuel oil that was intended for export to India.

Consequences of Black Sea Pollution for Decades

"For Odessa, we do not anticipate significant impacts due to the distance, but some effects are still possible. Fuel oil is a toxic substance that has serious effects on living organisms. Birds and cetaceans, particularly dolphins, are the first to suffer, and we have already observed them among the affected. Bottom-dwelling organisms are also impacted, as fuel oil is a heavy fraction of petroleum products that quickly settles to the bottom, mixing with sediment. The cold water temperature slows its biodegradation, but local microflora gradually breaks down these substances," says Gozak.

According to the expert, the remediation process could take decades. It is estimated to take around 10-12 years. This is due to the properties of fuel oil, which persists in the environment for a long time. This is particularly challenging in cold temperatures: fuel oil settles, mixes with sediments or sand, and creates a toxic mixture that remains in nature for an extended period.

However, it is currently difficult to predict anything without official studies and reports. Nevertheless, residents in the region where the beaches are already contaminated with fuel oil need to be extremely cautious during warm weather — the beach season.

"In warm water, fuel oil becomes less viscous and dissolves more. Toxic substances can cause skin reactions in people who come into contact with contaminated water. This is a threat that may persist for more than one summer season. At first glance, a beach or coastline may appear clean, but fuel oil often penetrates deeper layers of soil or sand. It gradually settles, and toxic substances continue to pollute the water. These substances accumulate in living organisms, and for people who come into contact with such water, skin irritation or other reactions are possible," Gozak continues.

The danger to humans depends on the concentration of pollution, and this issue requires assessment by specialists. Since the spill site is far away, the risks for Odessa are significantly lower, the expert emphasizes, but the pollution spreads unevenly. In some areas, pollution levels may be high, while in others, they may be nearly nonexistent. Therefore, detailed measurements are necessary to determine where swimming is hazardous and where the water is safe. Pollution does not evenly cover the sea, but creates localized hotspots.

In the affected region, from Anapa to the Kerch Strait, the scale of pollution is so significant that biologists believe: this coastline will no longer be a resort, and if it does become one, it will only be after the collapse of Russia. For Eastern Crimea and surrounding territories, the consequences will be felt for decades. Pollution has a cumulative effect: heavy metals and toxic organic compounds enter the food chain, starting from aquatic organisms. People who consume local fish and seafood gradually accumulate these harmful substances.

Over time, the concentration of toxins in the body increases, and heavy metals that are not excreted can cause severe poisoning. "This is already a question for doctors dealing with such toxic exposures. However, preventing such pollution is critically important for the health of the local population," summarizes the director of Greenpeace Ukraine.

Is the Future of the Black Sea in Danger?

Environmental activist, journalist, and researcher Evgeny Simonov has thoroughly analyzed the catastrophic situation that arose after the fuel oil spill from Russian tankers. According to his observations, oil pollution in the Kerch Strait and adjacent waters of the Black and Azov Seas has not occurred for the first time this year. On the contrary, it has been chronic long before the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine.

Monitoring from 2017 to 2021 showed that the surface of the Kerch Strait was heavily polluted with oil: nearly 2600 oil slicks covering a total area of 1107 sq. km were identified in 460 satellite images. The main sources of pollution are cargo transshipment areas, the port of Taman, and anchorages before entering the strait. Additionally, there are natural oil seeps in the region that also affect the ecosystem.

The primary cause of pollution is active shipping. More than 20,000 vessels, predominantly cargo ships, pass through the strait annually. A significant portion consists of tankers transporting oil and petroleum products for Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. In 2024, the volume of liquid cargo transportation in the region reached 133 million tons. The greatest threat comes from transferring oil from ship to ship, often associated with leaks.

The construction of the Kerch Bridge from 2015 to 2019 further complicated the situation. Its dam narrowed the strait, forcing ships to maneuver between the supports, which increases pollution risks and complicates water cleanup efforts.

After the annexation of Crimea, Russia significantly increased its activity in this region, contributing to the pollution of the Azov and Black Seas with petroleum products.

Satellite images show numerous instances of oil spills, particularly following missile strikes on the Black Sea Oil Company's drilling platforms in June 2022.

The risks of accidents on vessels have also increased. During the war, about a hundred ships, both military and civilian, were damaged or sunk. In particular, after the sinking of the cruiser "Moscow," a large amount of fuel remained at a depth of 50 meters, which could pose dangers in the future. The oil slick formed after the sinking of ships has covered significant areas of Ukraine's marine reserves.

It is worth noting that the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies "Gazprom Neft" and "Surgutneftegas," as well as against 183 vessels transporting Russian oil. These restrictions aim to reduce the revenues that Moscow uses to finance its war against Ukraine.