The summer season in Odessa may be at risk, warns a biologist about the consequences of oil spills.

Five areas along the coastline of the Odessa region have reported oil spills from petroleum products, with volumes reaching up to half a ton. Environmentalists believe that these spills pose a significant threat, especially during the warming summer months.

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Due to the tanker accidents involving "Volgoneft-212" and "Volgoneft-239" in December 2024, five areas along the coast of the Odessa region have already been reported to have residues of hazardous fuel oil washed ashore in the Kerch Strait. Researchers specifically found it within the territory of the "Tuzlovski Lymany" national park. However, the threat may increase during periods of significant warming in the summer. This information was shared by Ivan Rusev, a Doctor of Biological Sciences and head of the research department at the "Tuzlovski Lymany" park, during an interview with "Ukrainian Radio" on January 31.

The expert noted that currently there isn't a large amount of fuel oil, and he, along with other staff members of the nature park, managed to collect some of the substance within the "Tuzlovski Lymany" area.

"There are already five areas with fuel oil spills. Fortunately, it's not a large quantity, totaling up to half a ton. However, millions of fragments are scattered across the beach and recreational zones," Rusev pointed out.

At the same time, the biologist emphasizes that there is an issue with collecting the fuel oil, as there is still "no clear algorithm" regarding how to properly gather, transport, and dispose of it. On Monday, January 27, a protocol meeting was held where authorities instructed communities to monitor the sea waters. Additionally, the communities themselves must allocate funds for the disposal of the fuel oil, Rusev informed "Ukrainian Radio."

Reporters from the radio also inquired whether the fuel oil pollution would impact the summer season in Odessa.

"If the fragments lying on the sandy spit are not collected, they may become covered by a thin layer of sand. This sand drifts back and forth, and when it gets hot, it will melt, consequently negatively affecting the air and living beings," the biologist responded.

Therefore, this summer season in Odessa may be at risk. Moreover, the problem could become a long-term issue.

"It might take 10-15-20 years for the sea to clean itself," Rusev stated.