The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has confirmed that a red 44-gallon fuel drum found near Salia Reef in Suva Harbour was the source of a reported fuel slick. Initial inspections suggested the drum may have fallen from a moving vessel, though attempts to verify this theory were unsuccessful.
In light of this incident, the ministry is urging anyone with information regarding the fuel drum’s origin to come forward to assist in the investigation. Additionally, the Environment Task Force is considering enhancing the frequency of patrols in the harbor to prevent future occurrences.
The ministry became aware of the fuel slick on Wednesday through a live social media video and quickly deployed an inspection team composed of representatives from the Department of Environment, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), and Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd (FPCL). They conducted thorough land and inshore assessments along the coastal areas but found no evidence linking the pollution to local sources.
The inspections confirmed the presence of fuel spillage, likely diesel, with a noticeable smell. However, there were no visible traces of the fuel on the water’s surface due to natural dissipation caused by wave action and evaporation. At a location approximately 1.04 kilometers from the reef, inspectors discovered an empty red fuel drum, branded Total, which was filled with seawater.
Though the team was prepared to use a biodegradable chemical to mitigate oil spillage, they determined it was unnecessary as the fuel had already dissipated.
In conclusion, while this incident highlights the ongoing challenges of marine pollution, the ministry’s proactive response reflects a commitment to environmental protection and community engagement. It encourages public vigilance in reporting potential pollution incidents, fostering a collective effort towards safeguarding Fiji’s marine environment.
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