Helena Joyce
Marine oil pollution in Alaska is a pressing issue that has severe ecological consequences, as seen in the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The toxic components of oil negatively impact marine mammals and can lead to death through inhalation, ingestion, aspiration, and dermal/surface oiling. To combat this, organisations like the Alaska Chadux Network and the Oil Spill Recovery Institute (OSRI) have developed preparedness measures and research projects to prevent, respond to, and recover from oil spills. Additionally, regulatory bodies have implemented stricter requirements for tank vessels and response planning, with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 being a pivotal legislation. The unique challenges posed by Alaska's remote conditions and extreme variations in weather, tide, and daylight further complicate response efforts and highlight the importance of proactive prevention and effective solutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oil spill response activities | May drive marine mammals away from preferred feeding and resting areas |
| May inadvertently attract curious marine mammals due to noise and activity | |
| May result in no change in behavior | |
| Remote conditions and extreme variations in weather, tide, and daylight | Add to the challenges of responding to oil spills and assessing impacts on marine life |
| Oil spills | Negatively impact the individual fitness of marine mammals and can lead to death |
| Exposure pathways | Inhalation, ingestion, aspiration, and dermal/surface oiling |
| Oil tank vessel owners | Required to comply with new requirements with effect from May 14, 2012 |
| AMPRN fees for oil tankers | US$6,000 per vessel per calendar year |
| AMPRN fees for vessels carrying oil as secondary cargo | US$1,800 per vessel per calendar year |
| Safe shipping practices | Setting up shipping routes that avoid sensitive marine habitats and subsistence use areas |
| Banning the use of heavy fuel oil, one of the dirtiest fuels | |
| Improving the ability to respond quickly and effectively to vessels in distress | |
| Increasing search and rescue capacity and providing oil spill cleanup equipment and training | |
| Leveraging new maritime communication and navigation technologies | |
| Implementing stringent rules about air and water pollution |
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What You'll Learn
Safe shipping corridors to avoid sensitive marine habitats
Marine oil pollution in Alaska is a significant threat to the region's sensitive marine habitats and wildlife. Oil spills have been shown to negatively impact marine mammals, leading to death through inhalation, ingestion, aspiration, and dermal/surface oiling. To address this issue, various measures have been proposed and implemented, including the establishment of safe shipping corridors that avoid these vulnerable areas.
One approach to creating safe shipping corridors is through the designation of "Areas to be Avoided" (ATBAs). ATBAs are no-go zones that help ships stay away from ecologically important and dangerous waters. In 2018, three new ATBAs were established around islands in Alaska's Bering Strait region, providing a mechanism to reduce the risk of accidents and protect important marine habitats. Two-way shipping routes through well-charted waters in this area help prevent accidents and minimise the impact on the environment and Indigenous communities.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted these ATBAs, and shipping routes through the Bering Strait offer a promising solution to environmental conservation in the region. Effective implementation relies on the availability of real-time environmental data and collaboration between mariners, Indigenous hunters, scientists, and waterway managers.
In addition to ATBAs, other routing measures such as shipping lanes and traffic separation schemes are crucial to protecting Arctic habitats. Tighter regulations on ship speeds can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent collisions with marine mammals. Managing underwater noise pollution is also essential, especially in areas with noise-sensitive marine life, such as important marine mammal migratory routes or "blue corridors."
To ensure the effectiveness of these measures, organisations like the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) are advocating for robust, science-backed regulations. WWF is working with the International Maritime Organization and the Arctic Council working group PAME (Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment) to address underwater noise pollution and safeguard marine mammals and other noise-sensitive species. By understanding the sounds in the Arctic Ocean and predicting noise levels, they aim to create plans that reduce the impacts of underwater noise through operational and technological changes.
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Banning the use of heavy fuel oil in ships
Oil spills are a significant threat to marine life in Alaska, with toxic components of oil negatively impacting the health of marine mammals and leading to death. While there are response plans in place, the remote conditions and extreme variations in weather, tide, and daylight in Alaska make it challenging to respond to oil spills and protect marine life effectively.
One of the main contributors to marine oil pollution in Alaska is the use of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) in ships. HFO is the bottom-of-the-barrel leftovers from the oil refining process, with a highly viscous, tar-like consistency. It is widely used in the marine shipping industry due to its low cost and availability, and the fact that large marine engines are built to handle it. However, HFO poses a significant threat to the marine environment, especially in sensitive ecological areas like Alaska and the Arctic.
Banning the use of HFO in ships is a crucial step towards reducing marine oil pollution in Alaska. Here are several paragraphs outlining the rationale and potential impact of such a ban:
The Environmental Impact of HFO
HFO is particularly damaging to the marine environment in Alaska and the Arctic. When burned, HFO emits black carbon that accelerates the melting of snow and ice. In the event of an oil spill, HFO sinks in cold water and lingers in sediments, threatening fragile ecosystems. Its thick and sludge-like consistency makes it extremely difficult to clean up.
The Economic Impact of an HFO Ban
It is important to acknowledge the economic implications of banning HFO in ships. Businesses operating in Alaska, such as the Red Dog Mine, rely on HFO as the cheapest available fuel. A transition to cleaner fuels would incur higher expenses for these businesses. However, the environmental benefits of reducing the risk of oil spills and mitigating climate change impacts could outweigh the economic costs.
International Precedents and Loopholes
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has already banned the use and carriage of HFO in Antarctic waters, recognizing the vulnerability of that region. However, similar protection has not been extended to the Arctic, partly due to the presence of commercial shipping ports. Loopholes in regulations also allow ships with protected fuel tanks, like many tankers, to continue using HFO even in banned areas. A comprehensive and strictly enforced ban is necessary to ensure a level playing field and effectively reduce the use of HFO.
Alternative Fuels and Potential Drawbacks
The shipping industry has responded to tightening regulations by offering alternative fuels, such as Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO). However, these low-sulphur fuels have raised concerns about their effectiveness in cold Arctic waters. There are fears that these fuels may solidify quickly upon contact with cold water, forming waxy clumps that could impair oil spill response efforts and exacerbate environmental damage. Therefore, a careful assessment of alternative fuels is necessary to ensure they do not introduce new environmental challenges.
In conclusion, banning the use of Heavy Fuel Oil in ships is a crucial step towards reducing marine oil pollution in Alaska. While there may be economic considerations and alternative fuels may present new challenges, the environmental benefits of such a ban are significant. Comprehensive regulations, strict enforcement, and continued advocacy for stronger protections in the Arctic region are essential to mitigate the impacts of marine oil pollution on Alaska's fragile ecosystems and marine life.
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Improving search and rescue capacity
Enhancing Preparedness and Response Capacity
The unique challenges of Alaska's environment demand a high level of preparedness and rapid response capacity. The Alaska Chadux Network exemplifies this with its extensive preparedness measures, well-trained staff, and strategically positioned equipment hubs across Southcentral and Western Alaska, ensuring 24-hour readiness. This model can be further expanded and replicated to bolster response capacity throughout the state.
Strengthening Regulatory Compliance
Strict adherence to regulations is essential. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 sets critical standards for vessel response planning. While there were historical challenges with full compliance, the US Coast Guard now requires shipowners to comply with the Regulations or approved Alternative Planning Criteria. This includes the Alaska Marine Exchange's Alternative Planning Criteria, which specifically address certain areas of Western Alaska. Strengthening regulatory compliance reduces the risk of spills and enhances overall search and rescue capabilities.
Safe Shipping Corridors and Route Planning
Establishing safe shipping corridors is vital. Ocean Conservancy has advocated for setting up shipping routes that avoid sensitive marine habitats in the Aleutian Islands and Bering Strait. By charting corridors to modern standards, the risk of spills in ecologically important areas can be reduced. Additionally, banning the use of heavy fuel oil, one of the dirtiest fuels, in the Arctic can significantly decrease the potential for oil spills and air and water pollution.
Technological Advancements
Leveraging maritime communications and navigation technologies can play a pivotal role in steering ships away from dangerous situations. By adopting emerging technologies, search and rescue teams can more effectively locate distressed vessels and navigate challenging environments. This includes the use of satellite technology, advanced radar systems, and real-time data analytics to enhance situation awareness and decision-making during rescue operations.
Regional Collaboration and Training
Collaboration between local communities, indigenous groups, and response organizations is vital. By fostering partnerships and providing specialized training in oil spill cleanup, response times can be improved, and the impact of spills can be mitigated more effectively. This includes equipping local communities with the knowledge and resources to assist in search and rescue efforts and initial response activities, thereby increasing overall capacity.
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Stricter rules for air and water pollution from vessels
Marine oil pollution in Alaska is a pressing issue that has severe consequences for the region's delicate ecosystem and wildlife. To address this problem, stricter rules and regulations for air and water pollution from vessels are necessary. Here are some detailed suggestions for implementing such rules:
- Enforcement of Double-Hulled Tankers: Require all oil tankers operating in Alaskan waters to have double hulls. This regulation will provide an extra layer of protection in the event of a collision or grounding, significantly reducing the risk of oil spills.
- Ban on Heavy Fuel Oil: Prohibit the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil by ships in the Arctic region. Heavy fuel oil is one of the dirtiest fuels, and its combustion contributes significantly to air pollution. This ban will reduce the emission of harmful pollutants and particulate matter.
- Enhanced Emissions Standards: Implement more stringent emissions standards for vessels operating in Alaskan waters. This includes setting limits on the release of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), particulate matter, and other air pollutants. Regular monitoring and enforcement of these standards will be crucial.
- Oil Spill Prevention and Response: Oil spill prevention should be a key focus. Vessels should be required to adhere to strict operational guidelines to minimize the risk of spills. This includes proper maintenance, regular inspections, and the implementation of advanced spill detection technologies. Additionally, all vessels operating in Alaskan waters should be mandated to have oil spill response plans and equipment onboard.
- Increased Corporate Liability: Strengthen the legal framework to hold companies accountable for oil spills and pollution. Increase financial penalties and legal consequences for non-compliance with environmental regulations. This will deter negligent behaviour and encourage companies to prioritize pollution prevention and response.
- Safe Shipping Corridors: Establish designated shipping corridors that avoid sensitive marine habitats and subsistence use areas. These corridors should be charted to modern standards, taking into account environmental considerations and the potential impact on marine life.
- Improved Search and Rescue Capabilities: Invest in enhancing search and rescue capabilities in the region. This includes deploying additional resources, such as rescue vessels and aircraft, to ensure prompt response to distressed vessels. By improving search and rescue operations, the risk of oil spills due to vessel accidents can be mitigated.
- Maritime Communication and Navigation Technologies: Encourage the adoption of advanced maritime communication and navigation technologies. This includes the use of satellite systems, digital mapping, and real-time data sharing to help vessels navigate safely and avoid potential hazards.
By implementing these stricter rules and regulations for air and water pollution from vessels, Alaska can take significant steps towards protecting its fragile marine environment and mitigating the impacts of oil pollution. A combination of preventive measures, enhanced safety standards, and increased accountability will help safeguard Alaska's precious ecosystems and wildlife for future generations.
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Compliance with federal and state oil spill prevention requirements
In recognition of the unique challenges posed by Alaska's remote conditions, extreme weather, and diverse marine life, organisations like the Alaska Chadux Network and the Alaska Maritime Prevention and Response Network (AMPRN) have been established to facilitate compliance with federal and state oil spill prevention requirements. The Alaska Chadux Network, for instance, maintains 17 response-ready equipment hubs across Southcentral and Western Alaska, providing 24-hour emergency response capabilities.
To comply with OPA '90, the AMPRN offers a Certificate of Participation to vessel owners. This certificate is obtained by adhering to specific operational and equipment procurement requirements. However, it's important to note that the AMPRN contract does not align with the International Group (IG) guidelines on vessel response plans, resulting in limited liability coverage under standard P&I insurance.
In 2010, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) mandated full compliance with OPA '90 regulations or adherence to approved Alternative Planning Criteria (APC). This marked a shift from previous waivers granted to tank owners operating in Western Alaska. The Alaska Marine Exchange published finalised criteria in 2011, which came into effect in May 2012 for certain areas of Western Alaska outside the Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound regions, within 200 miles of the US coastline.
To further enhance compliance and prevention efforts, several measures have been proposed. These include establishing safe shipping corridors that bypass sensitive marine habitats, banning the use of heavy fuel oil, improving search and rescue capabilities, leveraging maritime communication technologies, and implementing stricter rules regarding air and water pollution from vessels in the Arctic.
By adhering to federal and state oil spill prevention requirements and collaborating with organisations like the Alaska Chadux Network and AMPRN, Alaska can effectively mitigate the risks and impacts of marine oil pollution.
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