By Zoila Palma: An oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in early March spread more than 600 kilometers (373 miles), reaching seven protected nature reserves along Mexico’s coastline.
Mexican authorities said that the spill originated from a vessel that has not yet been identified, along with two natural oil seepages. The contamination extended along coastal areas of Veracruz and Tabasco, AP reports.
Despite the scale of the spill, officials ruled out severe environmental damage. The announcement followed weeks of criticism over a lack of transparency in how authorities handled information about the incident.
The release of preliminary findings aimed to clarify the origins and extent of the spill after growing public concern.
Navy Secretary Raymundo Morales said satellite imagery and inspections identified three sources: an unidentified vessel near the port city of Coatzacoalcos, a natural seepage known as a “chapopotera” located about 8 kilometers offshore, and another seep in the Bay of Campeche. Morales added that the vessel remains unidentified because 13 ships in the area at the time had not yet been inspected.
Morales also confirmed that the spill’s source “remains active,” noting that natural seeps in the Cantarell area of the Bay of Campeche are a major contributor. While these seeps constantly emit oil, there has been a noticeable increase in contaminants in recent weeks.
Environment Secretary Alicia Bárcena said 7 protected areas were impacted but emphasized that no severe environmental damage has been detected.
The post International News: Oil spill in Gulf of Mexico spreads over 600 kilometers, impacts wildlife and protected reserves in Mexico appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: An oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in early March spread more than 600 kilometers (373 miles), reaching seven protected nature reserves along Mexico’s coastline. Mexican authorities said that the spill originated from a vessel that has not yet been identified, along with two natural oil seepages. The contamination extended along
The post International News: Oil spill in Gulf of Mexico spreads over 600 kilometers, impacts wildlife and protected reserves in Mexico appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
