Oil leaking from Iranian attacks on tankers around the Strait of Hormuz is spreading to the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing black oil stains on beaches and threatening the survival of sea turtles and dolphins.
The first batch of oil pollution reaching UAE shores has turned the coastal waters of one municipality black and forced three emirates to close their beaches this weekend. The pollution comes as the UAE is trying to project an image of "business as usual" to attract tourists back to Dubai, the Middle East's most popular travel destination. Currently, Dubai's beaches have not been directly affected by the oil spill.
Since the conflict erupted, more than 100 vessels have been attacked. Over the past month, Iran has intensified its attacks in an attempt to strengthen control over this critical waterway. Meanwhile, on the eve of next week's US midterm elections, the White House has threatened to resume strikes against Iran.
Maritime monitoring agency Windward recorded 12 oil spill incidents between July and September, with the largest occurring off the coast of Oman, where the pollution extended over 2,000 kilometers. On September 29, a large oil slick measuring 13 kilometers long and 20 kilometers wide was discovered near Musandam, an Omani exclave, just tens of kilometers from a desalination plant. Another oil spill occurred near a desalination facility in the UAE.
The arid Gulf region relies on coastal desalination plants to produce fresh water. These facilities draw in seawater for desalination, and their sophisticated filtration membranes used to remove salt can be damaged by oil-contaminated seawater. However, there is currently no evidence that desalination facilities have been affected by the pollution.
Oil spills also cause severe harm to seabirds, as well as animals such as dolphins and sea snakes that must surface to breathe. Marine scientist Henrik Stahl said he has recently noticed an increase in small-scale oil spills near the Sharjah Marine Science Research Center where he works. The center is located on the UAE's east coast, facing the Gulf of Oman south of the Strait of Hormuz. Research has not yet confirmed any specific impacts from the oil spills, but the center is about to begin monitoring hydrocarbons in seawater.
Stahl said: "This area has a rather unique ecosystem, especially with very abundant sea turtle resources. Sea turtles are one of the species that could be directly affected."
UAE residents first noticed the oil spill because unusual odors began to permeate urban areas. Even residents in southern Dubai reported the issue on social media. The UAE environment department said cleanup work is underway and has asked fishermen to avoid affected areas. Satellite images show that oil slicks on the sea surface have further extended.
Images released by the Umm al-Quwain municipal department show dark water washing against the shoreline of closed beaches. The emirate's coast is lined with mangrove forests that provide important habitats for marine life. An employee at a hotel in Umm al-Quwain said: "We can see the oil spill, we can smell it. We can see black substances." However, the employee added that "the situation seems to be improving, because we see people on the beach and some swimming in the sea."
Local authorities have also closed beaches in Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate is building a massive Wynn resort and casino project. Windward said its satellite analysis on Monday detected "new dark streaks locally that appear consistent with oil pollution characteristics." Sharjah has also closed its beaches.
Before the war broke out, about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas was transported through the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, ships still pass through the strait under US military air cover, but traffic volume is only a fraction of pre-war levels. According to Windward, at least five commercial vessels have sunk, including two Iranian tankers attacked by US forces. In addition, at least seven vessels were abandoned by their crews after being attacked.
The most recently sunk vessel is the bulk carrier "Cape Dao," owned by a UAE shipowner. The ship had been drifting at sea for weeks. The Singapore-flagged container ship "GFS Pride" also sank earlier this month, causing containers and hull debris to scatter in waters near the Musandam Peninsula in Oman. The US Navy issued a notice to crew members on Wednesday, warning all "neutral country vessels" to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, citing "the current geopolitical situation" and increased US enforcement against Iranian shipping. Iranian shipping is currently under a US blockade.
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