Oil pollution along the Makran coast in Pakistan has reached alarming levels, posing a severe threat to the marine ecosystem and local communities in West Bay Gwadar. The situation has been exacerbated by oil container ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz and processing oil during their voyage, which frequently passes through Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
One of the most pressing concerns is the dumping of oil sludge directly into seawater off the coast of West Bay Gwadar, causing extensive harm to marine life and coastal habitats. This unchecked environmental damage has raised serious concerns among environmental organizations and conservationists, urging immediate action to safeguard the Makran coast’s unique biodiversity.
Government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Balochistan, along with organizations like Marine Conservation Park, WWF Pakistan, and IUCN Pakistan, are intensifying efforts to address the issue. Collaborative initiatives, including stringent monitoring, stringent penalties for violators, and educational campaigns, are being planned to combat oil spillage and ocean pollution.
The situation underscores the urgent need to protect and preserve the fragile marine ecosystem along the Makran coast, particularly in the West Bay Gwadar area, which plays a crucial role in sustaining local livelihoods and maintaining biodiversity. Public awareness and responsible shipping practices are key to ensuring the long-term health of this vital coastal environment.
