(This article was updated on 6 April 2021)
On 17 February 2021, the UNEP/MAP Regional Activity Centre REMPEC received a request for assistance from Israeli authorities regarding the beaching of large quantities of tar balls on Israel’s shoreline.
As of 23 February, the volume of tar balls collected along the shoreline had reached an estimated 1,000 cubic metres.
REMPEC, which is jointly administered by UNEP/MAP and the IMO, liaised with the Maritime Support Service (EMSA) and the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) to obtain satellite images with the aim of locating the possible source of pollution.
Preliminary findings based on satellite images and EMSA-sourced Authentication Information System (AIS) data, had indicated the presence of ten vessels in the vicinity of the location from which the oil spill is thought to have originated. Investigations, which are being led by Israel, are still underway.
The forecasting model obtained from the Mediterranean Operational Network for the Global Ocean Observing System (MONGOOS) was used to assess the potential impact to neighbouring countries.
The response in Lebanon
On 9 March 2021 REMPEC received a request for assistance from the Lebanese authorities regarding patches of black petroleum and tar balls that were found in coastal areas, mostly in the South, in particular in Nakoura, El Bayada, El Mansouri and in the Tyr protected areas (Chawatina, Sour Rest house), as well as the protected areas of El Abbasiyeh.
Under the leadership of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a coordination team was established involving representatives of the United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT) and REMPEC.
On 23 March 2021 REMPEC deployed two experts from the Mediterranean Assistance Unit (MAU) to the affected coastal areas in Lebanon. The experts, who are affiliated to the Adriatic Training and Research Centre for Accidental Marine Pollution Preparedness and response (ATRAC), were tasked with assessing the extent of the pollution, assisting national and local authorities in the ongoing clean-up and remediation operations, and providing guidance on oiled waste management.
on 23 April the MAU experts deployed by REMPEC met with representatives of the Ministry of Environment and the United Nations organizations which had provided immediate support to the authorities in the early phase of the pollution. From 24 to 29 March, the experts carried out a ground shoreline survey, starting from the most southern point of Lebanon (i.e. close to the Lebanon - Israel border) in the City of Naqoura, to the north of Beirut and finally to Byblos. The polluted shoreline is estimated at between 28 to 30 kilometres. On 30-31 April, meetings were organized with the UN Resident Coordinator and the National Council of Scientific Research. A workshop local municipalities also took place. The mission was officially concluded on 1st April.
The UNEP/MAP-Barcelona Convention Secretariat and REMPEC are committed to supporting emergency response in the Eastern Mediterranean, in line with the Barcelona Convention and its Prevention and Emergency Protocol.
Visit the REMPEC website for additional information and updates on the incident.
