Brussels, 24 January 2001 - Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström today announced that following a request from the Ecuadorian authorities, three experts of the European Task Force dealing with accidental marine pollution are being sent to Ecuador. The three experts, from Spain, France and the United Kingdom, are specialists in operational, technical and biodiversity aspects of marine pollution. They will help the Ecuadorian authorities to define the best means of minimising the impact of the pollution and to ensure the recovery of affected areas of the Galapagos islands.
This is the first major action taken by the Commission under the new Community framework for cooperation in dealing with marine pollution established last year.
Based on the experts' assessment of the situation further EU action and financing will be decided.
Background:
Last week the thirty year old oil tanker Jessica grounded near San Cristobal outside Ecuador's coast. The ship was carrying about 600 tons of diesel oil and 300 tons of intermediate fuel oil (IFO 120, viscosity of 120 cSt at 50=B0C). According to the information provided by the Ecuadorian Department of the Environment on 23 January, about 400 tons have been spilled.
The diesel oil will evaporate quite rapidly (in a few dozen hours) depending on the conditions (temperature, wind, sea state). However, it could have a serious environmental impact, particularly if it reaches sensitive areas. The intermediate fuel oil is more persistent and his viscosity will increase with the evaporation of the lighter elements.
On 23 January clean-up operations were carried out in four coastal areas. In addition, two animal care centres were established. 38 animals are currently being treated.
The Ecuador government considers the situation as a severe environmental emergency and has declared the state of emergency.
The new Community framework for cooperation concerning maritime pollution was set out in Decision n=B0 2850/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2000.