Take serious note of oil pollution

The recent oil pollution on Fujairah's coastline highlights once again the urgent need to address a serious problem that has plagued beaches in the UAE for far too long. It is high time that the concerned authorities take serious measures to fight this problem.

The Arabian Gulf is a vital passageway for tankers shipping out oil and other cargo. According to experts, one of the main causes of recurrent oil spills is the illegal dumping that takes place throughout the year. There is a shortage of tanker reception facilities and hence some tankers choose to dump waste along certain coastlines as a result. This is by no means a justification for such criminal acts. Not only have oil spills brought about ecological problems, but they have become a popular habit adopted by many.

Oil spills have to stop. And the only means to make this happen is by being active and aggressive in fighting them. Hence, what is needed is not just strict laws and regulations. What is required is close monitoring of the coastline, keeping in mind that those caught in the act must be severely punished. The future of the country and its strategic resources are at stake, including our dwindling marine wealth. The issue must be taken seriously.