Action needed to prevent oil spills off UAE coast, says government official – The National

Action needed to prevent oil spills off UAE coast, says government official – The National

Oil tankers sometimes clear their holds in international waters but the oil washes ashore













UAE government officials have called for increased surveillance of tankers so swift punishment can be delivered to vessels that illegally dump oil off the country's coast.



Adnan Al Hammadi, a member of the Federal National Council, called for harsher penalties to be placed on those found breaking the rules.



He suggested additional investment could help upgrade the current technology used to monitor the movement of tankers in gulf waters too.



Speaking to The National, the council member, who represents Sharjah, said the UAE's strict laws must be upheld to protect the marine environment and tourism.



"Illegal oil discharge and tank cleaning should be monitored better using more advanced satellites and a tank disposal or discharging reporting system that helps identify the violators,“ he said.



"Oil spills can also damage coral reefs and pollute our drinking water that is generated from the desalination plants in the area."



His call for action came about a week after oil washed up along the coast of Khor Fakkan in Sharjah.



Black sludge was seen along a three-kilometre stretch between Luluyah and Zubara public