Photo courtesy of Selvartnam Dilaxan
Large quantities of small plastic pellets, known as nurdles, are being washed up on the north western coast of Sri Lanka after the cargo vessel Elsa 3 sank off the coast of Kerala on May 25. The ship was carrying 643 containers, including more than 60 filled with nurdles. In the aftermath of the maritime disaster that has raised significant environmental concerns, the urgency for cleanup and awareness has intensified.
As the southwest monsoon weather and ocean currents take effect, nurdles from the ship have begun accumulating along the Gulf of Mannar and its beaches, echoing the disastrous MV X-Press Pearl accident that occurred four years earlier, which was the largest recorded nurdle spill. The arrival of these microplastics highlights the country’s vulnerability to transboundary marine pollution, a situation exacerbated by the lack of stringent regulations governing hazardous cargo and transportation.
According to Kasumi Ranasinghe Arachchige, founder of the Biodiversity Project, “The pollution that we encounter whether it’s air, water or in this case plastic knows no bounds or boundaries. The plastic pellets that are seeping from the shipwreck of Elsa 3 off the coast of Kerala are being carried by ocean currents and washing ashore in Sri Lankan coastal areas. Similarly other debris, primarily plastic waste such as discarded fishing gear and plastic bottles both from acute events like shipwrecks and chronic sources, can also be found along the North Western regions, caused by transboundary marine pollution.”
She described this type of pollution as originating in another region or country, travelling across marine boundaries and causing damage to a neighbouring country’s ecosystems and habitats. It becomes a particularly dangerous issue to vulnerable countries such as Sri Lanka, which are already grappling with various crises, with increasing accumulation of pollution exacerbating the negative impact on biodiversity, ecological integrity, the economy, poverty, the food chain and health.
Samples are being collected to be analysed according to their chemical composition and to better understand the scale and severity of the pollution. Anita Rumeshi, Campaigner at Greenpeace South Asia, asserted that this effort was crucial to identify the potential environmental and health impacts on coastal ecosystems and communities.
The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has been coordinating cleanup operations in collaboration with the military, government authorities such as the Central Environment Authority, local NGOs and communities across various coastal regions including Puttalam, Negombo and Galle while teams have been deployed to Mannar to address the debris. Extensive efforts are being made to collect and properly dispose of the nurdles, which are deceptively difficult to clean up due to their size, durability and buoyancy.
During a visit to Mannar, Groundviews spoke to District Secretariat officers and MEPA officials who provided insights into the ongoing cleanup efforts and way forward. They said that the collected plastic nurdles were being stored safely in front of the Navy camp to ensure proper handling and safety. They emphasised the importance of public awareness through the media and urged fishermen and residents not to handle unidentified plastic items but to instead report them to government officials for safe collection.
While the immediate concern was the nurdles washing ashore, there was also a focus on ensuring that the fishing community was informed and safe. Officials said that fishing activities could continue without fear as the situation was under control although concerns remained about potential bioaccumulation of microplastics and other hazardous chemicals in marine life. They also stressed the need for ongoing communication and education regarding the health, environmental and economic risks associated with plastic pollution.
Local fishermen interviewed by Groundviews were unaware of the origin of the transboundary marine pollution, particularly nurdles, and their impact. For these fishermen, the most pressing issue remained the Indian trawler boats operating off the coast of Mannar and affecting their livelihoods.
Officials said that while there was currently no evidence of harm to the fish population, further assessments, toxicologies, research and monitoring were essential. They pointed to the challenges posed by past incidents such as the MV X-Press Pearl disaster where the long term effects of plastic pollution were still being investigated and battled in courts.
Plastic pellets are made from fossil fuels and a cocktail of chemicals, including chemicals such as phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), flame retardants, organotins, heavy metals and PFAS and are particularly concerning due to their ability to absorb and accumulate toxic chemicals and pollutants from the exposed environment. These nurdles can be ingested by marine organisms leading to bioaccumulation and potential entry into the food chain. The implications for human health are significant as many communities rely on fishing as a primary source of income and food.
The incidents of the Elsa 3 and the Wan Hai 503, another vessel that caught fire weeks later, underscore the urgent need for regional cooperation in addressing maritime pollution. Sri Lanka’s proximity to busy shipping lanes makes it imperative for the government to strengthen regulations concerning hazardous materials and ensure that shipping companies are held accountable for environmental damage.
As discussions continued regarding potential legal action against the shipping companies involved, it was clear that a unified approach was necessary. Collaboration among governmental agencies, NGOs and the international community was essential in developing effective strategies for pollution prevention and response.
As environmentalists come together to address the immediate threats posed by nurdle pollution and urge for stricter regulations in holding polluters accountable with a fair reflection on justice, it is crucial to advocate for stronger environmental protections and ensure that the lessons learned from past incidents lead to meaningful changes in policy as well as in practice.
While the problem of plastic pollution is still being addressed, the collective efforts of local communities, government agencies and environmental organizations offer hope for a cleaner, safer marine environment for future generations.