Sustainable Management Practices to Mitigate Oil Spillage on Seashore Andcoastal Areas

Abstract

Oil spills pose serious environmental, economic, and public health challenges, particularly in coastal regions where communities rely on marine resources for their livelihoods. This study examines the impact of an oil spill affecting the coastal settlements of Kattukuppam, Thazhanguppam, Chinnakuppam, EnnoreKuppam, and MugathwaraKuppam in North Chennai. A sample of fishing-dependent households was surveyed to assess the extent of environmental disruption and community-level impacts resulting from oil spills. The findings indicate that the affected population experienced noticeable health complaints, including respiratory discomfort, skin irritation, headaches, fatigue, and eye irritation, primarily due to exposure to contaminated seawater, crude oil residue, chemical dispersants, and fumes. Beyond health impacts, the oil spill significantly affected livelihood activities, particularly fishing and related income-generating occupations, leading to reduced income stability and altered household expenditure patterns. Overall, the results reveal strong interconnections between environmental degradation, public health concerns, and socio-economic vulnerability in coastal communities affected by oil spills. These findings emphasise the need for effective emergency preparedness, community-level health monitoring, compensation frameworks, and sustainable spill response systems. Future research should explore improved prevention strategies and advanced response technologies to manage, reduce, and prevent oil spills while assessing long-term environmental, socioeconomic, and health outcomes.