Residents along Mexico’s Gulf Coast are worried that more crude oil could wash ashore in Tabasco and Veracruz, nearly a
Residents along Mexico’s Gulf Coast are worried that more crude oil could wash ashore in Tabasco and Veracruz, nearly a month after contamination was first detected in early March.
Around 230 km of coastline and 39 communities have already been affected, according to the Gulf of Mexico Reef Corridor Network. The spill is threatening local livelihoods, as many communities rely on fishing and tourism, especially with the busy Easter season approaching, Reuters reports.
Oil has reached the Ostion Lagoon, an important breeding ground for marine life, raising concerns about environmental damage and the urgent need for cleanup before sea turtle nesting begins in April.
Experts warn the oil may continue spreading, with some still offshore, and are calling for stronger containment measures. Ecologists have already found wildlife affected, including sea turtles coated in tar.
Authorities, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, are investigating the source of the spill. While state oil company Pemex is assisting with cleanup efforts, having collected about 95 metric tons of waste, it is not believed to be responsible.
Officials suspect the spill may have come from a private vessel near the Pajaritos petrochemical complex, though the investigation is ongoing.
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