Muscat – The Environment Authority (EA) has launched a public awareness campaign outlining the environmental risks posed by oil spills and the steps residents should take if a spill occurs near coastal areas.

Developed in cooperation with the National Risk Register, the campaign highlights the importance of early reporting and coordinated emergency response to minimise damage to marine ecosystems, public health and the economy.

According to the authority, oil spills can contaminate seawater and coastlines, damage marine habitats and threaten wildlife, including fish, seabirds, turtles and coral reefs. The pollution can also affect fisheries, tourism and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The EA urged members of the public to stay away from contaminated areas and avoid touching oil or swimming in affected waters. It also advised against attempting to remove or clean spilled oil without proper equipment, stressing that such operations should be carried out only by specialised response teams.

The authority called on the public to report any oil spill – or injured or dead marine wildlife linked to a spill – through official channels without delay. It also urged residents to follow instructions issued by the relevant authorities and avoid sharing unverified information during emergency situations.

The campaign emphasises that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility and that prompt reporting and cooperation with emergency responders can significantly reduce the impact of oil spills on coastal ecosystems.

The EA also outlined its emergency response procedures. It activates environmental emergency plans and coordinates with relevant government agencies as soon as a spill is reported.

Its response includes assessing the size and spread of the spill through field monitoring and modern surveillance technologies, monitoring seawater quality and environmental conditions, evaluating damage, and supervising clean-up and environmental rehabilitation efforts.

The authority said its role is to ensure a rapid and coordinated response that limits environmental damage while protecting marine biodiversity and natural resources.