Fuel oil deposits on the Black Sea coast: Experts reassure there is no new spill

What are the fuel oil deposits along our coastline?

In recent days, tourists and local residents have reported the appearance of fuel oil deposits on the beaches of the Northern and Southern Black Sea coast. The Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Executive Agency "Maritime Administration" were quick to clarify the situation.

"These deposits are not traces of a fresh oil spill," the department stated definitively.

The institutions explain that these are so-called tar balls. They are the result of old oil pollution that has been in the marine environment for a long time and was washed ashore due to the rough sea between June 15 and June 20.

Why do these balls appear?

• Natural processes: The substance has undergone evaporation, oxidation, and biodegradation.
• Temperature effects: In cold water, the particles harden, while in warmer temperatures, they soften and float to the surface.
• Transboundary nature: Such deposits can travel long distances and originate from sources outside Bulgaria's territorial waters.

Can the culprit be identified?

Due to the significant change in the chemical composition and the age of the substance, identifying a specific vessel responsible for the pollution is practically impossible. Similar cases have been observed in previous years, as well as along the shores of neighboring Romania.

The "Maritime Administration" assures that they are monitoring the situation through satellite surveillance and port controls. At the moment, there is no data regarding new incidents. Coordination is underway between the Ministry of Environment and local authorities for the timely cleaning of the beaches so as not to disturb the peace of the tourist season.