How to handle and report oil slick: Oman's EA issues guidelines

Observer Web Team

Published: 10:56 AM, Aug 12, 2026

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Muscat: The Environment Authority (EA) has urged all visitors to coastal areas, beach fronts to stay away from the affected area and do not touch the oily substances or swim in the affected waters in case of spotting any oil slicks near the area.

The visitors should not attempt to clean or remove the spill themselves; leave it to the specialized teams and immediately report any oil slicks or damaged or dead marine life via the number: 93930088

As the competent authorities are monitoring the environmental situation in marine and coastal areas, the visitors and local residents are urged to adhere to the directives of the competent authorities, rely on official information, and avoid circulating unverified information.

The Environment Authority (EA) has suggested immediate measures to be taken if there are cases of oil spills in the neighbourhood.

An oil spill can have environmental, health, and economic impacts, so a quick response and cooperation with the relevant authorities help minimize damage.

EA works in cooperation with relevant authorities to respond quickly and effectively to oil spills, to mitigate their effects and protect the marine environment and natural resources.

It activates the environmental emergency plan and coordinates with relevant authorities for immediate response, assesses the size of the spill, and tracks its spread through field monitoring teams and modern technologies. EA directly supervises pollution control operations and the mitigation of their effects on the marine environment, monitors water quality and the marine environment, assesses damage, and supervises cleanup and rehabilitation work.

The direct effects of an oil spill include pollution of seawater and beaches, the marine environment, and degradation of ecosystems, damage to fish stocks, impact on fishermen's livelihoods, tourism, and the local economy, and death or injury to marine organisms, including fish, birds, turtles, and coral reefs.The impact of an oil spill extends to the environment, the economy, and society, making a rapid response and containment crucial for protecting the marine environment and its natural resources.

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