Oil-like substance surfaces on Caranzalem beach, experts call for thorough investigation

Panaji: Pedro Vaz, a traditional ramponkar (fisherman) from Caranzalem, was in for an unsettling surprise during his routine late-night fishing trip. Known for taking his canoe out to sea after 10pm with his crew, Vaz returns by 4am with his catch every day. However, Wednesday night saw him and several other fishermen perplexed when they felt an oily substance under their feet on the sandy shores of their beach.
The spill not only tainted the shore but also left the night’s catch with a strong, unpleasant stench. By Thursday morning, the fishermen discovered visible stains of black oil coating the beach that serves as the only source of their livelihood.
“We are plagued with this issue at least three times a year. We’ve had no choice but to suspend operations for the night if the issue persists,” said Vaz.
Experts like Sreepada Anantha R, a retired scientist from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), have raised concerns over a recurring phenomenon along many beaches on the Goan coast. According to Sreepada, the presence of black particles stems from non-point pollution sources. This means they originate from various sources rather than a single, identifiable point. These sources range from the natural weathering of rocks, ore transportation, coal dust, coal washings, and even the weathering of crude oil.
“Such a phenomenon of high presence of black coal-like particles with shiny surfaces is being observed along many beaches in Goa,” he told TOI.
He further said that understanding the sources of these particles is important for developing effective solutions.“The recurrence of such a phenomenon observed along different beaches of Goa at different parts of the year needs a thorough investigation, particularly the sources and more importantly, their impacts on marine life, human beings and environment as a whole,” he added.
The impact of this pollution could extend beyond the fishermen, affecting beach-goers, the tourism industry, and the local ecosystem.
One of the residents of Caranzalem, said, “The issue is more than just a nuisance. It is a threat to marine life, the livelihoods of fisherfolk and an urgent environmental concern for residents who visit the beach regularly. We need to find lasting solutions.”