Beyond beach clean-up: Expert stresses long-term monitoring after UAE oil spill

Removing oil from beaches is only the first stage of addressing a marine spill, according to an environmental scientist who says authorities must continue to assess water quality, habitats and wildlife long after the visible pollution is gone.

Dr Aseel Takshe, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Digital Innovation and Sustainability at Canadian University Dubai (CUD), explained that the impact of an oil spill depends on factors such as the type of oil, its trajectory and how quickly it is contained.

“The extent of the damage will be shaped by winds, tides, currents, and wave action, which determine where oil moves and whether it reaches sensitive lagoons and islands. The type of oil, the speed of containment, and the care taken during shoreline cleanup will also be decisive,” she said.

Spill response and beach closures

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) confirmed on Friday that a tanker spill had caused unusual odours reported across parts of the northern emirates. Marine pollution reached beaches in Umm Al Quwain, prompting a coordinated response from federal and local authorities.

Beaches in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah were temporarily closed while specialised teams carried out containment, clean-up and remediation operations. Officials assured residents that the odours did not pose health risks.

Hidden contamination risks

Takshe noted that environmental assessments can determine whether contamination remains in surrounding habitats after visible oil is removed. Oil can settle in seabed sediments or become trapped in sheltered coastal areas, persisting after the slick disappears.

“The longer-term concern is that oil may persist in sediments and sheltered creeks, continuing to affect marine life after the visible slick has disappeared,” she said. “This could influence fish recruitment, turtle foraging, bird breeding success, and the health of seagrass and mangrove systems that underpin the wider food web.”

Valuable marine habitats under scrutiny

The waters around Khor Al Beidah and Al Siniyah Island in Umm Al Quwain support mangroves, seagrass meadows, mudflats and coral communities, Takshe said. These areas serve as feeding and breeding grounds for green turtles, commercially valuable fish, rays, sharks, and numerous resident and migratory birds.

She emphasised that sheltered environments such as mangroves and seagrass beds require careful handling during clean-up because oil can become trapped among roots, leaves and sediments. The condition of these habitats is a key factor in assessing the environmental impact of any spill.

Recovery timelines and evidence-based restoration

There is no single recovery timeline for an oil spill, Takshe said. Sandy beaches may recover relatively quickly once oil is removed, but mangroves, seagrass meadows, coral communities and contaminated sediments may take several years to return to full ecological function.

She stressed that clean-up operations must be carried out carefully to avoid disturbing sensitive habitats or causing additional damage. Continued monitoring can help authorities track oil in water and sediments, assess the condition of mangroves, seagrass, corals and intertidal habitats, and monitor fish, turtle and seabird populations for signs of stress or unusual mortality.

“Restoration efforts should therefore be evidence-based, prioritising the protection and recovery of the UAE’s most valuable coastal ecosystems and the species they support,” Takshe said. “This sustained assessment will help ensure that cleanup decisions remain protective, support the recovery of Umm Al Quwain’s marine environment, and safeguard the natural heritage of the UAE’s coastline.”