Asia-Pacific News
Singapore coast cleared of oil slick, scientists warn of impact
May 31, 2010, 14:01 GMT
Singapore - Singapore's coastline has been cleared of oil slick from a damaged tanker, authorities said Monday, but scientists warned of long-term effects on marine life.
Beaches at Singapore's east and north-east coast and a nature reserve on the northern island of Pulau Ubin had been cleared of oil stains, the National Environment Agency said in a statement.
Scientists said nature would suffer from the estimated 2,500 tons of crude oil leaked from Malaysian tanker MT Bunga Kelana 3 that collided with a container ship Tuesday.
'We have not seen mass kills, but I am sure some (animals and plants) are affected,' Peter Ng, director of Singapore's Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, told local media.
'In the longer term, the oil will affect the animals and plants in different ways,' he said. 'It may reduce the reproduction, it may reduce the growth rate, it might reduce their strength.'
No new oil patches had been spotted near Singapore's beaches, but small tar balls could still be found, the Environment Agency said.
Beaches remained closed Monday at the beginning of the month-long school holiday, with signs warning the public against water sports.
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