By Ifham Nizam

The Department of Wildlife Conservation, and environmentalists yesterday  expressed concern about the increasing deaths of marine species following the ecological disaster caused by the Singapore-flagged MV X-Press Pearl along the South Western coast.

The fire-ravaged partly sunken vessel released its hazardous chemical cargo into the vulnerable sea bed off the Colombo port.

A senior scientist expressed concern about the endangered Dugongs or sea cows.

Dugong is restricted to sea grass habitats.

Studies indicate that sea grass is disappearing at an alarming rate of 110 square kilo meters per year, largely, due to human activities, and increased acidic levels due to chemical spill from the stricken ship, would cause further problems.  

More than 15 turtles, a couple of dolphin, a number of seabirds, and several fish species have been washed ashore dead following the fire that broke out aboard the vessel.

The Wildlife Conservation Department said it was conducting investigations to ascertain what had caused the deaths of the sea creatures.

Under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, all sea turtles and their shells, eggs etc., are fully protected. Therefore, their carcasses were sent to the Government Analyst to conduct further investigations, on a court order.

The turtles were found washed ashore at Uswetakeiyawa, Panadura, Unawatuna, Wellawatte, Moratuwa and Induruwa beaches. Two turtles found with injuries had been found on the Unawatuna beach, the Department said.

Most of the turtles found dead on the beaches off Panadura and Wellawatte had their carapaces broken. One dead turtle at the Unawatuna beach had suffered injury.

A senior marine scientist said, “We have recommend that when the Attorney General’s Department take up the issue of compensation.:

The Marine Environment Protection Authority said it had already sought compensation from the company that owns the ‘X-Press Pearl’ container carrier for the economic damages caused by its fire.

Chairperson of MEPA Attorney-at-Law Dharshani Lahandapura, on Sunday, said that compensation had been sought through the Attorney General.

Besides, compensation for the environmental damage caused by the fire is also expected to be sought from the company, she added.

About 40 containers that fell into the sea from the vessel and their toxic contents released into the environment have been removed so far, she said.