An oil spill was discovered on Feb. 21 on the beaches of Israel, causing massive amounts of destruction to wildlife on the Mediterranean shoreline. With sand stuck between sticky clumps of tar and sea creatures caught in oily substances, it is anticipated that it will take months or even years to fully restore the beaches. Authorities are continuing the search to find the suspect to the spill—one of the most severe ecological disasters to hit Israel—while they combine efforts to aid for the animals and land. 

“According to field assessments, it is evident that these complex and strenuous operations will be required to continue over a long period of time,” Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority said.

Immediately after the event, the country closed down beaches to prevent any exposure to pollution, and gathered groups of more than 4,000 volunteers to clean up the wreckage. Every day, more and more tar washes up among monstrous waves—which inevitably makes the process more difficult.

“Out of 190 kilometers (119 miles) of beach in Israel, 170 kilometers (105 miles) were hit by the ecological disaster,” the Nature and Parks Authority said on its Facebook page on Sunday.

Luckily, the turnout of volunteers has gone better than expected, showing the country’s commitment to save wildlife and keep its environment in a healthy state. 

Right now, numerous sea birds, turtles, and fish are being treated, while many of the others had died by the time they were found in the depths of tar. Many ecologists have expressed worry for the Dendropoma petraeum, also known as the reef-building snail. With their already decreasing population due to global warming, they are especially vulnerable to this disaster, along with many other infected species. 

“Our moral obligation to the public is to locate those responsible for the event… We are making every effort to find those responsible for the disaster, and we will bring to the government’s approval tomorrow a proposal for resolutions to rehabilitate the environment,” said Minister of Environmental Protection Gila Gamliel.

Although there is no certainty, authorities have currently have narrowed down their search to nine possible suspects. This is based on the belief that the cause of the spill was an oil tanker leak off the coast of Israel—which would have spilled tens to hundreds of tons of oil. Israeli and European officials are continuing their investigation by using sophisticated satellite images of wave movements and other gadgets. Once the responsible ship is found, Israel is prepared to take legal action and sue insurance companies for the damages—which could result in tens of millions of shekels.

Photo courtesy of FORBES.COM