An Unresolved Environmental Problem—Small-Scale Unattributable Marine Oil Spills in Musandam, Oman

Amran Al-Kamzari, Tim Gray (), Clare Fitzsimmons and J. Grant Burgess
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Amran Al-Kamzari: School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Tim Gray: School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NEI 7RU, UK
Clare Fitzsimmons: School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
J. Grant Burgess: School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-25

Abstract: This article discusses unattributable small-scale marine oil spills, particularly focusing on their environmental and socio-economic impacts in Musandam, Oman. There is a research gap in the literature on unattributable small-scale marine oil spills that reflects the lack of attention paid to these minor yet frequent spills, whose perpetrators invariably escape detection and accountability. The research method combines a literature review with extensive fieldwork, including community mapping, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, to understand the extent, causes, and challenges of untraceable spills. The findings reveal significant ecological damage, economic losses for local fishers and tourism, and systemic issues of untraceability, limited enforcement, and inadequate compensation mechanisms. The article recommends establishing a regional compensation scheme, deploying advanced detection technologies, improving spill reporting, and fostering regional cooperation to enhance spill traceability, upgrade remediation techniques, and obtain redress for affected communities. These recommendations aim to inform policy actions that mitigate environmental risks and uphold environmental justice in the Arabian Gulf region.

Keywords: small-scale marine oil spills; Arabian Gulf; Musandam; Oman; traceability; remediation; compensation; environmental justice (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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