Oil Spill in the Seto Inland Sea - 2003

Oil Spill in the Seto Inland Sea - 2003
In 2003, a tanker anchored in the Seto Inland Sea spilled approximately 500 tons of crude oil due to a crack caused by aging piping equipment. The oil spread over approximately 120 square kilometers, affecting fishing grounds and marine ecosystems in Matsuyama, Imabari, and Toon cities in Ehime Prefecture. In particular, sea bream production decreased by 15 percent and hamachi by 10 percent. About 1,000 people participated in the cleanup activities, and 220 tons of oil was collected. Damages amounted to approximately 1 billion yen, and the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism have been reviewing vessel safety standards and strengthening disaster prevention training. The accident left a major mark on the economy and environment of the fishing zone, but also served as an opportunity to remind people of the importance of protecting the marine environment.