ABSTRACT
This chapter is about assessing ecosystem health after the sinking of an oil tanker in Shela River, which represented a serious threat to Sundarbans in Bangladesh. This took place in the southern part of Bangladesh, the heart of Sundarbans (Shela River). The oil spill spread out over a vast area of Sundarbans and around the Shela River. The families living near the oil spill area, vegetation, fish, animals, and many species were affected by the furnace oil. Both primary and secondary data were consulted for this study. Primary data were collected through questionnaire surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs). Secondary data were from the United Nations Development Program and a Government of Bangladesh survey. These data are analyzed using a driver, pressure, state, impact, response (DPSIR) model. The outcome of the study is the effect of an oil spill in the mangrove forest in Sundarbans and related issues. Has the government compensated the affected families and fishermen in a proper way? This study mainly identifies the forms of pollution and the affected families and species related to the spill. Many people are involved in river- and forest-related work, such as fishing, rowing, honey and comb collection, wood and crab selling and others. When the problem began, 2500 people were jobless at the time. The research report will help to decrease this type of accident by creating awareness and will help to develop policies and systems to protect the mangrove forest and waterways. However, it is also necessary to restore the livelihood of the affected people. This research will serve as an example to guide policymakers, those responsible for implementing policies, environmental experts, and geographers, and above all, it will “offer a handshake” to environmental researchers for assessing integrated phenomena like oil spills in a meaningful way.
