The Salcete coastline has reportedly witnessed fresh deposits of the oily substance known as tarballs thereby hampering the movement of visitors. The tarball menace has become an annual feature which occurs ahead of the Southwest monsoon. The menace is also seen along the west coast of the country. Its annual occurrence during the monsoon has led marine biologists and experts to demand an investigation in the matter. Tarballs are sticky balls of oil that form when crude oil floats on the ocean surface. They are formed by weathering of crude oil in marine environments and transported from the open sea to the shores by sea currents and waves. Experts have urged authorities to take stricter vigil and check if ships are dumping burnt oil waste off the western coast of India. Microbes are known to be associated with tarballs and some are potential human and animal pathogens. Successive governments in the state have not been able to find a lasting solution to this menace. It seems necessary for the government to take up the matter with the Centre in order to come up with a permanent solution to the problem.
