Peruvian Fishers Demand More Compensation Following December Oil Spill

In December 2024, an oil spill at Peru’s New Talara Refinery disrupted the lives of over 4,000 fishers. Following a government-declared environmental emergency, fishers claim that the financial compensation from Petroperú is insufficient. Community solidarity has emerged as they seek legal compensation amid ongoing pollution concerns.

On December 22, 2024, a significant oil spill occurred at the New Talara Refinery in northern Peru, contaminating approximately 10 kilometers of Pacific coastline after a pipeline leak. The Peruvian environment ministry promptly declared a 90-day environmental emergency, which severely hindered tourism and the livelihoods of over 4,000 artisanal fishers. Despite their return to work, these fishers claim the compensation received from Petroperú, the state-owned oil company, is inadequate and are advocating for additional support.

Following the incident, fishermen discovered their nets coated in oil instead of fish, as the polluted tide spread across the coastline. Initially, Petroperú reported the leak at 0.9 barrels; however, further investigations revealed the recovery of nine barrels of oil and related waste. The spill notably affected various beaches and resulted in immediate prevention measures while the environment ministry declared an emergency.

Artisanal fisherman Tulio Chapilliquen expressed concern about the frequency of oil spills, recalling similar environmental issues from his childhood. The recent spill, affecting about 1 hectare of water, drew criticism as scientists highlighted the inefficacy of chemical dispersants utilized to manage the crisis. These additives merely mixed oil with water rather than facilitating true remediation.

The December 25 emergency declaration prompted Petroperú to initiate cleanup efforts under oversight from environmental regulators. However, the oil spill coincided with an anomalous tide, further compounding the challenges faced by local fishers whose boats and local infrastructure suffered severe damage. Many fishers, including Chapilliquen, experienced substantial financial loss, particularly after investing in business ventures.

Despite ongoing pollution, community solidarity emerged among the fishers, who organized communal meals to support those affected. The Talara Fishermen’s Guild outlined demands for compensation and acknowledgment of damages related to the spill. In contrast, Petroperú’s proposed compensation was deemed insufficient, leading to legal claims initiated by the fishers for additional reparations.

While Petroperú has acknowledged its obligations regarding damaged fishing gear, its response to non-pecuniary damages has fallen short of expectations, prompting further unrest. As the fishers continued to face losses from lack of fishing access, they remained vigilant against potential currents of oil resurfacing in their waters. Reports of new oil detections further instigated protests, reflecting the community’s frustrations.

Ultimately, despite Petroperú’s claims of rectifying its commitments, the ongoing financial challenges associated with the refinery’s renovation, coupled with past significant fines for environmental damage, cast doubt on the company’s capacity to adequately address the repercussions of the disaster.

The December oil spill at the New Talara Refinery significantly impacted the livelihoods of local artisanal fishers, resulting in inadequate compensation claims against Petroperú. Despite the company’s cleanup efforts, ongoing environmental concerns and inadequate financial reparations have driven the fishers to seek legal remedies. As tensions rise amid persistent oil detections, the community’s resilience and solidarity have emerged as vital components in their struggle for justice.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com