‌🔻Some oil stains have entered the mangrove forests area on Qeshm Island; local officials say operations are underway to control and clean up the contamination and prevent it from spreading.

According to IRNA, initial assessments indicate that part of the oil contamination has reached the mangrove forest area on Qeshm. Yusef Opra, head of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management office of Qeshm Island, said after visiting the area that the extent of the dispersion of the oil stains and the condition of the contaminated sections are being assessed.

He added that coordination with relevant agencies is taking place to control and clean up the contamination and to prevent more petroleum materials from entering forest areas.

Local officials have not yet announced the exact cause and source of the contamination, and say that the results of expert assessments will be released later.

The Qeshm mangrove forests are among the important coastal ecosystems of the island and play a key role in preserving biodiversity, coastal stability, and various species of aquatic life and birds. 📷IRNA