Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (15 August 2026) – Satellite observations are providing a striking view of two oil pollution events affecting waters near Qeshm and Hengam islands off the southern coast of Iran, and the Hallaniyat Islands and adjacent waters off the coast of Dhofar, southern Oman. This identifies both the growing environmental consequences of maritime accidents, and the critical role of Earth-observing satellites in rapidly documenting marine pollution.
Researchers at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) analyzed satellite imagery acquired between August 7 and August 10, to map the spatial extent of oil slicks off southern coasts of Oman and Iran, respectively.
The August 7 satellite observation shows an extensive oil slick near the Hallaniyat Islands off the coast of Dhofar, southern Oman covering approximately 300 km², while the August 10 observation near Qeshm and Hengam islands off the southern coast of Iran reveals approximately 100 km² of oil-contaminated water.
The observations provide an independent, synoptic view of pollution that can be difficult to characterize from ships or coastal observations alone
“One of the remarkable capabilities of satellite Earth observation is that we can see an environmental disaster developing across hundreds or even thousands of square kilometers of ocean,” said Dr. Manoochehr Shirzaei, Chief Scientist of UNU-INWEH's Global Environmental Intelligence Lab. “These observations allow us not only to identify the presence of oil, but also to map its extent, follow its movement and determine which coastal and marine ecosystems may be exposed.”
Two separate pollution events
The slicks off southern coasts of Iran and Oman appear to represent separate events.
Oil contamination was first reported along the Qeshm’s southern shoreline in early August and has subsequently been reported within the Hara mangrove ecosystem. Recent satellite and vessel-tracking analysis has identified the damaged bulk carrier Minoan Pioneer as a likely source of at least part of the pollution. The vessel was damaged near the Strait of Hormuz on August 3.
The August 10 satellite map produced by the UNU-INWEH team shows the spatial distribution of the slick around Qeshm and Hengam Islands several days after the incident.
Farther south, a much larger spill is developing off southern coast of Oman from the tanker Caroline Bezengi. The vessel ran aground near the Hallaniyat Islands after previously reporting damage. The tanker reportedly carried approximately 800,000 barrels of crude oil.
Satellite analyses reported by international media indicate that this slick has expanded dramatically and has begun reaching portions of the Omani coastline. The UNU-INWEH analysis of imagery acquired on August 7 captures the slick while it was still spreading through offshore waters.
“Oil spills do not respect borders, and their impacts can extend far beyond the point of an accident,” said UNU-INWEH Director, Professor Kaveh Madani. “While Iran and Oman negotiate new arrangements for managing the Strait of Hormuz, massive oil spills are causing major environmental damage and lasting health risks to both nations. The legacy impacts of this war will remain long in the region after the fighting ends.”
Sensitive ecosystems in the path of the oil
The location of both events makes their environmental significance greater than their size alone would suggest.
Qeshm and Hengam Islands sits at the boundary between the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman and contains extensive coral reefs, tidal flats and mangrove forests. The nearby Hara Biosphere Reserve contains the largest Avicennia mangrove ecosystem along the Persian Gulf shoreline and provides habitat for migratory birds, green turtles, critically endangered hawksbill turtles and numerous marine species.
Oil contamination can be particularly damaging in mangrove environments. Oil can become trapped within fine sediments and complex root systems, potentially exposing vegetation and marine organisms long after visible surface slicks have disappeared.
The Southern Oman spill similarly threatens biologically important waters surrounding the Hallaniyat Islands and portions of the Omani coast. The region provides habitat for sea turtles, seabirds and the endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale.
Satellites as environmental first responders
Marine oil spills are particularly well suited to satellite monitoring because conventional observations are often sparse across large areas of ocean.
Synthetic aperture radar satellites can detect changes in ocean-surface roughness associated with oil films and can operate during both day and night and through cloud cover. Optical satellites provide complementary information about the shape and distribution of slicks when atmospheric and illumination conditions permit.
Combining these observations with ocean-current and wind data can allow researchers to reconstruct how pollution has moved and potentially trace it back toward its source.
The UNU-INWEH team is continuing to examine satellite observations of the region to determine how the slicks have evolved over time and which coastal ecosystems may be exposed.
Available for interview: Interview requests should be submitted to media.inweh@unu.edu
Media Contacts: Marjan Asadullah, Communications Assistant, UNU-INWEH, marjan.asadullah@unu.edu
About UNU-INWEH
Marking its 30th anniversary of operation in 2026, the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) is one of 13 institutions that make up the United Nations University (UNU), the academic arm of the UN. Known as ‘The UN’s Think Tank on Water’, UNU-INWEH addresses critical water, environmental, and health challenges around the world. Through research, training, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination, the institute contributes to solving pressing global sustainability and human security issues of concern to the UN and its Member States. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, UNU-INWEH has been hosted and supported by the Government of Canada since 1996. With a global mandate and extensive partnerships across UN entities, international organizations, and governments, UNU-INWEH operates through its UNU Hubs in Calgary, Hamburg, New York, Lund, and Pretoria, and an international network of affiliates.
