The Institute of Marine Affairs is investigating reports of an oil spill in Chaguaramas and by extension the Gulf of Paria.

Director of the Institute, Dr Ava Maxam, told 103.1FM News this afternoon about how the matter is being managed.

Over the weekend, Corporate Secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea, Gary Aboud, claimed hydrocarbons were observed emanating from an abandoned vessel in the vicinity of Point Gourd.

The FFSO has called on the Government and other relevant bodies to address what it calls “environmental negligence.”

It also cited the Water Pollution Rules and the Polluter Pays Principle which say the parties responsible for this contamination must be identified and charged.