How does one de-oil a marine mammal? That is more than just a fascinating animal husbandry question. As we learned from the Exxon Valdez oil spill incident, when some 2,500 sea otters were affected by oil, it is critical for all involved in oil spill response to be prepared and know what to do when the animal “patients” start being admitted for cleaning and care.
Workshop participants discussing priorities for increasing response effectiveness
Using experience gathered from the Exxon Valdez spill, other global oil spill incidents and research and from experience gleaned in our ongoing marine mammal and seabird strandings program, the Alaska SeaLife Center is uniquely positioned to provide guidance on how to de-oil and rehabilitate marine mammals. However, our experience with some marine mammals is limited (e.g. there have only been a few instances of polar bear treatment after oiling) and there are still key gaps in our knowledge of best treatment protocols (e.g. which method of de-oiling is most efficient in various treatment stages).
Pat Lampi (AK Zoo), Brett Long (ASLC and Pam Yochem (SeaWorld) reviewing the finer points of sea otter treatment
Last week, with the support of Alaska Clean Seas, WWF and BP and with the assistance of experts, Dr Pam Yochem and Bill Winhall from SeaWorld, ASLC Vets Drs Pam Tuomi and Carrie Goertz and Catherine Berg and Susan Miller from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, we convened a workshop of more than 30 first responders to share knowledge about de-oiling practice. Over two days we evaluated current practice standards and protocols, gained hand on experience in de-oiling marine mammals (our sea otter model has never been cleaner!) and evaluated what more we need to do to both build response capacity and address knowledge gaps.
Breakout group defining future training needs
The workshop was judged an outstanding success by all participants – not only did all involved gain new knowledge, they also built a network of contacts who will prove helpful in further response planning and/or in the event of an oil spill involving marine mammals in Alaskan waters. ASLC Husbandry Director, Brett Long is currently developing a workshop summary report and we shall be convening further trainings of this type in conjunction with our strandings meetings and our ongoing work with the oil industry. Please contact Brett if you would like further details (brettl@alaskasealife.org).
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