Responding to an oiled wildlife incident may involve an attempt to prevent wildlife from becoming oiled and/or the treatment of animals if they do become oiled. Some guidance on the various response options is given in the table below.
Aim
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Actions that can be considered
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What is “best practice”?
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Handbooks and Guidelines that provide guidance
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Oil spill response plan
Availability of vulnerability maps that include (seasonal) distribution of vulnerable wildlife at sea
Pre-identified biologists to assist with aerial surveillance and interpretation of real-time field data
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Availability of vulnerability maps that include (seasonal) distribution of vulnerable wildlife in coastal areas
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Have predefined plans in place with reference to effective species specific methods
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North American handbooks:
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Having predefined plans in place, which include directions for the treatment and fate of captured animals
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Case studies in literature
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Prevent the continued suffering of individual oiled animals
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Systematically search beaches
Operate rehabilitation facilities using internationally approved methodologies/
protocols
Apply agreed triage criteria
Band animals that are ready to be released
Conduct post release monitoring research
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Systematically search beaches
Operate euthanasia facilities
Have agreed euthanasia techniques
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Assess impacts on wildlife populations
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Systematically search beaches
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Coordinated involvement of multiple stakeholders, including NGO’s and volunteers
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Develop and agree an OWR plan before the incident, involving all responders within a clear integrated command structure
Have regular training and exercises based on the plan
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Examples from various countries in Europe
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Health, Safety and Environment
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No wildlife response if health and safety of the responders cannot be guaranteed
Require minimum level of training from all accredited responders
Instruct and supervise volunteers
Provide protective clothing
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Examples from various countries in Europe
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