Rocknes

Source of pollution: 
non-tanker
Animals affected
Total number of birds affected is not known as this response was the first where
Species affected: 
Predominantly common eiders, some mallards and gulls
Number of birds released: 
81
Number of birds into intake: 
131
International support: 

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) decided to support the operation to maximise the chances of success, provide best achievable care to the animals and ensure that the response could be used as a positive case study for discussions about future wildlife response.

The bulk carrier Rockness capsized resulting in the tragic death of over 18 crew members.

Amount and type of oiled spilled: 
450 tonnes of fuel oil
Wildlife Response: 

An oiled wildlife response of this kind had not been attempted in Norway before and the government policy up to then had been to deploy trained hunters to shoot affected animals. The coalition called ‘Action Clean Bird' set up meetings with the Norwegian Coastal Administration and local authorities and were given permission to mount a response but asked to consult with international expertise.

International Bird Rescue and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) brought in their team members from the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Brazil and New Zealand to oversee the response, working closely with and training local volunteers and NGOs.

Personnel from the Norwegian Coast Guard and Nature Directorate visited the oiled wildlife centre during the response where the importance of the work was explained.