What is the future of professional oiled wildlife response in Europe?

Today, 28th of June, European Oiled Wildlife Assistance (EUROWA) launched their Proposal for the future of professional oiled wildlife response in Europe, calling on authorities to get better prepared for an oiled wildlife incident. The Proposal was launched to coincide with the 5 year anniversary of the Bow Jubail incident which occurred in The Netherlands. During this incident, over 500 swans became oiled in the Rotterdam harbour within just a few hours, garnering massive media and public interest. Luckily, the authorities adopted the wildlife response plan. 

Although oiled wildlife incidents do not occur regularly, when they do they have a devastating impact on the local society, economy and environment. Only by being well prepared can authorities hope to deal with the many challenges that will arise if such an incident occurs. For example, untrained members of the public often flock to these areas. Despite the good intention, it is often a risk to their health and safety, and to that of the animals. Such risks were evident when looking back at the Bow Jubail incident, where people risked their lives trying to capture animals and themselves became oiled. During that incident, 522 swans were taken into care and 97.5% were successfully released. 

‘Oil spills are like pandora’s box, once opened the problems will keep jumping out. Even a small spill can lead to hundreds or even thousands of birds arriving ashore oiled, not to mention other wildlife such as turtles or seals. The public will demand a professional response and their gaze will cast towards authorities for leadership,’ said Vanessa Ryan, Chair of EUROWA. ‘The passive approach often taken by authorities risks a chaotic response in the event of an incident. It is our mission to motivate authorities to step-up their game, get prepared and get working on their wildlife response plans.’ 

A wildlife response plan should engage all relevant stakeholders. A plan on the shelf is only as good as the energy that is spent from day to day to train, exercise and implement it to ensure the response can roll out effectively. Therefore, authorities must review their plans every few years and ensure that all relevant stakeholders, from NGOs to scientists and industry, are aware of their roles and can function smoothly together if there is a major oiled wildlife incident.  

The Proposal launched today is a call to action for national, regional or local authorities, but also for the different European authorities and Regional Seas Agreements who each have a role in getting Europe better prepared for an oiled wildlife incident.  

‘Complacency to get prepared can lead to devastating impacts on wildlife. Collaboration and preparation are pivotal to protect both people and wildlife. The time to prepare is now,’ Ryan continued. 

ENDS

For further information, please contact Edel Shanahan, Technical Advisor at: edel@sea-alarm.org 

Further information
EUROWA
EUROWA (EURopean Oiled Wildlife Assistance) is a network of European oiled wildlife response experts who are working together to improve professionalism in marine wildlife emergency response. EUROWA can be mobilised by European authorities to assist in their emergency oiled wildlife response. The network of experts developed extensive training portfolios for oiled wildlife response and best practice guidelines.  

Visit eurowa.eu for further information.