Oiled wildlife response in the Arctic: a regional approach WMU/IMO Conference on Oil Spill Risk Management MalmÜ, Sweden – 8 March 2011
Saskia Sessions
Wildlife response in the arctic High
risk, public pressure Lack of infrastructure Difficult conditions Integrated wildlife response planning Agree
strategy Tiered regional response Communicate it Pictures: http://www.arcodiv.org/
What is wildlife response?
Which strategy for wildlife?
Options Rehabilitation Euthanasia Both Leave animals alone
Discuss in peace time Safety first, practical All stakeholders Humane, publicly acceptable Cost-effective
100% Euthanasia
Rehabilitation
Leave in the wild Extreme conditions Remoteness Dangerous North
Better conditions Resources available H&S threats minimal South
European Wildlife Planning
HELCOM instruments Guidelines on Wildlife Response planning Procedures for mutual assistance Baltic work programme (workshops, training, wildlife in BALEX Delta exercise)
Developments at OTSOPA and REMPEC
Framework for Arctic Wildlife Planning
European model → Arctic countries
Best practice, international cooperation
Different levels of preparedness Few dedicated arctic oiled wildlife response plans Few permanent arctic wildlife facilities
Different attitudes on animal welfare
Euthanasia vs rehabilitation
Arctic Regional Wildlife Response Plan
Tiered response (pool resources) Trained people governments, industry, NGOs, hunters Availability & location of equipment/facilities Guidance and criteria for mobilisation of resources
Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3
Communications plan
Map: http://www.arctic.noaa.gov/maps.html
Responding in the Arctic
Protect habitats Hazing and deterrence Euthanasia and/or rehabilitation
Mobilise euthanasia response Capture oiled animals, transport to nearest permanent facility Or create temporary facility
Offshore/on-ice access, H&S Logistics
Animal transport Buildings of opportunity
Regional capability?
Pool resources Mobile response units (e.g. Finland BCU) Floating facilities? Arctic wildlife response unit (rehabilitators, vets, hunters and volunteers) Training for Arctic species and conditions
Arctic wildlife planning is key – agree safest, practical strategy and communicate it!
Thank-you www.sea-alarm.org