We thank D. F. Hatler, J. B. Foster, and A. L. Allen for comments on the manuscript.
Petroleum Industry's Role in Marine Bird Conservation
by
Keith G. Hay
American Petroleum Institute
2101 L Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
Abstract
Despite improved safety practices, engineering, and navigational skills, marine tanker transportation will not be 100% accident free. The industry seeks to mitigate wildlife losses through improved technology, research in the rehabilitation of species exposed to oil, and the development of oil spill/wildlife contingency plans.
Oil spills and marine birds not only constitute a deadly mix but have proved to be one of our toughest environmental problems to solve. The rehabilitation of these tragic victims is plagued with controversy, emotion, apathy, and biological unknowns. The costs have been high and the survival rates low. During the last 10 years, a few dedicated people working here and in Europe have reversed this trend. They have, in addition, taken steps to develop contingency plans and conducted research to reduce seabird mortalities from oil spills. I present a brief status report on their progress and the melange of problems involved.