People Problems
Handling an over-responsive and emotional army of bird-cleaning volunteers and training them to play constructive roles is a major undertaking. Planning, cooperation, understanding, patience, and clear direction must be developed. In the absence of these virtues, chaos can and has prevailed.
The San Francisco Bay oil spill of 1971 was a classic example. There was virtually no State or Federal coordination. Splinter groups of volunteers established their own "treatment centers" and jealously guarded their patients. Some actually absconded with their pet patients to seek better care elsewhere. Long hours, fatigue, and frustrations led to dissension and bitter quarrels. Antiestablishment sentiment was rampant.
Instant experts on bird cleaning, avian medicine, and nutrition appeared or developed overnight. Veterinarians volunteered their services, but their knowledge of oiled-bird treatment was limited. A wide variety of food (from canned dog food to live shrimp) was given the birds. Forced feeding was routine. Medications and vitamins of all kinds were also administered. Needless to say, the states of the art in treating oiled birds and handling volunteers were both in their infancy. For both, the success ratio was near zero.
To prevent such fruitless efforts and the frantic, unorganized response that prevailed, a well-designed contingency plan for wildlife involved in an oil spill is needed.
Contingency Planning
It is only prudent to take reasonable measures to prepare for oiled-bird emergencies. This is especially true in regions where bird concentrations and oil shipment traffic converge. Almost equal attention must be devoted to handling volunteers as to handling birds. Safety is a major consideration. The sharp beaks of birds can be very dangerous.
A model State contingency plan should include the following:
• A list of State and Federal agencies to be alerted, including 24-h, 7-day-a-week telephone numbers, and names of individuals to contact.
• Clarification of the roles of State and Federal agencies under the Regional Response Plan of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.