Response Options

Responding to an oiled wildlife incident may involve an attempt to prevent wildlife from becoming oiled and/or the treatment of animals if they do become oiled. Some guidance on the various response options is given in the table below.


Actions that can be considered
What is “best practice”?
Handbooks and Guidelines that provide guidance
Oil spill response plan
Availability of vulnerability maps that include (seasonal) distribution of vulnerable wildlife at sea
Pre-identified biologists to assist with aerial surveillance and interpretation of real-time field data
Availability of vulnerability maps that include (seasonal) distribution of vulnerable wildlife in coastal areas
Have predefined plans in place with reference to effective species specific methods
North American handbooks:
Having predefined plans in place, which include directions for the treatment and fate of captured animals
Case studies in literature
Prevent the continued suffering of individual oiled animals
Systematically search beaches
Operate rehabilitation facilities using internationally approved methodologies/
Apply agreed triage criteria
Band animals that are ready to be released
Conduct post release monitoring research
Systematically search beaches
Operate euthanasia facilities
Have agreed euthanasia techniques
Assess impacts on wildlife populations
Systematically search beaches
Coordinated involvement of multiple stakeholders, including NGO’s and volunteers
Develop and agree an OWR plan before the incident, involving all responders within a  clear integrated command structure
Have regular training and exercises based on the plan
Examples from various countries in Europe
Health, Safety and Environment
No wildlife response if health and safety of the responders cannot be guaranteed
Require minimum level of training from all accredited responders
Instruct and supervise volunteers
Provide protective clothing
Examples from various countries in Europe