Efficacy of seawater for washing oiled birds during an oil spill response

Finlayson, Graeme; Chilvers, B. Louise; Pearson, Hayley E.; White, Bridey; Finlayson, S.; Sievwright, Karin A.; Zyl, Nicki van; Morgan, Kerri; Clumpner, Curt

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.10.080

Cited by 10 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…This species also spends a substantial amount of time at depth while feeding, where pressure will accelerate percolation of water through oiled feathers [39]. Oiled individuals who are regularly diving may gradually remove a substantial amount of oil coating from feathers when submerged in seawater [40], though we have shown that even minute amounts of oil can jeopardize the waterproofing of feathers. This suggests that the negative effects of oiling on feather waterproofing may be sustained over protracted time periods and may be compounded by increased body mass and toxic oil ingestion due to preening [41].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Light to intermediate oil sheens increase Manx shearwater feather permeability

2022

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Oil pollution has profound negative impacts on the marine environment, with seabirds particularly vulnerable to oiling, due to the amount of time spent on the sea surface foraging or resting. Exposure to oil can affect feather structure and influence waterproofing, buoyancy and thermoregulation. We investigated the effects of surface crude oil on the feather structure of Manx shearwaters ( Puffinus puffinus ), a seabird species that spends a high proportion of time on the water surface. Sampled body contour feathers were exposed to varying thicknesses of surface crude oil before assessing their resistance to water permeation, increase in mass and clumping of feather barbules. Surface oil as thin as 0.1 µm was enough to increase feather permeability, while greatest impacts on permeability were caused by exposure to dark colour surface sheens 3 µm in thickness. Increases in feather mass of up to 1000% were noted in heavy oiling scenarios due to contact with thicker oil slicks, which may significantly affect wing loading and energetic expenditure.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Light to intermediate oil sheens increase Manx shearwater feather permeability

2022

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“…The rinsing time showed a significant difference between groups, with treatment III showing the longest average time (21 min) and treatment IV the shortest (11 min). As for the time required to waterproof the feathers after treatment, there was also a significant difference, with individuals who underwent treatment III taking only one of the three treatment days to regain waterproofness (Finlayson et al, 2018).…”

Section: Rehabilitating Individualsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…birds and its effects on the impermeability of the feathers of treated individuals,Finlayson et al (2018) conducted four experiments: (I) seawater wash/seawater rinse, (II) freshwater wash/seawater rinse, (III) seawater wash/freshwater rinse, (IV) freshwater wash/freshwater rinse. The experiments were conducted with the Mallard species (Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus 1758).…”

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confidence: 99%

Oil spills at sea, their effects on birds and main treatments: a systematic review

Lucena

Mariano

2023

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“… Lack of freshwater—one of the major restricted resources for any oiled wildlife response is fresh water and this would likely be an extreme limitation in an offshore environment surrounded only by seawater. Alternative methods for processes such as decontaminating wildlife by washing with seawater could be used for some activities; however, the need for freshwater for both responders and wildlife would still be extensive (Finlayson et al 2018 ). Weather and the environment—offshore implies remote areas, often known for strong winds, viable temperatures, ever-changing wave heights, tidal movement, and influences from currents.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Planning for an offshore oiled wildlife response: case studies from New Zealand and Brazil

Chilvers

Ruoppolo²

2023

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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When an offshore oil spill occurs, it is often assumed that there will be no wildlife impacted or that an oiled wildlife response could not be undertaken. In most cases, one or both assumptions are wrong. With increasing offshore fishing, petroleum exploration, and shipping routes, the risk of accidents and spills offshore has increased. This review outlines the important considerations for offshore oiled wildlife response and explores two case studies on offshore oiled wildlife response planning based on offshore drilling or active platforms in New Zealand and Brazil. There are significant challenges for running a response in offshore environments; however, with planning, including preparation of specialized response plans, equipment, and readiness of skilled personnel, an offshore oiled wildlife response can lead to greater survival and protection for wildlife and the environment.

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Efficacy of seawater for washing oiled birds during an oil spill response

Cited by 10 publications

References 13 publications

Light to intermediate oil sheens increase Manx shearwater feather permeability

Light to intermediate oil sheens increase Manx shearwater feather permeability

Oil spills at sea, their effects on birds and main treatments: a systematic review

Planning for an offshore oiled wildlife response: case studies from New Zealand and Brazil

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