May 21, 2024 – Since Friday, May 17, 2024, an alarming number of oiled sea birds and tar balls have been discovered along the coastal beaches from Long Beach, Washington, to Newport, Oregon. This ongoing environmental issue has prompted immediate action and concern from local and state authorities.

The Coast Guard conducted an aerial survey on Sunday, May 19, in an attempt to locate the source of the oil spill. Despite their efforts, the origin of the spill remains unidentified. The Washington State Department of Ecology has been informed and is actively involved in addressing this environmental hazard.

Impact on Wildlife

Oiled birds are being reported across a wide stretch of the coastline. These birds, covered in oil, are particularly vulnerable as the oil affects their ability to maintain buoyancy and insulation, often leading to hypothermia, drowning, or ingestion of toxins while preening.

How to Help

Please REPORT oiled birds. The public’s assistance is crucial in managing this crisis. If you encounter an oiled bird or have any information regarding the oil spill, you are urged to take immediate action by reporting it to the oiled wildlife hotline at 1-800-222-4737. Alternatively, you can email the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Damage Assessment Specialist at Mike_Szumski@fws.gov.

Timely reporting can aid rescue operations and contribute to mitigating the environmental impact. Volunteers and wildlife professionals are working diligently to rescue and rehabilitate affected birds, but public awareness and reporting are key to addressing this widespread issue.

Moving Forward

Efforts to identify and contain the oil spill are ongoing. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are deploying resources to manage the cleanup and rehabilitation efforts. Cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies, along with community involvement, is essential in protecting the affected wildlife and restoring the coastal environment.

For more updates and information on how you can help, please stay tuned to local news outlets and environmental agency announcements. Your vigilance and support are vital in responding to this environmental emergency.