As the BP Gulf oil disaster continues to spew oil into the Gulf of Mexico affecting marine life, Metro Vancouver residents should be concerned about the possible effects of oil on the BC natural environment and wildlife if a similar disaster were to happen locally.
Gail Telfer of the Burnaby-based Ethical Wildlife Solutions says Canada has limited legislation protecting pollution-impacted wildlife. “As it stands today, it is entirely the choice of the party responsible for the damage as to whether they want to pay for wildlife cleanup and rehabilitation. A polluter is required to pay for the clean-up of the water and shore, but not any wildlife, unless they choose.” (Quote from a letter “Wildlife needs guaranteed protection from oil spills” - Vancouver Sun, dated June 19, 2010).
The Vancouver organization, Oiled Wildlife Society of BC, describes in detail how oil negatively affects birds and how treating the birds involves treating their external and internal damage. The Oiled Wildlife Society of British Columbia's mission is “to promote a high level of emergency preparedness and awareness of oiled wildlife response through equipment management and ongoing oil spill response training.” They also provide online links to B.C. and Canadian organizations involved in oiled wildlife management.
The BC SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has provided staff and resource support in the form of rescue, transport, supplies and volunteer management in oil spills, while working in partnership with other wildlife groups.
Both groups emphasize the costly, labour intensive and heart-breaking nature of rescuing wildlife from an oil death. The environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico may be a stark and frightening wake-up call for Canadians concerned about their special natural place on the planet.
http://www.examiner.com/examinerslideshow.html?entryid=1375966
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