Offshore Wildlife Response Abstracts
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The Effects of Chemical Dispersant on Common Murre (Uria aalge) Behavior and Waterproofing

Kyra Mills
​
Oiled Wildlife Care Network
​

Full Abstract

Chemical dispersant application is an Applied Response Technology (ART) that can be approved for use during oil spill incidents in California and elsewhere. This oil spill mitigation measure may help reduce oil concentrations at the surface and therefore exposure to seabirds; however, the effectiveness of dispersants depends on other factors (such as wind chop and wave action, among others) and therefore may persist in the environment, continuing to pose a threat to seabirds and other animals. There are few studies that have examined the effects of dispersants on wildlife, especially seabirds. A previous study (Whitmer et al. 2017) noted that birds exposed to high concentrations of dispersant experienced immediate waterproofing and buoyancy issues because of alterations in feather geometry. These authors recommended that seabird impacts be considered when determining whether dispersants should be applied. Building on the results of the Whitmer et al. 2017 study, we will present findings of immediate and short-term impacts that chemical dispersant and chemically dispersed oil may have on the behavior of Common Murres (Uria aalge) post-exposure. A secondary goal of this study was to evaluate the use of infrared thermography for remote assessment of waterproofing, and to compare the use of a thermal imaging and visual assessment for determination of waterproofing.

Bird interactions with platforms and vessels during offshore oil and gas exploitation

​
Viviane Barquete
​
Aiuká​

Full Abstract

The interaction of birds, both terrestrial and marine, with offshore platforms and vessels has long been documented worldwide. In Brazil, in order to understand these interactions, the Bird Management Plan for Platforms (PMAVE) has been established as a federal requirement of the environmental licensing process for oil and gas activities. Such plan guides the response actions for when birds (live or carcass) are found on platforms either individually or gathered. In addition, PMAVE ensures the animals’ welfare, the safety of the response team and all the operational procedures required for bird rescue, when necessary. The occurrence of birds on platforms was documented by the responsible technicians onboard (RTO) between September 2015 and December 2021, through direct observation and/or capture for rehabilitation. During this time, Aiuká was activated 482 times regarding the presence of birds on platforms, supply vessels, seismic vessels, and drilling ships operating in the Santos and Campos basins, in southeastern Brazil. Most of these records (57.5%) were sightings by the RTO and did not involve human interventions. As for the rescued birds, nearly 67% were terrestrial species, 21% seabirds and 12% waterbirds, of which 7.4% were oiled. Furthermore, bird collisions were registered by the RTO in 4.6% of the cases, with death reported in 3% of them. Collisions are not always seen by the RTO, and during postmortem examinations of rescued birds, 5.2% presented trauma as the main cause of death. Oil affected mainly terrestrial birds, whereas collision/trauma affected seabirds and terrestrial birds equally. Another issue that has also been reported is the high risk of collision with the aircraft during crew change, especially for seabirds, such as frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens) gliding over platforms, near the helideck. The data presented here indicates that the platforms and vessels are used as sites for birds to rest and roost, although this interaction proved to be oftentimes harmful to the animals due to collision, entrapment, burns and oil contamination.

Oiled wildlife response planning for remote offshore environments :
​A review for New Zealand subantarctics

B Louise Chilvers
​​
Massey University

Full Abstract

The world's subantarctic islands are rare, ecologically distinct ecosystems with geographical and climatic challenges for undertaking emergency response, much like any polar, offshore or remote areas. Their remoteness has somewhat protected them and their flora and fauna from environmental pollution threats and impacts. However, with increasing tourism, fishing, oil and gas exploration and shipping routes, the risk of accidents and petroleum spills has exponentially increased. This talk reviews New Zealand's (NZ) subantarctic islands, their oil spill threats and the legislation protecting them. Then using this background information; use the NZ subantarctic islands as examples to understand oiled wildlife response options for offshore or remote island responses. There are obvious logistical constraints on ability to respond in these remote areas. However, with planning, including preparation of specialised plans, equipment and readiness of skilled response personnel; the conservation outcomes for these ecologically significant, isolated areas, is greater preparedness and protection with the increased ability to respond effectively.

The use of bird deterrents on offshore platforms

Viviane Barquete
​
Aiuká

Full Abstract

In Brazil, the Bird Management Plan for Platforms (PMAVE) is a monitoring project required nationwide during the environmental licensing process of the offshore oil and gas industry. One of its main objectives is to report bird concentrations on platforms. During the past five years, Masked boobies (Sula dactylatra) have been using an offshore platform in southeastern Brazil as roosting site year-round. One of the issues resulting from this behavior is the guano accumulation on electrical wiring and equipment, fowl smell and slipping hazard on rainy days. In addition, the birds are also exposed to high risks of collision with the structure. In attempts to disperse birds from the areas chosen as roosting sites, different hazing techniques were applied, such as auditory and visual techniques, without success. In August 2021, an exclusion/deterrence technique using stainless steel wires was implemented. This tool was specifically designed for the Masked booby, according to their size and installed on half of the surface of the “roosting sites”. Moreover, in order to lure the animals towards the bow of the platform and, therefore, prevent them from perching on alternative sites, decoys of the same species were placed on the bow of the vessel. Two out of the three structures that had half of their area covered with wires had a significant reduction in the number of birds, while on the bow a greater number of Masked boobies was evidenced. Although a few individuals still ventured to land on the rods or even perch on the wire, after six months of monitoring, this technique was deemed satisfactory, as well as the decoys on the bow. It must be emphasized that during this period there were no negative interactions between the birds and the device, maintaining the animals’ safety and well-being.