The full extent of the devastation for Gulf Coast birds, wildlife and habitat due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is yet to be determined, as the oil continues pouring, unabated into the Gulf of Mexico and ocean currents and weather are unpredictable. Sensitive coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida are all vulnerable.
Louisiana’s Coastal wetlands account for approximately 40% of wetlands in the continental United States, and are home to over 400 precious species, including many that are rare, endangered, and threatened. Those most in peril by the spill are bluefin tuna, sea turtles, brown pelicans, shrimp and sharks.
The spill comes at a particularly vulnerable time of year for many species. Certain songbirds and shorebirds are at the peak of their migratory period. Other birds are nesting and laying eggs in this season. Turtles are also in the process of nesting in the gulf, and bluefin tuna are in the early stages of spawning.
The world’s most endangered sea turtle, the Kemp’s Ridley, only nests in the western Gulf. One of their major feeding grounds is in the oil spill area, according to NOAA.
Exposure to oil impacts wildlife a number of ways. Oil seeps into birds’ feathers impairing body insulation, exposing them to hypothermia while also making it difficult for them to fly and float. Furred marine animals are similarly impaired by oily coats.
All marine and bird life is harmed by fume inhalation and oil ingestion, which can disrupt internal organ function as well as reproductive and immune systems. Young animals are particularly at risk. Contamination of food supply is also of major concern.
Step Forward!
If you’d like to help the threatened wildlife, here are some suggestions:
- Donate to aid wildlife rescue efforts.
- Volunteer for the clean-up.
- Voice your opinions on offshore drilling to your representatives.
The following organizations are accepting donations and recruiting and organizing volunteers to help with this environmental threat:
- The Audubon Society
- The National Wildlife Federation
- Save Our Seabirds
- Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program
- Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana
- Oil Spill Volunteers
- SeaNet
Contact Congress
To contact your Representatives about offshore oil drilling, visit Contacting the Congress
Contact the White House
Defenders of Wildlife is urging people to e-mail and call the White House comment line (1-202- 456-1111) to prevent further drilling offshore.
