US Fisheries and Wildlife Response(May 25)

[SpartanDem]

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Status

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted overflights for reconnaissance, wildlife rescue missions and bird survey missions. One flight near the Biloxi Marsh observed two small islands with nesting colonies of pelicans, gulls, and terns. In response, a request was submitted to place boom around these two islands.

Delta NWR:
Additional boom deployed. No oil impacting. Surveys ongoing.
Breton NWR:
Multiple layers of boom for key nesting islands. Additional boom maintenance underway. No oil impacting. Some oil in area. Boat skimmers were deployed by BP to attempt to collect strands of oil in the water.
Bon Secour NWR:
Boom has been deployed to protect refuge habitats. No new tarballs reported today. Coordination continues with multiple agencies.
St Marks NWR & St Vincent NWR:
Preparations continue with boom planning and surveys. Coordination continues with multiple agencies.
Grand Bay NWR:
Boom has been deployed to protect refuge habitats. Continue planning and coordination.
Key West Sector/Nat Key Deer NWR:
Planning and coordination continues.

The Response

Cleanup crews removed three pounds of tar balls on Bon Secour NWR. No additional tar balls reported today.
Service coordinated with U.S. Coast Guard and Texas General Land Office to investigate tar patty reports in Texas.
Surveying will continue to evaluate other areas on Bon Secour NWR where berms can be constructed to protect wetlands, dunes, and other habitats.
Coordination is underway for a Wildlife Release Plan to establish procedures for determining when wildlife are ready for release, how they will be transported and where/when they will be released.
A Service group is coordinating with partners to develop and implement a National Resource Damage Assessment Program Bird Background Mortality Study to assess long-term impacts

http://www.fws.gov/home/dhoilspill/