National Wildlife Refuge system, National Park Service responding to oil spill

The Deepwater Horizon rig accident and ensuing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico happened during peak bird breeding and nesting season on coastal National Wildlife Refuges, some of which are on barrier islands. Oil was confirmed on the Chandeleur Islands chain off Louisiana, home to Breton National Wildlife Refuge, which has been closed to the public.

US Coast Guard Rear Adm. Mary Landry said May 10 that daily flights are assessing the location of the leading edge of the oil spill, status of boom, and impacts on wildlife and habitat.

A Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Team, which includes leading shore cleanup scientists and BP PLC environmental specialists, is making flights and shoreline surveys on Chandeleur Islands.

Ultimately, 24 National Wildlife Refuges could be affected, said the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge system.

Acting Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service Rowan Gould worked out of Houma, La., May 11 as part of the federal government’s oil spill response efforts. Twenty wildlife teams have been deployed out of the Houma Command Center for wildlife recovery.

National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis worked out of Mobile, Ala., May 11 to supervise the park service response efforts. In Alabama, tar balls resulting from the oil spill have been confirmed on Dauphin Island, Rear Adm. Landry said.

The park service set up two incident management teams along the gulf coast where it manages various parks including Gulf Island National Seashore, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, and Everglades National park.

Meanwhile, various federal agencies are helping local and state governments prepare for potential oil spill-related consequences to Mississippi, Alabama, and the west coast of Florida.