Oil Spill Response Plan

This plan specifies actions to be taken by CWS Atlantic Region in the event of an oil spill or the presence of oiled migratory birds. Both large and small events are addressed, with no attempt to concentrate on the "mega-spill". This plan does not replace any element of the REET Atlantic Region Contingency Plan (1999), but elaborates and complements those parts of it which pertain to migratory birds.

All migratory bird species which may be affected by oil spills, and their terrestrial, fresh water, marine and inter-tidal habitats, are within the purview of this plan. The plan addresses oil spill response requirements for species managed by the Canadian Wildlife Service, but combined with response plans of other agencies it forms a blueprint for dealing with all wildlife species affected by oil spills.

It is not within the scope of the plan to identify all potential participants in migratory bird-related oil spill response, but information and reporting paths are specified, and responsible officers in the Canadian Wildlife Service are identified. Contacts in other organizations with interests in or responsibility for wildlife will be set out in the CWS Oil Spill Response Procedures Manual.