Mystery Spill, Point Reyes; Point Reyes, CA

Point Reyes, CA | 1997-Nov-21

Initial Notification: Mystery Spill Drakes Bay, CA Initial Report: On Sunday November 16, MSO San Francisco received reports from Point Reyes National Seashore of tarballs and oiled birds on Drakes Beach. An MSO team was dispatched and found trace amounts of dime sized tarballs along the beach. Personnel from the Point Reyes National Seashore and the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary began collecting oiled live birds and dead birds. The Coast Guard conducted an overflight, but did not find any floating oil. By Monday, there were over 50 birds found dead, and an estimated 200 birds observed oiled in an area extending out to the Farallone Islands and south to Ocean Beach. Among the birds affected were 7 Snowy Plovers and one Brown Pelican, both endangered species. The International Bird Rescue and Research Center in Berkeley CA began cleaning and rehabilitating oiled birds. Assessment teams continued to find dime to half dollar sized tarballs along the shoreline and in the high tide debris line from Drakes Beach to Limantour Beach. On Tuesday the SSC conducted an overflight and found no floating oil. Clean up teams began removing oiled debris. In addition to oiled birds, there was a report of nine oiled (estimated 2% coverage) Elephant Seals observed near Chimney Rock. Shoreline assessment, wildlife collection, cleaning and rehabilitation continued. On Wednesday, the assessment teams found no new oiling. The cleanup crews finished cleaning the impacted areas. Wildlife teams had collected a total of 78 oiled birds for cleaning, and found 194 birds dead. Teams continued assessment of beaches and wildlife collection and observations. Thursday continued with shore assessments, wildlife collections and observations. There was no further shore impacts and sign off of some areas was started. However late in the day, an additional 50 freshly oiled birds were reported and there were concerns about additional floating oil. Today, the SSC conducted another overflight concentrating in an area between the Farallone Islands, Point Reyes and Bolinas Point. Some areas of oil were found. The areas consisted primarily of trace amounts of silver sheens and some scattered tarballs with sheen in convergence lines. A larger area of sheen, tarballs, and tar patties was found south of the area about 20 east of San Pedro Point. In the Drakes Bay area, teams continued to survey beach areas, and conduct wildlife collections and observations. Bird totals as of today are: 92 oiled birds collected for cleaning and rehabilitation and 278 birds found dead. The SSC will conduct an overflight tomorrow and remains on call to assist as needed. USCG district 5.