Mystery Slick, Breton Sound (NRC 978985); Breton Sound, GOM

Breton Sound, GOM | 2011-Jun-08

Initial Notification: At 1014 hours local time on 8 June 2011, USCG Sector New Orleans notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator of a reported mystery slick WSW of Breton Island. The size of slick is reported as “several miles” in length. The initial information is sketchy, and the USCG has launched a helicopter and small boat to investigate as well as coordinating with the USFWS Breton Wildlife Refuge Manager. No responsible party is yet known. NOAA was requested to provide an Initial Trajectory Analysis and Resources at Risk analysis. In 2005, this same refuge was impacted by a small spill resulting in the death of more than 600 pelican. USFWS reports that there are nearly 7000 pelican on North Breton Island currently and this is nesting season.