MMC & The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Since the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill on April 20th, the Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC) has been working closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other responding agencies to monitor the situation.  MMC was placed on stand-by, awaiting deployment if needed.  Since that time, MMC’s staff members have been undergoing trainings specific to the oil spill.   Due to our location and a number of other factors, MMC will be the primary organization able to take in, care for and rehabilitate any marine mammals that strand in the South Florida area, as well as perform any necropsies on deceased animals.

Oil spills can have both short-term and long-term effects on marine mammals.  Externally, oil and other chemicals can cause irritation to the animal’s eyes and mouth, increasing the chances for secondary infections.  On baleen whales, oil can foul the baleen, limiting the animal’s ability to feed. Baleen serves as a filtering structure in the mouths of certain whales which they use to sieve out small animals from large mouthfuls of seawater.   Internally, the inhalation of oil and other chemicals can cause mild to severe respiratory infections, while the consumption of fouled foods can contribute to gastrointestinal infections, ulcers, bleeding, and diarrhea.  The absorption of the inhaled and ingested chemicals can cause liver and kidney damage, possibly leading to anemia and immune suppression, as well as damage to the reproductive systems.

If you’re interested in helping with any strandings, please sign up for our mailing list.  Additionally, MMC is currently offering several training classes designed to help prepare our volunteers for stranding events (http://marinemammalconservancy.org/upcoming-events/scheduled-training-courses).  Even with no animals currently requiring aid, there are plenty of projects underway that need volunteer assistance.  MMC always needs help with on-site projects and fundraising opportunities.  If you’re interested in helping, please contact us at Info@MarineMammalConservancy.org.  For fundraising, please contact Kathy@MarineMammalConservancy.org.