Utilizing Volunteers during an Oiled Wildlife Response: The M/V Cosco Busan Oil Spill

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper provides an introduction to components of the volunteer management system used during oiled wildlife responses within the State of California. A case study is presented of the volunteer management system utilized during the M/V Cosco Busan Oil Spill in San Francisco Bay, November 2007. Wildlife collection and care were administered through a partnership between the State of California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) and the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) based at the Wildlife Health Center, University of California, Davis. The OSPR and OWCN volunteer coordinators managed approximately 1850 volunteers who contributed to the oiled wildlife response. Volunteer notification and response, emergency volunteer center activation, specific challenges of managing both trained and convergent volunteers, and wildlife operations are discussed. Program changes for improved future volunteer management and communication during oiled wildlife respo...