Representatives of Audubon California today called on state agencies to fully investigate the cause of the oil spill that has blackened Santa Barbara beaches and is killing an unknown number of birds and other wildlife. Also at issue is the fact that officials reportedly alerted to the spill by a private citizen walking the beach rather than the operators of the pipeline that ruptured, spilling as much as 105,000 gallons of crude oil onto the beach and nearby ocean.

“Refugio State Beach, and the wildlife that depends on that habitat for survival, aren’t going to be the same for months, if not longer,” said Audubon California Policy Director Mike Lynes. “We need to make sure that this doesn’t happen again, and that means conducting a full investigation into the failures that led to this disaster.”

Oil spill protocols have triggered an active response from the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Crews have been deployed to contain and clean up the oil, rescue wildlife, and assess damages to natural resources. International Bird Rescue and a number of local organizations are also helping with clean-up and wildlife assistance. The Santa Barbara Audubon Society is monitoring the beaches and watching for dead and injured birds.

“We’re thankful at the many groups that have rallied to assist with clean-up and wildlife rescue,” said Lynes. “It’s at times like this that we’re reminded that our dependence on oil directly harms our environment and that we must find alternatives, especially to oil drilling and transportation through sensitive habitat areas.”

About Audubon California

Audubon California is building a better future for California by bringing people together to appreciate, enjoy and protect our spectacular outdoor treasures. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of the National Audubon Society.

More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.

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