The following is a statement from Audubon California Executive Director Brigid McCormack regarding yesterday's oil spill at Refugio State Beach near Santa Barbara:

“Anytime you have oil spilled into the marine ecosystem it’s a major threat for birds and other wildlife. As we learned in the Gulf Spill, and in the 1969 spill not far from the site of this current spill, even a tiny amount of oil can kill a bird. The sad truth is that birds are going to suffer and die from this, and the fact that it was totally avoidable makes it even worse.

California’s beaches, including the wildlife and recreational opportunities they support, are a major part of our state’s identity. Time and time again we’re reminded that the benefits of putting oil so close to our natural treasures are never worth the risk.

Audubon California will be monitoring the situation closely and offering whatever help we can to protect birds and other wildlife.”