One year after the BP oil disaster began in the Gulf of Mexico, Audubon experts report that oil can still be found in gulf marshes and beaches that provide critical habitat for at-risk birds.  Recent trips through Louisiana’s Barataria Bay revealed tar balls on beaches and oil oozing through marsh grasses, a discouraging sight as the breeding season begins for dozens of Gulf Coast bird species. “Irresponsible and negligent is how we described BP last year. The same is true for Congress now. It’s been nearly a year and we’re still waiting for Congress to make sure that BP penalty fines will be used to clean up BP’s mess,” said David Yarnold, Audubon President and CEO. “The oil disaster dealt a devastating blow to wildlife and communities, it is time to put politics aside and do the right thing for the Gulf.”

Oil and natural gas gushed into the Gulf for three months before the well was finally capped in July. By then, the region had endured the largest oil spill in U.S. history. Oil reached all Gulf states and washed up along a thousand miles of U.S. coastline, including 17 Important Bird Areas. Birds, other wildlife, habitats, and communities all suffered – and continue to suffer.

One thing I’m very concerned about now, as we begin a new breeding season, is that there’s still lots of oil in places where many species of birds nest and feed,” said Melanie Driscoll, Audubon’s Director of Bird Conservation for the Gulf. “As species like Wilson’s Plover and Least Tern return to their traditional breeding grounds, they are coming into contact with oil again, which poses many health risks to them and their young.”

Oil can also harm birds by affecting their food sources. Birds could go hungry if oil or cleanup activities reduce availability of prey such as fish, marine worms, oysters and crustaceans (including shrimp and crabs). Additionally, damaging compounds from oil work their way through the food web with potential impacts on birds’ overall health and reproductive success. In March, Audubon staff found marine worms burrowing in tar balls on Grande Terre, Louisiana. Laboratory analysis of the tar balls, led by researchers at Millsaps College, showed concentrations of hydrocarbons that can enter the food web through organisms like the worms and can pose long-term health risks for adult birds or fatalities or birth defects in developing bird embryos.

“Oil will continue to change form and affect these complex food webs in many different ways for years to come,” said Driscoll.

Audubon teams also observed coastal marsh grasses that have not recovered from oiling and are now dying or dead. That leaves some areas more vulnerable to erosion.  Other sites show evidence of ongoing clean-up activity – with associated disturbance of birds’ nesting habitat.  For both of these reasons, Audubon is particularly concerned about birds that depend on sandy beaches and barrier islands and salt marshes.

“Birds like the Red Knot, Black Skimmer and Piping Plover face diminishing habitat and increasing environmental threats throughout their ranges,” said Greg Butcher, Audubon Director of Bird Conservation. “They count on healthy places in the Gulf for wintering grounds, or to rest and refuel during migration, or for breeding.  Unfortunately, the Gulf is not a safe haven for these birds right now – not just because of the oil spill, but also because of dramatic habitat loss.”

Audubon has identified several species that may be especially vulnerable to the spill’s effects, especially in light of the other challenges they face.  These species include Black Skimmer, Clapper Rail, Least Tern, Piping Plover, Red Knot, Sanderling, Seaside Sparrow, and Wilson’s Plover.  (Additional information on each included below.)

Last summer, Audubon staff and volunteers played a crucial role in helping to reduce the BP oil spill’s impacts on birds and habitat. Ongoing Audubon monitoring work on the Gulf Coast and nationwide is providing scientists and policymakers with long term data to decipher the effects of the disaster.  This includes a Coastal Bird Survey which was launched during the spill, and trend analysis of Gulf Christmas Bird Count data which will help assess impacts over time. Meanwhile, Audubon continues its longstanding work to address the multiple threats to the health of those ecosystems.  Learn more at http://gulfoilspill.audubon.org/cleanup-and-restoration

“If we can marshal the passion and sense of urgency we all felt a year ago, we can turn the tide and create a sustainable Gulf that is even healthier than it was before the disaster,” said David Yarnold. “We can enable the Louisiana coast to rebuild itself, by working with the power of the Mississippi River instead of against it.  We can re-envision our energy future in ways that don’t risk toxic overload of our waters, lands and communities.  And we can ensure that the rich biological and cultural diversity of this vital, vibrant region inspires our children and grandchildren as it has us.”