According to a statement issued by SANCCOB, the foundation has been appointed by the ship owner to support conservation authorities in the collection of oiled seabirds, and to undertake the stabilisation and rehabilitation of oiled seabirds as a result of this incident. A SANCCOB response team consisting of staff members from the Cape Town and Cape St Francis facilities will provide oiled seabirds from the affected region with basic treatment. On Wednesday, August 14 affected birds were transported to SANCCOB's Cape St Francis centre for full rehabilitation.
By Wednesday, August 14, thirteen birds, including one Cape Gannet had been found. According to the team the birds were heavily oiled, but in good condition. The birds were found in Knysna, Sedgefield, Goukamma Nature Reserve, Tsitsikamma and Wilderness.
The Eden Biodiversity and Coastal Management team was expected to lead a group of ten volunteers to patrol the beaches opposite and adjacent to the casualty site, yesterday.
According to Romy Klusener, a SANCCOB bird rehabilitator, the recovery of these birds depends on how long they were exposed to the oil. "The longer they are out there, the weaker they get," she explained.
The oil affects the sea birds waterproofing which can lead to hypothermia. This coupled with their exposure to the toxins in the oil that can affect their internal organs, necessitates their stabilisation so that hydration and adequate nutrition can be provided before transporting them to a rehabilitation facility.
Jared Harding, curator at Tenikwa indicated that there are no local penguin colonies and as such, the affected penguins are likely to be "bypassing penguins following the fish".
The public can assist by reporting any oiled or injured seabirds to SANCCOB (Wilna Wilkinson - 082 326 4143) and to Eden Biodiversity and Coastal Management (Vernon Gibbs - 072 670 5108). They will make collection arrangements. Three drop-off points have been established for oiled birds: Wilderness Ebb and Flow, SANParks office in Knysna and Tenikwa for seabirds found in the Plettenberg Bay area.
Those who wish to follow the birds' progress, can visit www.sanccob.co.za or the Facebook page, SANCCOB Saves Seabirds.
This Cape Gannet also fell victim to the oil spill resulting from the stranded Kiani Satu.(Photo: Delite Scruggs.)
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