Oil Spill Preparedness for Polar Bears in Alaska

Abstract

Oil spill response in the Alaska Arctic can be difficult. Responding to marine mammals which inhabit this area is even more challenging. One of these marine mammals is the polar bear which was listed as a threatened species in 2008. Recognizing the need for improved capabilities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alaska Zoo, and Alaska Clean Seas have been working together to improve the capabilities in Alaska. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has developed the Oil Spill Response Plan for Polar Bears in Alaska which identifies the resources available and response strategies. The Alaska Zoo led an experiment to determine the best method to remove oil from a polar bear hide and conducted a limited test on one of the polar bears at the zoo. Agreements and contracts have been put in place and equipment designed, constructed, and staged on the Alaska North Slope for polar bear response. During the annual North Slope Mutual Aid Drill in 2013, Alaska Clean Seas developed a short scenario to test these capabilities and identify additional improvements. The poster will describe these efforts for continued improvements for oil spill response in the Alaska Arctic.