Seabird Deaths Caused by Chemicals at Sea

The Wildlife Trusts, RSPB and RSPCA, have asked the International Maritime Organisation to review the classification of a hazardous chemical after two pollution incidents, resulting in more than 4,000 dead and dying seabirds being washed up along the coast of southwest England. The birds including Razorbills, Puffins, Gannets and Guillemots were coated in a sticky substance which interferes with plumage, preventing diving and feeding.

A dead Guillemot on Wembury Beach, Devon

The substance was identified as polyisobutene (PIB), a chemical used in the manufacture of lubricants, chewing gum and other products. Under certain circumstances it is legal for ships to discharge PIB into the sea when washing out their tanks.

Joan Edwards, Head of Living Seas for The Wildlife Trusts said: "Dead and dying seabirds may be the most visible victims of our mismanagement. But impacts on other parts of marine life support systems may be just as widespread and more serious. Firm controls must be implemented to minimise the risk of future disasters". 

PIB is extremely hazardous to seabirds, who dive underwater to feed and become covered in the sticky substance. This leads to immobilisation, hyperthermia, starvation and eventually death.

Just another example of how we are polluting our world and continuing to destroy wildlife in the process.