Cosco-Busan Spill, San Francisco Bay, November 2007: Looking Back
On the morning of Wednesday, November 7, 2007, the Cosco Busan hit the San Francisco Bay Bridge in heavy fog as it made its way to sea. While initial estimates as to how much fuel oil was spilled were low, the reality was that more than 50,000 gallons were released into the bay. Within days, oiled wildlife began showing up on
the water and beaches.
"The Cosco Busan incident showcased the excellence of the Network as a whole. It proved that a professional and dedicated cadre of staff and volunteers from multiple organizations can and will work together in unity for a single purpose. It proved the importance of having pre-established facilities capable of handling oiled wildlife. Ultimately, it proved that tried and tested protocols based on the best available research and science can repair damage to animals that only ten years ago would have been considered lost.” Mike Ziccardi, OWCN Director
From November through December, a time when birds tend to be in very poor condition, the OWCN cared for 1,084 birds impacted by the spill and collected 965 dead birds that died of oil-related causes. Of the 31 species of live birds collected, 418 birds survived and were released back to the wild. The birds that survived were able to do so because of the work of the thousands of volunteers, including the more than 450 OWCN members who donated their time to help treat the wildlife affected, as well as train the general public volunteers working at the facility.
Despite the challenges, Cosco Busan proved that the OWCN’s readiness and infrastructure that is in place in California is truly not matched anywhere else in the world. However, it also brought to light that, no matter how prepared we are, modifications and changes can always be made to improve wildlife response.
