Oil Spills

With the world’s largest coal port in our backyard, the threat of oil spills from ships is real. In August 2010, the MV Magdalene released more than 12 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into Newcastle harbour while it was de-ballasting. It took almost six weeks to clean up and affected large parts of the harbour including the shoreline of Kooragang Basin corner, Walsh Point and along the northern arm of the Hunter River.

The marine pollution incident saw 34 pelicans rescued, assessed and washed to remove oil from feathers. Oil on a bird prevents the natural waterproofing of its plumage leading to the bird feathers remaining wet and becoming cold as the ability to thermo-regulate its temperature is compromised.

After 3 weeks in care, all 34 pelicans were released.