IMPACTS ON WATERBIRDS FROM THE 1984 COLUMBIA RIVER AND WHIDBEY ISLAND, WASHINGTON, OIL SPILLS

Abstract

Two major oil pollution events in Washington in 1984 resulted in significant oiling of waterbirds. The first occurred on 19 March 1984, when a tanker ran aground near St. Helens, Oregon, releasing oil into the Columbia River. The second occurred on 21 December 1984, when a vessel released oil into southern Admiralty Inlet off the south end of Whidbey Island in Puget Sound, Washington.

During both spills, many waterbirds were found dead, and many others were found incapacitated. This paper documents the species of waterbirds oiled in each event.