Oiled wildlife response remains on the agenda at HELCOM Response

Baltic countries are continuing their efforts to look at oiled wildlife issues in the framework of regional cooperation and capacity building. Sea Alarm, who hold observer status at HELCOM, took part in the online HELCOM Response meeting on 29 September 2021.

Sea Alarm’s Saskia Sessions-Puplett made a presentation to the Contracting Parties on recent activities and news from the expert working group on oiled wildlife response, including developments in Baltic countries preparedness arrangements and the highlights of an online seminar on euthanasia, which can be viewed here. This seminar provided insights into veterinary and ethical aspects of this important, and sensitive, topic.

HELCOM Response also approved the proposed new name of the expert group – HELCOM Wildlife Response Group – which highlights the level of importance that HELCOM places on oiled wildlife response. HELCOM Response also gave a green light for continuation of the group’s activities until the end of 2023, providing a longer-term mandate for Baltic countries to develop their oiled wildlife preparedness at national level and to report on progress regionally via HELCOM.

Photo credit: HELCOM