The Role of Citizens in Containing Oil Spillage; A Lesson For Niger Delta

As the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico continues to affect wildlife, people around the world are looking for ways that they can help animal rescue efforts. Here's how the Aquarium is supporting response efforts and what you can do to help.

What the Aquarium Is Doing

An endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle being cleaned at a rescue field station. (Photo: Dr. Charles Innis)

• Senior rescue and veterinary staff from the New England Aquarium were among the first experts sent to field stations in the Gulf to help with sea turtle rescue efforts.
• The Aquarium has a long history of rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles. Now we're preparing for an increased need for rescue and rehabilitation facilities for these species by constructing a new $500,000 sea turtle rescue facility in Quincy, Massachusetts.
• Aquarium educators are teaching the public about the oil spill and its effects, with an emphasis on simple steps people can take to reduce consumption of fossil fuels.
• Aquarium sustainable seafood experts are tracking fisheries closures related to the spill so that they can advise seafood companies on alternative sources.
• Aquarium researchers are helping to develop contingency plans to protect the breeding grounds of the North Atlantic right whale off the coast of the southeastern US.

What You Can Do

The partially completed sea turtle rescue facilities at the Aquarium's Animal Care Center in Quincy, Mass.

• Write and call your elected officials to make your views about energy policy issues such as offshore drilling clear. Support increased fuel economy standards for cars and trucks – these standards will decrease our dependence on oil and save consumers money.
• Support an organization, such as the Aquarium, that is working to save marine animals and their habitats. You can make a donation to the Aquarium and help to support our new sea turtle rescue facility using this form.
• Reduce your use of fossil fuels by taking public transportation, walking or biking. If you do drive, use the most fuel-efficient vehicle available and organize your errands and trips so you can drive the fewest number of miles.
• Make sure your automobile, lawnmower, snow blower and other motorized products are not leaking oil. Dispose of used oil at gas stations, not down storm drains.
• Join the Aquarium’s Live Blue Initiative and pledge to live blue. Educate yourself and your family, friends and co-workers about the ocean-friendly practices you can adopt to live blue for a better planet.