MWVRC Spill Response Program

CDFW scientist transporting oiled seabirds on an ATV.

CDFW scientist transporting oiled seabirds on an ATV.

The primary role of the MWVCRC (Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center) is to provide a state-of-the-art facility, equipment, and trained personnel in a state of readiness to enable best achievable capture, care, and rehabilitation of marine wildlife (primarily sea otters, marine birds, and pinnipeds) affected by oil spills and/or other pollution events. In addition to the cleaning and rehabilitation facility, the MWVCRC maintains mobile veterinary labs, several boats, and other equipment for the capture and care of marine wildlife.

As a keystone facility of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network link opens in new tab or window(OWCN), the MWVCRC shares the OWCN’s mission of best achievable capture and care for wildlife exposed to petroleum in the environment. The MWVCRC was funded (pursuant to CA Government Code §8670.37.5) and built with a specific goal of being able to care for up to 150 sea otters, 10 pinnipeds, and 125 birds during oil spills, and is the designated primary care facility for all oiled sea otters in California.

The MWVCRC cared for an individual oiled sea otter, named “Olive,” in 2009. Cleaning of Olive, who now has her own link opens in new tab or windowFaceBook page, provided a good opportunity to test protocols developed during a sea otter washing study conducted between 2004 and 2008. The MWVCRC is currently working with the OWCN on a revision and expansion of protocols for response to oiled otters.

For general information on OSPR response to oiled wildlife, see our Wildlife Response page.

Contact

Laird Henkel
Email: Laird.Henkel@wildlife.ca.gov
Phone: (831) 469-1726

Last update : 7/25/2023 2:10:17 PM

Contact Us

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Mailing: P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
(916) 445-0411 for General CDFW Information

Office of Spill Prevention and Response
Mailing: P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
(916) 375-8580 for OSPR Information

Report Oil Spills
(800) 852-7550 or (800) OILS-911

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