Kim Stanton is a recreational fisherman who has fished off the Louisiana coast for more than twenty years. He and his wife Pam volunteered in the oil spill cleanup effort and have this story to share.
My wife and I drove down to Fort Jackson last Sunday morning to volunteer in the pelican rescue effort. When we arrived at the guard gate, we were behind a pickup truck with a man in the back who was holding an oiled pelican with his bare hands. The man’s hands, arms, and chest were covered with oil from the bird. He was an oysterman and had rescued the pelican from his oyster lease in the interior marsh of Plaquemines Parish. He said he was concerned about the many other pelicans on his lease that were in a similar oiled condition. Although we felt privileged to witness this brave act, we were devastated by what we saw and the personal nature of this tragedy.
It was hot, and we were directed to keep the pelicans out of the sun and well ventilated as part of the transportation process. Approximately two dozen oiled pelicans were delivered that day to the Empire docks alone. Dead pelicans were brought in as well. The pelicans even in their oiled state were dignified and observant. The constant comment from the commercial fishermen involved was that there were many more partially oiled pelicans that could still fly and, therefore, could not be captured as of yet. The fishermen were also concerned about the number of boats deployed for rescue.
My wife and I were very impressed with efforts of the National Audubon Society, commercial fishermen, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and others in this fight to save our coastal wildlife. But we left wondering: What will happen to the pelicans on the west side of the river, now that both the coastal beaches and interior marsh are fouled with oil? What more can be done on the east side to protect the interior marshes? How will the pelicans survive?
The Greater New Orleans Foundation opened the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund to assist commercial fishermen and their families as well as address the environmental impacts of the Deepwater Horizon spill.
Tri-State Bird Rescue is also doing a wonderful job in the clean up efforts. Dott Art Gallery is holding an art exhibition to raise money for Tri-State Bird Rescue and needs artists to submit entries into the show. Visit http://www.dottartgallery.com for more information.