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Flatts fuel spillage poses negligible riskTuesday, October 31, 2017
A fuel spill at the Rubis gas station in Flatts Village poses a negligible risk to the environment, according to experts.
‘Citizen Scientists’ Health Check Bermuda Reefs
Friday, October 27, 2017
For the fifth consecutive year, the Bermuda Zoological Society event REEF Watch trained teams of corporate professionals, teenagers and families to conduct coral reef surveys, fish counts and assessments of our reef ecosystem.
Global Indemnity Re Donates To Local Charities
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art has praised Global Indemnity Re for their annual charitable giving programme after the arts and education organization was one of four local charities awarded.
Project reveals turtles are on the move
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Almost 200 turtles were plucked from the island’s waters this August as the Bermuda Turtle Project continued its conservation work.
Dr. Wingate On “Man’s Impact On Bermuda”
Saturday, October 21, 2017
The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI] and Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] are getting set to present “Man’s Impact on Bermuda” with Dr. David Wingate on Thursday, October 26, beginning at 7.00pm.
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Latest News
All the latest updates and news from the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo, one of Bermuda's leading visitor attractions!
By Simon Jones
Published Sep 30, 2015 at 8:00 am (Updated Sep 30, 2015 at 12:46 am)
Environmentalists have urged the public to report marine oil spills as quickly as possible to prevent them causing serious damage to the Island’s wildlife.
The call comes after a stricken longtail covered in oil washed up close to the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club last week.
The bird was taken to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) for emergency treatment but later died as a result of damage caused by the oil.
“This immediate reporting helps reduce the spread of the spill and improves the chances of intervention to save the birds,” said a spokesman from the Ministry of the Environment.
“Most oil spills in Bermuda are small and involve light weight oils that create a sheen on the surface of the water and, because they are volatile, evaporate over a course of hours to days depending on the size of the spill.
“These tend to cause problems for wildlife because they contain toxic chemicals and exposure through the skin or mucous membranes or through inhalation of fumes can cause serious injury and death.
The Department of Environmental Protection was alerted to last week’s bird fatality and conducted its own investigation, but no spill or source of the oil could be found.
This Bermuda longtail died last week
after getting caught in an oil slick
The spokesman added: “Oil spills are a huge problem for marine life and, because it generally floats, mainly affect animals and plants that interact with the surface of the water or when it comes ashore.
“In this instance, this appeared to be a medium weight oil that both covered the tropic bird and had a toxic component.
“When oils get on to a bird’s feathers it causes a big problem for the bird. Birds feathers are designed to be naturally waterproof and it requires the feathers to be well aligned, clean and for them to interlock, much like Velcro does.
“Instinctively, birds will try and clean their feathers, which also leads to ingestion of the oil.
“This will then damage their digestive system through chemical burns and also results in poisoning. Oil spills can also have major impacts on delicate ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves.”
Oil spills should be reported immediately to Bermuda Radio on 297-1010 or by e-mailing operations@ccbermuda.bm. Members of the public can also call the Bermuda Marine Police at 247-1770.
Any injured wildlife should be reported to BAMZ on 293-2727 for collection or drop off so they can receive instant care.