Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is preparing for the possibility of being asked by state and federal agencies to assist with injured animals from the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana. With this disaster, when it comes to caring for marine life, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has oversight and are working with Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC). Only facilities that are called upon by these agencies will be first responded facilities. CMA could be called on to help animals.
Potential volunteers interested in becoming part of the CMA volunteer team who are willing to commit to an onsite once a week shift are encouraged to attend an orientation meeting. As more animals arrive at CMA all areas will be affected and will require additional assistance. We do not currently have any short term opportunities related to the oil spill. However, there may be a role for residents to get involved in beach clean-up and other related items, even prior to a spill reaching our area. This will presumably be overseen by the County. Please continue to monitor our website for updates.
We have set up a fund to pay for expenses incurred should we be asked to be involved. If we have nominal expenses, we will pass these funds to another organization needing assistance. Please click here to donate now.
The public needs to be aware of how dangerous oil in the environment is and not to pick up suspect oiled wildlife at any time. If members of the public believe they have encountered oiled wildlife, they are to call the oiled wildlife hotline that has been established. Phone number is 1-866-557-1401. Web site is www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
When will you be holding the orientation meetings?
I would like to attend an orientation too- when and how do I sign up??
how much is it:)$
Next Orientation Meeting is May 10th. Call Dawn DeSantis at (727) 441-1790 x230 or email at ddesantis@cmaquarium.org for more information. Or go to this url to learn more…
http://www.seewinter.com/get-involved/volunteer
how can i help with the oil spill victums?? please let me know, i can start anytime….
When will the orientation be held? Also, how old do you have to be to volunteer? I would really like to contribute my help.
Thank You,
Desiree’
Oil is toxic and dangerous.. if you want to help the wildlife by scrubbing birds, this is not something you can do without suitable training.
Training is availible through PEC but won’t likely include wildlife treatment (I’m unsure of this detail). Further research shows that PEC training can be paid for by BP, but only if you qualify and are chosen as a QCR (Qualified Community Responder). You can only apply for QCR through unemployment agencies.
(Further info at the two following links)
http://www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org/Deepwater/OilSpillFAQs.html
http://www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org/Deepwater/qcrs/QCR_FAQs.pdf
Due to the cost of training, it’s not availible to everyone. A QCR must be unemployed because they require the ability to be availible 7 days a week, and are not paid while not on an actual spill site. If there’s anything that prevents you from doing that with like 12 hours notice, then it interfere’s with your ability to act as a QCR.
If you have previous experience, you will still need to be hired as a QCR to get on-site. Volunteers are not permitted on Oil-sites, only those employed, trained, AND scheduled to work there will be permitted onsite.
There are other volunteer positions that need filling, but none that deal with oil soaked animals, or oil sites directly.
I’m a veterinarian, i’m 32 years old, brasilian. I got my certificate in february 2010. I would like to be a volunteer for help you in whatever you need and improve my english and my graduation.
My husband is a helicopter pilot, and he would like to be useful too.
I’m waiting for news and thank you for attention.
Are you still looking for volunteers? Please let me know how I can help.
HI I was wondering if u r still loking for volonters? Althogh im only 12 i have a passion for saving animals , every where i trie to volounter they say im to young. And if u could let me know it would be a big help!! :}
Are there any internships available for summer 2011? Marine Biology student Univ NC Wilmington needs field internship, has media presence