Bird Deterrence Unit. Deterrence is defined as the use of physical, auditory, or visual stimulus that is intended to move or disperse birds or mammals away from an impacted area. This is also commonly referred to as deterrence. The objective of using deterrence mechanisms is to minimize the number of animals that may become oiled. The Bird Deterrence Unit, in coordination with the Wildlife Branch Director, is responsible for determining if and when bird deterrence operations should take place. The recommendation will be guided by site-specific and species-specific factors present at the time of the oil spill, and availability of proven deterrence techniques. If deterrence is determined to be appropriate, the unit should develop a site-specific deterrence plan in consultation with all appropriate trustee agencies. Deterrence should always be considered in heavily impacted habitats, particularly when clean (not likely to be oiled) sites are present in the surrounding area. Wildlife that has already been oiled should not be dispersed because this can lead to the introduction of oiled animals into uncontaminated areas and populations. Rather, oiled animals should be captured as soon as practical. It must be stressed that deterrence activities must take place only under the authority and oversight of trustee agencies, in coordination with the Unified Command. Permits and authorizations for deterrence are discussed above in the Federal and State Law Mandate section of this plan. Deterrence recommendations will be guided by site-specific and species-specific factors present at the time of the spill, availability of proven deterrence techniques, and availability of appropriate equipment and experienced deterrence personnel. Special efforts should be taken to notify appropriate authorities whenever deterrence activities are contemplated near large or small airports. The movement of birds by deterrence operations during an oil spill may create additional problems and conflicts with normal bird control operations at airports. This is especially true in spills near large airports such as in Portland or Seattle. The Port of Portland (Portland Airport) and the Port of Seattle (SEA-TAC Airport) must be included in agency coordination when developing deterrence plans in locations that might affect airport operations. Airport personnel may also be available to assist with planning deterrence operations. Deterrence devices include both visual and auditory techniques. A variety of deterrence de...
