DFG News Archive

Department of Fish and Game leads bird rescue and recovery effort in Monterey

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG), Native Animal Rescue and Monterey SPCA are recovering birds affected by a red tide protein that has caused birds to beach themselves in Monterey Bay.

Since Nov. 8, responders have collected more than 530 live birds along with just under 100 dead birds. Responders transport the birds to the DFG Santa Cruz facility where staff stabilize them with fluids, and then assess and evaluate them for rehabilitation. Birds that qualify for rehabilitation are transported to the International Bird Rescue and Research Center (IBRRC) facility in Cordelia.

Of the 530 collected so far, 84 are in pre-wash, 77 have been washed and treated, and 51 have been released. Those numbers will change as additional birds are affected by the continued red tide event.

Types of birds affected include: common murres, Western gulls, brown pelicans, northern fulmars, rhinoceros auklets, red-throated loons and others.

What the public can do

Bird rescue requires specialized training to protect the birds and people handling them. Responders ask that people stay away from the birds because they become scared and will return to the water which may cause injury and prevent the responders from collecting them.

Dogs especially should be kept back from the birds.

Beached birds reports should be made to the DFG Wildlife Recovery Operations Unit at 831-212-7665.

Individuals interested in supporting the birds can help by making donations to IBBRC.
For more information go to www.ibrrc.org or call (707) 207-0380.

About the red tide and protein

Red tide events occur naturally and cause the ocean to look maroon rather than blue when they occur.

This red tide algae bloom has an associated protein release that is affecting a variety of marine birds in the Monterey Bay Area.

The protein has surfactant qualities which allow water to penetrate the feathers, causing the birds to become cold and unable to forage or fly. The birds then beach themselves.

Because of the current wind and wave pattern, the red tide bloom has been circulating through the Monterey Bay since early November. Oceanographers report that until a weather event occurs, the unusual circulating pattern will continue. Experts expect to see additional birds affected.

Scientists are researching the actual source of the protein to determine if it is actually caused by the algae or a byproduct associated with its occurrence.

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