(Photo: Yahoo! News / AFP / Mark Ralston)
A massive oil slick caused by the BP oil drilling platform explosion in
the Gulf of Mexico has reached the U.S. Gulf Coast. Efforts are already
underway to protect sensitive ecological areas.
Many organizations are preparing to mobilize along the coast from
Louisiana to Florida to help rescue animals and wildlife. The oil poses a
serious threat to fishermen’s livelihoods, marine habitats, beaches, wildlife,
and human health.
Although BP has publicly stated the company will pay for
all damages from the oil spill, many organizations still rely on donations to
protect wildlife from this type of impact. For example, Greenpeace stated
that it has opened support lines to report oiled wildlife, discuss oil-related
damage, and for volunteer recruitment, and the group relies on donations from
individuals for this type of work.
Click on the organizations below to donate or volunteer to help the
wildlife and areas threatened by the oil spill.
Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana
Building a list of volunteers prepared to help with this response including wildlife recovery, monitoring and photographing oil movement, and providing a boats and drivers for response activities. Donate to Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. Register to volunteer with Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.
Defenders
of Wildlife
Urging the public to help prevent another drilling disaster through
advocacy. Donate to Defenders of Wildlife. Find volunteer opportunities with Defenders of Wildlife.
Emerald
CoastKeeper
Gathering volunteer crews ready to help clean-up efforts. Donate to Emerald CoastKeeper. Find volunteer opportunities with Emerald CoastKeeper.
Greenpeace
USA
Defending our oceans and protecting our environment from toxic pollution
like the recent oil spill. Donate to Greenpeace USA. Find volunteer opportunities with Greenpeace USA.
Louisiana
Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
Advocates for preserving Louisiana’s battered coastal ecosystem. Donate to Louisiana Wildlife Rehabilitators Association.
Wildlife
Sanctuary of Northwest Florida
Ready to mobilize and provide appropriate care to injured or orphaned
indigenous wildlife. Donate to Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida. Find volunteer opportunities with Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest
Florida.