This morning, Coast Guard officials met with Wexford and Waterford local authorities, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Marine Institute and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority. The purpose of this meeting was to give a further update on the current situation regarding the oil spill and the continued monitoring by the Coast Guard. Bord Iascaigh Mhara said it is highly unlikely that any contamination of shellfish stock has occurred and they continue to actively moniter the situation. There was also discussion on plans in place in the unlikely event that tar balls come ashore or wildlife is affected in either county. The local authorities and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have issued this advice:
If you discover oil (tar balls) on a beach in Wexford or Waterford
Do NOT handle or pick up these balls. Contact your local authority (Wexford County Council 24-hr emergency number 1890 666 777. Waterford County Council 24-hr emergency number 058-22000).
If you discover animals or birdlife covered in oil on a beach in Wexford or Waterford
Do NOT handle or touch these animals. Contact your local authority (Wexford County Council 24-hr emergency number 1890 666 777. Waterford County Council 24-hr emergency number 058-22000).
Shoreline cleanup is carried out by local authorities, under the direction and co-ordination of the Coast Guard.
Outlook
The slick is continuing to break up. It is thinning and is naturally reducing. The spill will continue to move slowly in an easterly direction. The oil spill is forecast to continue to weather, disperse and to break up. Weather forecast for the area shows Force 4/5 south westerly winds over the next few days.
