The 1971 San Francisco Oil Spill killed tens of thousands of seabirds, motivated many thousands of clean-up volunteers, and forever changed the lives of the hundreds of people who fought to save oiled seabirds that were captured before succumbing. As a direct result, new laws were passed, research was conducted, scientific papers were written, procedures were published, and governmental agencies collaborated with the oil industry to prepare for future spills. Also, the International Bird Rescue Research Center was created and built over the following years with dedication, work, and sacrifice.
This website will grow with personal stories – perhaps your story – and will remain hopefully for decades as a memorial to those selfless efforts of so many people.
The featured photo of two Western Grebes swimming in oiled waters is from the February 1, 1971 issue of Life Magazine.