Effects of oil on aquatic birds

There is some evidence of the impact of direct mortality from oil spills on bird populations, but very little is known about the sublethal and indirect effects of oil on birds. Research at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland, is directed at (1) determining the effects of petroleum on the physiology and reproductive success of birds, and (2) developing the analytical methodology necessary for detection of petroleum in avian tissues.