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Photograph of two signs at Papamoa, Tauranga, by Natalie Marshall, 2011. Alexander Turnbull Library. PADL-000624
Photograph of two signs at Papamoa, Tauranga, by Natalie Marshall, 2011. Alexander Turnbull Library. PADL-000624

Description

Despite our ‘clean green’ image and our relative isolation we are no safer from environmental accidents than anywhere else in the world. This was graphically demonstrated (as the above signs shows) in October 2011 when the container ship Rena grounded on the Astrolabe reef off Tauranga spilling its fuel oil and containers. It was a major environmental disaster, resulting in the deaths of over 2,000 seabirds. By February 2012 the cleanup cost was estimated to be around $130 million dollars.

Discussion

In what ways can a major oil spill affect bird life?

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