I want to reiterate my belief that we all need to spend some time thinking 

 about and preparing for the next oil spill. Perhaps, the logical starting 

 point is to assemble basic biological data on U.S. coastlines. Then, perhaps 

 we should address the issue of cleaning oil-soaked birds and developing some 

 sort of policy decision on how this facet of future oil spills will be handled. 

 Would a good deal of on-site confusion and emotion be eliminated if it is 

 decided that such humane gestures are truly futile? Or do we, in fact, from 

 the humane standpoint, have to make an effort? In any case, you should discuss 

 this important subject and be prepared, and the public should be informed 

 of the alternatives in advance of the next major spill. 



It has been said by prominent observers on the conservation scene that 

 notorious oil spills such as the Tovrey Canyon incident and the spill at Santa 

 Barbara were instrumental in creating today's environmental awareness. Oil 

 spills, large and small, will continue to be of public concern. The public 

 is entitled to know all that we know about each oil spill. Accurate informa- 

 tion can prevent distortions of what actually happened, and may even prevent 

 widespread panic. If the information is well prepared and disseminated in 

 a professional and coordinated manner, it will be of immeasurable benefit 

 to the entire oil spill response effort. 



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