OIL VULNERABILITY INDEX FOR MARINE ORIENTED BIRDS 



239 



and impacting factors where it is most 

 needed. 



We have used our OVI system to show the 

 vulnerability of birds to oil, but it seems likely 

 that the vulnerability index could be applied 

 on a much broader scale to help make deci- 

 sions in other areas of human activity and re- 

 source development. The vulnerability index 

 system could be applied to terrestrial as well 

 as aquatic species by adding or subtracting 

 impacting factors, as appropriate. Indexes re- 

 lating the impact of man upon each North 

 American species could have broad uses in the 

 field of conservation. Population explosions, 

 as well as declines, might be predictable. 

 Human activity could be better adjusted to 

 favor or depress wildlife populations, as 

 appropriate. 



We believe that this vulnerability index sys- 

 tem has promise for aiding in the decision- 

 making processes upon which future bird con- 

 servation will depend. 



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