Humboldt has the First Marine Recovery Building in California and Uses It to
Respond to an Oil Spill on Humboldt Bay

The Department of Wildlife and Humboldt State University has the first dedicated oil spill recovery center on the California Coast. The building cost around $499,000 and it is a cooperative venture between California Fish and Game and The Office of Oil Spill Prevention and Response. The Marine Wildlife Care Center (MWCC) is located on the campus and provided a location for the clean up and care of more than 500 oiled marine birds during the recent oil spill on Humboldt Bay.

The Center is part of "Oiled Wildlife Care Network" which upon completion will provide seven primary facilities from San Diego to Humboldt. MWCC serves the area from Point Arena to the Oregon border. The building has a state of the art design and provides the facilities needed to clean up oiled seabirds. The facility provided an opportunity for Humboldt wildlife students to learn how to clean up oiled wildlife. Conservation Unlimited provided trained personnel during the spill. The MWCC also provides a place for wildlife classes to be taught in conjunction with our new building. Visit the University web site to find out more about this great new facility on the campus.

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