Oil Spill Bird Issues | Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Oil Spill in Florida may impact birds covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA 16 U.S.C. 703). Under the federal statute killing of protected species can result in penalties. Section 703 provides: " it shall be unlawful at any time, by any means or in any manner, to ... kill... any migratory bird, any part, nest, or eggs of any such bird ...."

We are researching the impact of the number of birds affected on the potential penalties available to wildlife officials for harming these creatures by spewing oil into their habitat.