There is a picture at the bottom of this blog post - I have put it at the bottom so you can choose to scroll down and see it, or not. I warn you, it is heart breaking.
It is a picture of two dead guillemots, covered in PIB. They are hardly recognisable as birds, let alone guillemots. In the background there are more dead bodies. These are just some of the birds collected from just three beaches in South Cornwall by contractors working for Cornwall Council. The bodies filled two industrial skips.
Yesterday we reported that over 1,000 birds are now known to be dead (plus countless more lost at sea). There are more than 200 live birds being cared for by the welfare charities RSPCA and South Devon Seabird Trust.
We don’t know whether this particular discharge of the killer PIB was legal or illegal. But the fact is, it can be discharged legally. And when PIB comes into contact with sea water, it turns into a sticky glue. A sticky glue that spells death to seabirds because they are no longer able to fly, and no longer able to forage. Many of the birds washed up are emaciated. It must be a cruel and lingering death.
Today we have joined forces with the RSPCA and the Wildlife Trusts calling for a ban on all discharges of PIB. We have written to Stephen Hammond MP – a minister at the Department for Transport – calling for urgent action. We urge you all to do the same.
Alternatively (or as well!) you can sign a petition – both Avaaz and 38 Degrees have organised petitions calling for the law to be changed, to make it illegal to discharge PIB in any quantity into our seas.
Remember, if you see any affected birds, please don't touch them, or let your dog touch them. We do not know how hazardous PIB may be in this format. Also, if the bird is still alive, a stressed bird is difficult to catch so you may unintentionally cause it further distress and it may escape back to sea untreated. If you find an affected live bird, please contact the RSPCA (call 0300 1234 999). If you find a dead bird, please report it to the RSPB on 01392 432691.
You can read more about PIB and our views in our briefing document.
Here is the picture:
Image: BTO Image Library