North Cape Bird Restoration, Block Island Sound

This particular case study focuses on the bird restoration project to restore loons, sea ducks, and piping plover populations after the 1996 North Cape oil spill, under the provision of the Oil Pollution Act. This was attempted by replacing the quantity of bird-years lost (estimated 2,000 birds) due to the spill. Aspects of the restoration included enhancing reproductive success of loons, eiders and piping plovers through land purchase to protect nesting sites, nesting bird protection and management activities, and monitoring. These efforts have led to the permanent protection of nearly 1.5 million acres of Maine forests and lakes and the 42-acre Flag Island.