Volume III, Appendices EM - National Marine Fisheries Service ...

Appendix 6. Oiled Marine Mammal Evidence Collection Protocol
The photograph and oil sample are both considered to be legal evidence therefore it is important
that the following procedures are followed closely.
Photograph Evidence
1. Use a Polaroid camera (if possible).
2. Photograph should include the entire animal, highlighting the oiled region, and if possible,
the tag number.
3. Label the photograph with Spill Name, Date, Species, Log #, Capture Location, and Tag
# and Color.
Sample Collection Techniques for Visible Oiling
1. Scrape visible oil from fur/skin with wooden spatula (tongue depressor).
2. Place oil covered spatula in solvent-rinsed glass jar with a Teflon-lined lid (e.g. I-Chem)
and break off the remaining un-oiled portion, allowing the lid to close. If jar is not
available, wrap sample in aluminum foil (dull side to sample).
Note: Avoid touching /contaminating oil sample with your nitrile gloves.
3. Label the glass jar (use waterproof labels).
Label must include: Spill Name, Log #, Species, Tag #, Arrival Date, Sampling Date,
and Capture Location.
4. Fill out Custody Seal and apply it across the lid of the jar and onto the sides of the glass.
5. Keep sample refrigerated or on ice until it can be stored.
6. Lock sample in a -20°C (or colder) freezer.
Sample Collection Techniques for No Visible Oiling
1. Rub an affected area with a 4x4 fiberglass or cotton cloth (or gauze) with sterile forceps
or hemostats that have been cleaned with isopropyl alcohol.
Note: Do not allow the nitrile gloves to touch the oiled area or the cloth.
2. Place the oiled covered cloth into a solvent-rinsed glass jar with a Teflon-lined lid.
3. Seal and fill out the information on the waterproof label (as above).
4. Fill out the Custody Seal and apply it across the lid of the jar and onto the sides of the
glass.
5. Keep sample refrigerated or on ice until it can be stored
6. Lock sample in a -20°C (or colder) freezer.
All evidence should be securely stored and refrigerated/frozen until the Wildlife Branch Director
provides further instructions. If samples are to be sent for analysis, a Chain of Custody Form is
required.