The 15th Effects of Oil on Wildlife (EOW) Conference, hosted by SANCCOB and Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, concluded in Cape Town with outstanding success, marking the first time the conference has been held on African soil.
From 13–17 October 2025, experts, responders, researchers, and policymakers from across the globe gathered to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and chart the future of oiled wildlife preparedness and response. The event showcased the latest advances in wildlife rehabilitation, research, and collaborative response techniques, emphasising the importance of global readiness in protecting marine and coastal species from the devastating effects of oil spills.
Uniting the Global Response Community
Delegates representing more than 10 countries attended, including members of the GOWRS Network, conservation NGOs, industry specialists, and government authorities. Over the course of the week, participants engaged in panel discussions, technical presentations, and interactive workshops designed to enhance international cooperation and build capacity for wildlife response worldwide.
The conference highlighted the role of regional partnerships and cooperative agreements in Africa. Frameworks such as the GI WACAF Project, the Benguela Current Convention, and the Indian Ocean Commission play a central role in facilitating coordinated action, capacity building, and the development of harmonised contingency plans across coastal states. These organisations are instrumental in improving readiness to protect marine ecosystems and wildlife from oil pollution. However, the conference also emphasised a critical gap: the need for greater inclusion of oiled wildlife preparedness activities within existing frameworks. As oil spills pose significant risks to seabirds and other marine fauna, wildlife response must be fully embedded in national and regional oil spill response strategies and preparedness activities, such as exercises.
Innovation, Research, and Collaboration
A powerful opening plenary session commemorated the 25th anniversary of the MV Treasure oil spill, which remains the largest and most successful animal rescue effort in history. Over 20,000 oiled African Penguins were successfully rehabilitated and released, while nearly 20,000 more were pre-emptively captured to prevent oil exposure. This historic response was a testament to international collaboration, transformative innovations and the impact of coordinated wildlife rescue efforts. It was only fitting that throughout the conference week, a central theme emerged: no single organisation can effectively respond to oil-affected wildlife alone. Advancing preparedness requires a foundation of strong partnerships, coordinated planning, and ongoing research. By integrating cutting-edge science with collaborative response strategies, stakeholders can better protect vulnerable species such as the Critically Endangered African Penguin.
A Shared Commitment to the Future
As the conference concluded, SANCCOB and its partners reaffirmed their dedication to continuing this momentum beyond the event — ensuring that the lessons learned and relationships built in Cape Town translate into stronger, faster, and more effective responses worldwide.
The success of EOW 2025 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when the global community unites for the protection of wildlife and the health of our oceans.
