The North Cape and Buzzards Bay Oil Spills

In January of 1996, the North Cape barge ran aground and spilled its cargo of home heating oil off the coast of Rhode Island. The spill killed more than 400 wintering loons, most of which are believed to have summered in northern New England and southern Canada.

The Loon Preservation Committee’s data on loon populations, productivity, and threats to loon populations provided the foundation for determining the amount and type of restitution required from the responsible party. LPC’s large number of members and volunteers demonstrated strong public support for loons and the need to replace the loons killed as a result of the spill. LPC’s data resulted in a $3 million settlement to protect loon nesting habitat in northern New England and increase loon productivity to help replace loons killed in the spill.