Sea otter holding tanks stand at the ready at the California Department of Fish and Game's new Oiled Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center, next to UCSC's Long Marine Laboratory. State and local officials will dedicate the $5 million facility today (July 21). Rescue workers at the center will clean and rehabilitate up to 125 sea otters, 100 seabirds, and a few larger marine mammals in the event of an oil spill along California's coast. In non-emergency times, UCSC researchers will collaborate with Fish and Game scientists on studies related to the effects of petroleum on animals and the environment.

Photo: Robert Irion

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