The Mental Health of Oiled Wildlife Responders Deployed to the MV Rena Oil Spill in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Abstract

Objective To investigate the mental health impacts and coping mechanisms faced by trained oiled wildlife responders who deployed to the 2011 MV Rena oil spill, Aotearoa, New Zealand, following the vessel’s grounding on Astrolabe reef.

Methods A thematic analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews was conducted with 8 core wildlife responders based on the following questions: What challenges are faced by trained oiled wildlife responders when managing oiled wildlife, within the oil spill response work environment, and how do oiled wildlife response agencies promote and protect the mental health of responders?

Results Participants demonstrated a high commitment to utilizing their expertise for wildlife rehabilitation. While they accepted euthanasia as necessary, they experienced more intense emotions to mass mortality events and accidental deaths in the wildlife facility. Responders employed informal coping mechanisms, relying heavily on social connectedness and teamwork for support but reported insufficient training in trauma management and limited formal debriefing opportunities. Many depended on previous experiences to cope with the psychological challenges encountered and relied on strong professional identity.

Conclusion The findings highlight the need to integrate primary prevention mental health training into oil spill response. This should specifically focus on mental health support, stress management, and resilience development.