When an oil spill is threatening areas known to be important for marine wildlife, the mobilisation of a wildlife response will likely be necessary.  A wildlife response centre must be set up as part of the wider oil spill response, then options for wildlife management can be considered and a strategy determined. Mobilisation of experts, trained work forces, facilities and equipment will then be needed. Wildlife response activities may take place at sea, on shorelines and in specialised facilities further inland.

Responding to an oiled wildlife incident may involve an attempt to prevent wildlife from becoming oiled and/or the treatment of animals that do become oiled. Some guidance on the various response options is given in the table below.