Oil spill clean-up continues two days on

Regional council workers Nathan Capper and Richard Lyons filling up plastic bags with the toxic oil. Photo/George Novak

A helicopter is flying over Tauranga again this morning to check any movement of oil overnight after an oil spill in Tauranga Harbour on Monday.

Mobil last night accepted full responsibility for the spill.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council this morning said oil had washed up high on the foreshore at Maungatapu covering about 300 metres of the beach north east of Turret Rd.

There were other smaller areas of oil at Motuopuhi Island. Most was trapped in vegetation and was being removed as quickly as possible. A sucker truck was continuing to remove oil from around the Bridge marina.

A second oiled shag was found yesterday and had to be euthanised, and several other lightly oiled birds were spotted but not caught.

The Mauao Wildlife Trust's volunteers checked penguins on Mauao and Motoriki (Leisure Island) at 6pm last night and found no signs of oiled birds. They will check the penguin sites for the next two nights.

Mobil has set up an 0800 number for boaties wanting advice - 0800 895 011. Any oiled wildlife found should be reported to DOC 0800 362 468 (0800 DOC HOT).

The public have been asked to stay away from oil wash-up areas. Oil slicks or oiled vessels should be reported to the Regional Council's Pollution Hotline, phone 0800 884 883, or email info@boprc.govt.nz.