Case Study: The Giant Inflatable Duck Crisis “A 2025 Quack-tastrophe”

For the sake of learning how each level of government might work both collaboratively and independently, let’s use a fake and hypothetical scenario to bring it to life.

Overview of the Fake Crisis: A rogue novelty toy company in Washington state accidentally releases thousands of giant inflatable ducks into waterways across the country. These ducks, some the size of houses, begin clogging rivers, lakes, the Puget Sound and even the coastline, causing unexpected shipping delays, environmental concerns, and mass confusion. Governments must step in to manage the Giant Inflatable Duck Crisis.

Federal Response

  • The Coast Guard declares a national duck emergency, scrambling boats to clear major shipping lanes.

  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launches an investigation into the impact of plastic ducks on marine life.

  • The Department of Transportation (DOT) enacts emergency maritime traffic regulations, requiring all ships to carry inflatable-duck deflection devices.

  • Congress debates the Responsible Inflatable Toy Regulation Act, to prevent future incidents and impose stricter controls on novelty-sized floating objects.

State Response

  • Governor Ferguson declares a “State of Emergency”, deploying cleanup crews to remove ducks blocking bridges, ferry ports, and water treatment facilities. In the State of Emergency, Governor Ferguson mobilizes state agencies and resources to create a safe/efficient cleanup.

  • The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife intervene, attempting to guide confused real ducks who have started following the inflatable ones.

  • States bordering (Idaho and Oregon) affected waterways set up “Duck Recovery Zones”, offering rewards to citizens who return inflatable ducks in exchange for coupons at local businesses. The Governor also works with the Canadian government to ensure the ducks don’t impact their waterways.

Local Response

  • Small towns along the rivers and Puget Sound hold “Duck Roundups”, where volunteers use kayaks to capture rogue ducks and tow them to designated collection areas.

  • City councils issue ordinances requiring large duck crossings, as local traffic reports indicate mass pedestrian stops due to inflatable duck detours.

  • Some towns repurpose the ducks for public art, turning them into temporary floatable sculptures and even floating movie theaters.

  • Local police establish a Duck Patrol Unit, helping to ensure the ducks don’t cause further public disruption by lodging themselves into city water fountains.

Outcome

After weeks of coordination, most ducks are either recycled, repurposed, or corralled into a new "Duck Island" off the coast, where they serve as an eco-friendly artificial reef. The situation leads to nationwide inflatable regulations, and in the years that follow, Seattle and Portland commemorate the crisis with a coinciding annual event: “Great Duck Festival.”