Seabird Aware Project
Seeks to heighten public understanding of seabird ecology and reduce human-caused disturbance to seabirds along the Pacific Coast.
The Seabird Aware Project
As California's human population increases, interactions with the remaining wildlife are on the rise. As a result, truly effective conservation of many animal populations requires significant public education about the effects of disturbance on wildlife.
Flock of Black footed Albatross. Photo Rich Stallcup.
Working with California Current Marine Bird Conservation Plan authors, PRBO's education and outreach program is developing innovative ideas to bring the Plan's important conservation messages to the public. Through the Seabird Aware Project, we developed a brochure that identifies both the problem of disturbance to seabirds and simple solutions that can reduce human impact.
The glossy, information-packed, Seabird Aware brochure (download pdf; approx. 1MB; may take over a minute to completely download) features a stunning cover image by Peter Latourette, and other images by former Farallon Island biologists, Jeff Foote and Bob Boekelheide. The aim of the brochure is to encourage kayakers, pilots, fisherman, and others to respect the sensitive nature of seabirds by providing interesting information on their life histories, and specifics regarding the dangers of too-close contact.
Colonies of breeding seabirds like the Common Murre are particularly vulnerable to human disturbance. At sea most of their lives, they come ashore to breed in great, cacophonous colonies that draw the attention of curious boaters. Perched shoulder to shoulder on narrow cliff ledges, murres rarely leave eggs and chicks unattended. Their greatest natural enemies, the gulls, are quick to respond to the flushing events caused by the close approach of planes or boats. Widespread egg or chick loss - even permanent desertion of the colony - can result from a single disturbance incident.
Pigeon Guillemot with Fish. Photo Jeff Foote.
As birds of the open ocean, murres and other seabirds are important allies in the effort to conserve ocean environments. Their high sensitivity to changes in marine environments can alert us to serious problems threatening fisheries and the overall health of ocean ecosystems. Protecting seabird populations will help us maintain a pulse on our fisheries while keeping California's coast wild.
The Seabird Aware brochure was funded by the California Coastal Commission's Whale Tail Grants Program (fueled by California's 'whale tail' vehicle license plates). We also appreciate assistance from our partners, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries, and US Fish & Wildlife Service.
Why is Human Disturbance a Problem for Seabirds?
Human disturbance causes a change in an animal's normal behavior. In marine environments, such disturbances are typically caused by close approaches from the water, air, or land. Their effects range from minor to disastrous:
- Birds are distracted from normal activites, but don't fly away.
- Parents spend less time tending young or eggs.
- Parents fly away from nes, leaving eggs or chicks vulnerable to preators and cold.
- Nests are destroyed.
- Parents are injured or killed.
- Seabirds entirely abandon colony.
It is important for us to give seabirds every chance to successfully breed because most seabirds only produce one or a few young each year. Some seabirds only breed every other year.
State and federal laws protect seabirds and other marine life from disturbances and harassment. Please report incidents of disturbance and harassment to CA Dept. of Fish & Game. Learn how to report violations.
Tufted Puffins. Photo PRBO files.
How you can help prevent human disturbance
Being aware of wildlife around you is the key to preventing disturbance. If you see birds reacting nervously, like head bobbing, turning attention towards you, calling, or fluttering, you are too close!
By following these simple, seabird-safe actions, you can reduce disturbance and contribute to the health and safety of our treasured marine resources:
Boating and Fishing
- Stay 500 feet away (nearly 2 football fields) from colonies where seabirds roost and nest.
- Paddle, sail, or motor around flocks of birds rather than through them.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Recycle or dispose of plastics, fishing hooks and line in the trash - not in the water.
- Weight fishing lines to avoid hooking seabirds.
- Never dump oil, fuel, or other foreign substances into the water or drains.
Coastal Hiking
- Stay on trail at all times, as one-ill placed foot can damage a seabird's underground nesting burrow.
- If you see wildlife flush (flying away) as you approach, slowly step away and leave the area.
- Pack out trash and never feed wildlife.
- Educate other hikers about seabird-safe hiking.
Cassin's Auklet - a burrow-nesting seabird. Photo Bob Boekelheide.
Aircraft
- Low-flying aircraft can cause severe disturbances to colonies. To avoid disturbance, please maintain an above ground level of 2000 ft,
- Report wildlife disturbances caused by low-flying aircraft (see below).
- Share this information with fellow pilots and airport staff.
Reporting Disturbance Violations
Call CA Dept. of Fish & Game's CALTip Hotline 888/334-2258 (888/DFG-CALT) with the following information within 24 hours:
- Your name and contact information.
- Time, location and cause of incident;
- Which and how many birds or wildlife were disturbed;
- Number of people involved;
- Description of craft(s) involved: complete registration numbers, type, military/civilian, color, number of engines, wing design;
- Estimate distances and altitudes in reference to landmarks and permanent objects.
Secret Lives of Seabirds in the California Current System (CCS)
Seabirds have fascinating adaptations that allow them to thrive in harsh conditions, including wind and wave swept sea cliffs. Many seabirds, like murres and cormorants, nest on exposed ledges that are inaccessible to mammal predators. Some, like Tufted Puffins and Pigeon Guillemots, nest in crevices on the side of cliffs. Rhinoceros and Cassin's auklets dig their own burrows in soft soil.
The illustration below shows where nine seabirds and one shorebird (Black Oystercatcher) of the CCS nest on a typical seabird colony. The sketches on the outside of the illustration show the type of nest that the bird uses on the colony.
A seabird colony in the California Current System,
showing nesting locations of marine birds.
Original artwork by Zachary Denning.
Spotlight on Seabirds of the California Current System
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Common Murre
HABITAT - Steep cliffs of rocky islets and islands near- and offshore.
PROFESSION - A fish and krill hunter, it uses its strong wings to "fly" underwater to depths of 600 ft.
FUN FACT - Lays one pear-shaped egg that will not roll off even the narrowest rock ledge.
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Photo Bob Boekelheide.
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Brandt's Cormorant
HABITAT - Steep cliffs of rocky islets and islands near- and offshore.
PROFESSION - A fish hunter, it propels itself with its large, webbed feet.
FUN FACT - Unlike many other cormorants, these sleek seabirds flock together to communially hunt schools of fish.
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Photo Ben Saenz.
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Pigeon Guillemot
HABITAT - Rocky coasts of islands, islets, and mainland.
PROFESSION - A fish hunter, its powerful wings allow it to "fly" underwater in pursuit of its prey.
FUN FACT - These handsome birds nest and raise young in rocky crevices on steep cliffs.
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Photo Jeff Foote.
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Reduce Night Lights
In the dark of night, seabirds use their keen senses and light from the moon and stars to navigate, find food, tend their nests, and avoid predators.
Mariners and scientists have observed that bright lights from vessels or land can attract and disorient seabirds, causing injury or death - especially on moonless or foggy nights.
How can bright lights affect seabirds?
- Drawn to or distracted by lights, seabirds can fly onto decks or land where they may be trapped, injured, or killed.
- Bright lights can illuminate nesting colonies on rocky coasts and islands, causing problems tending nests, abandonment of eggs or chicks, and increased predation by gulls or owls.
- Lights can distract birds from feeding, navigating, and other vital activities.
How can you help?
REDUCE THE LIGHT ON VESSELS AND COASTS!
- Use only navigation and safety lighting when anchored. If possible, use a source other than bright lights to keep a load on a generator at night.
- Use smaller or minimal wattage bulbs located close to work areas.
- Keep lights well shielded and directed downwards.
- Avoid shining bright lights directly at cliffs and islands where seabirds nest (see over for map).
What to do when seabirds are found on vessels:
First, darken area as much as possible to avoid attracting more birds and allow birds already landed to fly away. Use clean, grease-free towels and hands when handling birds.
UNINJURED BIRDS - Gently cover bird with towel and place in clean, well-ventilated, covered box. Release birds into ocean at dawn or when area is darkened.
INJURED BIRDS - Place bird in clean, well-ventilated, covered box. If possible, take to a wildlife rehabilitation facility within 24 hours: International Bird Rescue Research Center:
In Northern California: 707/207-0380, ext. 110
In Southern Caliofnria 310/514-2573.
Seabird & Marine Conservation Links
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Conservation in the California Current System...
PRBO Seabird Conservation Projects
Oikonos
Pacific Seabird Group
International Bird Rescue Research Center
Island Conservation
Seafood Watch
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Aquarium of the Bay
Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Farallones National Wildlife Refuge
California Coastal National Monuments (Bureau of Land Management)
And around the world...
New England Seabirds
The Global Seabird Conservation Programme
Seabirds in New Zealand (Dept.Conservation, New Zealand)
Southern Seabird Solutions (Dept. Conservation, New Zealand)
Seabirds in Australia (Dept. Environment and Heritage, Australia)
