Seabird Colony Protection Program

The primary goal of this program is to improve the nesting success of California's resident breeding seabird species (especially surface nesting species such as commom murres) and improve the quality of roosting habitat by reducing disturbance at their breeding and roosting colonies. Breeding seabirds, particularly seabirds that nest on cliffs or offshore rocks, are highly susceptible to the negative impacts caused by human disturbance. When disturbance events occur, the birds may flee from their nests, leaving their eggs and chicks unprotected from predators and adverse weather conditions. In addition, the eggs or chicks may be accidentally knocked off rocks or cliffs when the birds flee. The trustees will implement a multipronged education, outreach, and enforcement program targeting disturbance events from aircraft overflights and other recreational and fishing activities.

In the summer of 2005, researchers at the Point Reyes Headlands began monitoring important seabird colonies. Monitoring will address concerns regarding the potential impact caused to these colonies by aircraft and boat disturbances.

In the fall of the same year, the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary began implementating the outreach and education component of this project by gathering seabird researchers and managers in early November for an initial meeting to identify and prioritize disturbance issues impacting seabird colonies along the central California coast. Project staff will use recommendations from the meeting to develop and implement outreach actions for the project.