Travel Tips
Needed: Good Stewards of the Sea.
In
the PAST ... Marine birds and mammals once lived far from human influence.
TODAY ... People are everywhere – and that places some of these marine
animals at risk.
They need all of us to be "Good Stewards of
the Sea."
Habits that place marine animals at risk:
- Most seabirds come to land only to nest and raise their chicks. This is a
critical time in the survival of each species.
- Marine mammals
need to gather together to breed. Seabirds nest together, often in huge colonies.
The spectacle of these colonies lures people to come close to view them.
- Sea lions, seals, and walrus need beaches and the nearshore waters in front
of where they come ashore. They can be spooked from both areas.
- Some cliff-nesting seabirds lay their eggs directly on rock ledges. When frightened,
seabirds panic, often bumping eggs or chicks off the cliffs.
- Some
seabirds dig burrows in the soil or lay their eggs in caves between rocks. Trampling
and rock slides could destroy their nests.
- Some seabirds come
out of their burrows only at night. The island looks deserted during the day,
fooling people into thinking they will do no harm by wandering ashore.
Tips
for PILOTS
Aircraft flying low and close to cliffs or beaches can
spook the birds, seals, sea lions, or walrus breeding or resting there.
Seabirds
take flight in panic and bump eggs or chicks off ledges. Mammals rush for the
water, running over pups in the way. Sonic booms cause the same panic.
How can I help?
Please, keep a good distance between you and
seabird nesting colonies or gatherings of marine animals. Recommended distance
– one kilometer or more.
Safety
Warning: Bird-strikes are a life-threatening hazard. They can cause aircraft crashes
or major damage.
Tips for MARINERS
1 -- Nesting
seabirds fly away in panic when they hear loud noises. Marine mammals rush for
the safety of the water, injuring pups in the way or separating mothers and pups.
How can I help?
Please observe and photograph
from a distance.
Use binoculars and telephoto lenses.
Avoid going near colony
islands.
Peter T. Puffin says:
* Unprotected eggs
and chicks can chill or overheat, depending on the weather.
* Predators
take advantage of chaos and eat unprotected eggs and chicks.
2
-- Seabird burrows often collapse if stepped on. Dogs and cats can dig into burrows
and chase or kill the chicks.
How can I help?
One
seldom knows where burrows are until -- crush!! -- it's too late. It's best to
avoid going ashore on seabird islands. If you must go ashore, watch your step!
Peter T. Puffin says:
* Many seabirds have no natural land
predators.
* They are helpless against dogs or other introduced mammals such
as rats and mink.
Tips for COMMERCIAL FISHERS
1 -- Seabirds gather in waters below and near their nesting colonies. If
you set your gillnets or longlines nearby, you'll catch birds instead of fish.
That wastes birds, your time, and your money.
How can
I help?
Fish at a distance from seabird colonies.
If you hook or net
a seabird, carefully free the bird. If the bird is hooked, remove the hook or
cut the line next to the hook.
2 -- Curious seabirds, sea
otters, seals, and sea lions can entangle themselves in trash or mistakenly eat
indigestible plastics. In both cases, they are doomed to starve.
How can I help?
Purchase items with a minimum of packaging.
Be
rigorous in keeping trash out of the water and off the beach.
3
-- Oil and birds don't mix -- even a little oil smeared from adult breast
feathers to eggs can kill the growing embryo.
How can I help?
Please
keep oil on board until you reach a port with proper disposal sites.
4
-- SOS from seabird colonies -- stop a rat invasion!
Rats devastate
island wildlife -- killing and spreading disease. Rats must be kept off islands.
How can I help?
Mariners to the rescue! Keep your ship rat free
*Eliminate
sources of food and water (keep trash and food in metal containers)
*Clean
up debris that can provide shelter for rodents
*Inspect cargo for rodent sign
*Install
traps
*Use line guards when tied in port
Peter
T. Puffin says:
Remember, don't throw live rats overboard. They
are good swimmers and may reach islands.
