wildlife disturbance
Recreational Water Sports
In 2013 the Coastal Watershed Council (CWC) initiated a campaign to open the Lower San Lorenzo River to water sports equipment, including kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, an activity which is currently banned by the City of Santa Cruz. In 2014 CWC received Special Events Permits from the City Manager's Office for a pilot project consisting of a series of seven Paddle Events. Severe disruption of birds occurred as a result of each event. In June 2015 the City Council voted to have a second Pilot Project in the fall of 2016, this time with official monitoring of the disruption of birds. The long term goal of the CWC was to have the City rescind its ban on water sports equipment, something which Friends of San Lorenzo River Wildlife opposes.
Santa Cruz Municipal Code
9.66.090 BOATS PROHIBITED.
No person shall drive, propel or navigate any boat within all of that portion of the San Lorenzo River which lies within the boundaries of the city of Santa Cruz or within three hundred yards of the mean high tide line within the boundaries of the city of Santa Cruz...
9.66.090 BOATS PROHIBITED.
No person shall drive, propel or navigate any boat within all of that portion of the San Lorenzo River which lies within the boundaries of the city of Santa Cruz or within three hundred yards of the mean high tide line within the boundaries of the city of Santa Cruz...
A Review of Human Disturbance Impacts on Waterbirds
Audubon California
Kathi L. Borgmann
"Human-caused disturbances such as boating and walking were shown to alter waterbird behavior, diverting time and energy away other essential behaviors such as feeding."
"...non-motorized boats caused several species of diving ducks and other waterfowl to flush when kayakers were on average 99 m away from a waterbird."
"...non-motorized boats caused several species of diving ducks and other waterfowl to flush when kayakers were on average 99 m away from a waterbird."
A Review of Human Disturbance Impacts on Waterbirds | |
File Size: | 106 kb |
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MBNMS Site Characterization
THIS SITE CHARACTERIZATION OF MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY (MBNMS) IS A SUMMARY OF EXISTING INFORMATION ABOUT MBNMS NATURAL RESOURCES.
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Socioeconomic Uses
II. Tourism and Recreation
A. Recreational boating
Recreational boating with motor-powered, sail-powered, and hand-powered (e.g. kayak and canoe) vessels occurs throughout MBNMS waters, with greater densities around major harbors. As of summer 1995, recreational boat berths were full at all harbors, with waiting lists (S. Shiblar, B. Foss, L. Stephan, R. Johnson, pers. comm.).
Recreational boating has dramatically increased in California and in MBNMS, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects that boat usage in MBNMS will continue to increase (Dornbusch & Co. 1994). In California, the number of registered boats increased between 40% and 60% from 1978 to 1991, and rose from 227,000 boats registered in the state in 1960 to 811,545 in 1993. The fastest rate of growth occured in the late 1980's. The number of registered boats has increased in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties and decreased in San Francisco and San Mateo counties (Dornbusch & Co. 1994). Note that non-motorized boats such as kayaks and canoes are not registered, so numbers cited here are incomplete estimates of total recreational boat use.
Aside from registration and safe boating requirements, recreational boating is largely unregulated. However, restrictions on Motorized Personal Watercraft- commonly known as jet skis - were stipulated in the MBNMS Final Environmental Impact Statement (NOAA 1992) and recently upheld on appeal. One documented account of jet ski harassment of sea otters in the MBNMS resulted in legal proceedings (E. Faurot-Daniels pers. comm; USFWS 1993).
Direct information on the impacts of recreational boats on MBNMS marine resources is limited; no controlled in-situ studies have been performed. According to NOAA, however, research drawn from other Pacific coastal areas "appears to substantiate growing concern over the potential impacts" of recreational boating on wildlife." (Dornbusch & Co. 1994). Nearshore areas around harbors are particularly vulnerable.
Motorized vessels and hand-powered boats (kayaks and canoes) have been shown to disturb and/or lower reproductive success in a range of pinniped, whale, and bird species when operated too closely to these animals. Studies in Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, in Glacier Bay National Park, in Muir Inlet, Alaska, and in other areas have reported behavioral disturbance and reproductive disruption and depression in a wide variety of marine species. These effects include birds fleeing nesting sites leaving chicks and eggs exposed to weather and predators; orcas and minke whales changing swimming speed and direction; and hauled-out harbor seals crushing and abandoning pups when scrambling back into the water (see review in Dornbusch & Co. 1994).
Contrary to popular perception, non-motorized vessels such as kayaks and canoes can have as much or more of an effect on wildlife and habitats as motorized vessels. Dornbusch & Co. (1994) report that kayaks and canoes can often get closer to shore and can access more remote sites than motorized vessels, and their quiet approach is speculated to have a stalking effect on wildlife. This review (Dornbusch & Co. 1994) also reports that in a study conducted in Woodward bay, Washington, seals flushed from their haulouts more readily in response to the approaching kayaks than motorized vessels. In Bolinas Lagoon, Califonia, two separate studies respectively documented that 33% and 56% of observed disturbances were attributable to hand-powered vessels, as far away as 300 meters from the seals. The second study reported that hand-powered vessels were the most common harbor seal disturbant. In some areas of Elkhorn Slough, kayakers have trampled sensitive marsh areas when pulling up on shore. US Fish and Wildlife Service staff have observed kayakers disturbing elephant seals, sea lions, and brown pelicans in other areas of the MBNMS.
Such reports are of special concern given the rapidly growing popularity of kayaking. One MBNMS kayak business owner noted that business increased nearly 100% since their opening in 1985, and that 100 people per day rent from their outfit - which is one of three local kayak rental businesses - on busy summer weekends (C. Chrock pers. comm.). This indicates a need for a better understanding of the potential impacts of kayaking on MBNMS resources.
F. Nature observation and ecotourism
The central coast draws naturalists and appreciators of nature from all over the world. Birdwatching, whalewatching, tidepool walking, and hiking are popular along the coastal city, county, and state parks, in Elkhorn Slough and many other coastal locations (California Coastal Commission [CCC] 1987, NOAA 1992, Meyer Resources 1990).
Revenue generated by these activities has not been systematically compiled for MBNMS, though efforts are being made to assess regional trends in these activities collectively known as "ecotourism" (R. Saunders pers. comm.). One estimate compiled from local coastal plans indicates that expenditures on "nature appreciation" and "visiting scenic areas" in San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties were $63.2 million dollars in 1988 (Meyer Resources 1990).
State parks are one of the central coast's major attractions. The Parks Department reports that attendance and revenues have settled back to early 1980's levels after an upward pulse in the mid-80's (Table 1). Local revenues decreased from a high of about $75 million per yearin the mid 1980's to about $65 million in the mid 1990's (CA Department of Parks and Recreation 1995). Visitation to Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, a popular birdwatching area, has increased significantly, from about 20,000 visitors in 1985 to about 50,000 in 1995. This is a conservative estimate; many more visit the natural areas of the larger Elkhorn Slough region (S. Kimple pers. comm.).
Kayaking has greatly increased in popularity (see II.a.), as has whalewatching (Hoyt 1995). Santa Cruz harbor reports an increase in the number and proportion of whalewatching tour boats and participants in the last several years (B. Foss pers. comm., A. Shake pers. comm.).
Impacts of ecotourism can include disturbance to wildlife and trampling of sensitive areas such as wetlands, mudflats, and sand dunes (State Lands Commission 1994). One study near Santa Cruz on the impact of the public on intertidal communities found a higher species diversity and abundance at less accessible sites (Beauchamp and Gowing 1982). Despite the paucity of MBNMS-specific data on these impacts, such impacts have been demonstrated elsewhere, and efforts are underway to educate the public as to the sensitivity of certain habitats and ways to minimize damage related to ecotourism. Educational programs are in place at local conservation organizations (R. Saunders pers. comm.), as well as privately-owned businesses (C. Chrock pers. comm.).
II. Tourism and Recreation
A. Recreational boating
Recreational boating with motor-powered, sail-powered, and hand-powered (e.g. kayak and canoe) vessels occurs throughout MBNMS waters, with greater densities around major harbors. As of summer 1995, recreational boat berths were full at all harbors, with waiting lists (S. Shiblar, B. Foss, L. Stephan, R. Johnson, pers. comm.).
Recreational boating has dramatically increased in California and in MBNMS, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects that boat usage in MBNMS will continue to increase (Dornbusch & Co. 1994). In California, the number of registered boats increased between 40% and 60% from 1978 to 1991, and rose from 227,000 boats registered in the state in 1960 to 811,545 in 1993. The fastest rate of growth occured in the late 1980's. The number of registered boats has increased in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties and decreased in San Francisco and San Mateo counties (Dornbusch & Co. 1994). Note that non-motorized boats such as kayaks and canoes are not registered, so numbers cited here are incomplete estimates of total recreational boat use.
Aside from registration and safe boating requirements, recreational boating is largely unregulated. However, restrictions on Motorized Personal Watercraft- commonly known as jet skis - were stipulated in the MBNMS Final Environmental Impact Statement (NOAA 1992) and recently upheld on appeal. One documented account of jet ski harassment of sea otters in the MBNMS resulted in legal proceedings (E. Faurot-Daniels pers. comm; USFWS 1993).
Direct information on the impacts of recreational boats on MBNMS marine resources is limited; no controlled in-situ studies have been performed. According to NOAA, however, research drawn from other Pacific coastal areas "appears to substantiate growing concern over the potential impacts" of recreational boating on wildlife." (Dornbusch & Co. 1994). Nearshore areas around harbors are particularly vulnerable.
Motorized vessels and hand-powered boats (kayaks and canoes) have been shown to disturb and/or lower reproductive success in a range of pinniped, whale, and bird species when operated too closely to these animals. Studies in Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, in Glacier Bay National Park, in Muir Inlet, Alaska, and in other areas have reported behavioral disturbance and reproductive disruption and depression in a wide variety of marine species. These effects include birds fleeing nesting sites leaving chicks and eggs exposed to weather and predators; orcas and minke whales changing swimming speed and direction; and hauled-out harbor seals crushing and abandoning pups when scrambling back into the water (see review in Dornbusch & Co. 1994).
Contrary to popular perception, non-motorized vessels such as kayaks and canoes can have as much or more of an effect on wildlife and habitats as motorized vessels. Dornbusch & Co. (1994) report that kayaks and canoes can often get closer to shore and can access more remote sites than motorized vessels, and their quiet approach is speculated to have a stalking effect on wildlife. This review (Dornbusch & Co. 1994) also reports that in a study conducted in Woodward bay, Washington, seals flushed from their haulouts more readily in response to the approaching kayaks than motorized vessels. In Bolinas Lagoon, Califonia, two separate studies respectively documented that 33% and 56% of observed disturbances were attributable to hand-powered vessels, as far away as 300 meters from the seals. The second study reported that hand-powered vessels were the most common harbor seal disturbant. In some areas of Elkhorn Slough, kayakers have trampled sensitive marsh areas when pulling up on shore. US Fish and Wildlife Service staff have observed kayakers disturbing elephant seals, sea lions, and brown pelicans in other areas of the MBNMS.
Such reports are of special concern given the rapidly growing popularity of kayaking. One MBNMS kayak business owner noted that business increased nearly 100% since their opening in 1985, and that 100 people per day rent from their outfit - which is one of three local kayak rental businesses - on busy summer weekends (C. Chrock pers. comm.). This indicates a need for a better understanding of the potential impacts of kayaking on MBNMS resources.
F. Nature observation and ecotourism
The central coast draws naturalists and appreciators of nature from all over the world. Birdwatching, whalewatching, tidepool walking, and hiking are popular along the coastal city, county, and state parks, in Elkhorn Slough and many other coastal locations (California Coastal Commission [CCC] 1987, NOAA 1992, Meyer Resources 1990).
Revenue generated by these activities has not been systematically compiled for MBNMS, though efforts are being made to assess regional trends in these activities collectively known as "ecotourism" (R. Saunders pers. comm.). One estimate compiled from local coastal plans indicates that expenditures on "nature appreciation" and "visiting scenic areas" in San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties were $63.2 million dollars in 1988 (Meyer Resources 1990).
State parks are one of the central coast's major attractions. The Parks Department reports that attendance and revenues have settled back to early 1980's levels after an upward pulse in the mid-80's (Table 1). Local revenues decreased from a high of about $75 million per yearin the mid 1980's to about $65 million in the mid 1990's (CA Department of Parks and Recreation 1995). Visitation to Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, a popular birdwatching area, has increased significantly, from about 20,000 visitors in 1985 to about 50,000 in 1995. This is a conservative estimate; many more visit the natural areas of the larger Elkhorn Slough region (S. Kimple pers. comm.).
Kayaking has greatly increased in popularity (see II.a.), as has whalewatching (Hoyt 1995). Santa Cruz harbor reports an increase in the number and proportion of whalewatching tour boats and participants in the last several years (B. Foss pers. comm., A. Shake pers. comm.).
Impacts of ecotourism can include disturbance to wildlife and trampling of sensitive areas such as wetlands, mudflats, and sand dunes (State Lands Commission 1994). One study near Santa Cruz on the impact of the public on intertidal communities found a higher species diversity and abundance at less accessible sites (Beauchamp and Gowing 1982). Despite the paucity of MBNMS-specific data on these impacts, such impacts have been demonstrated elsewhere, and efforts are underway to educate the public as to the sensitivity of certain habitats and ways to minimize damage related to ecotourism. Educational programs are in place at local conservation organizations (R. Saunders pers. comm.), as well as privately-owned businesses (C. Chrock pers. comm.).
November 6, 2015
Kayaker Demonstrates Ignorance
Report and pictures by Jane Mio
At 9:20 am I was standing on the San Lorenzo River Trestle bridge, when a kayaker entered the river mouth from the ocean. The kayaker was singing at the top of his lungs. As soon as he headed upstream, he flushed a Bufflehead group of 10, four Eared grebes, and several Coots that had been diving and foraging below the Trestle bridge. The birds landed by the Crescent bridge. Their flushing alarmed another group of 12 Bufflehead, 7 Eared grebes, 4 Ruddy Ducks, Coots, and Mallards, which were upstream from the first disturbed group of birds. All birds took flight.
When the kayaker was passing under the Trestle bridge, I told him that boating was not allowed on the river and that he was flushing migratory birds, to which he replied “Is that bad?”
Ignoring my cautions, he kept paddling upstream. When he approached the Crescent bridge the birds took flight again, some flying over banks and others upstream. I walked from the Trestle bridge to San Lorenzo Blvd., as the kayaker was approaching the Riverside St. bridge. The water birds flushed, flying low over the banks, heading upstream. After single-handledly harassing dozens of birds on the river, the kayaker finally pulled out upstream from the Riverside St. bridge by Michael Fox Park.
There was no Ranger or Police Officer on that stretch of the levee at that time to cite the offender.
Report and pictures by Jane Mio
At 9:20 am I was standing on the San Lorenzo River Trestle bridge, when a kayaker entered the river mouth from the ocean. The kayaker was singing at the top of his lungs. As soon as he headed upstream, he flushed a Bufflehead group of 10, four Eared grebes, and several Coots that had been diving and foraging below the Trestle bridge. The birds landed by the Crescent bridge. Their flushing alarmed another group of 12 Bufflehead, 7 Eared grebes, 4 Ruddy Ducks, Coots, and Mallards, which were upstream from the first disturbed group of birds. All birds took flight.
When the kayaker was passing under the Trestle bridge, I told him that boating was not allowed on the river and that he was flushing migratory birds, to which he replied “Is that bad?”
Ignoring my cautions, he kept paddling upstream. When he approached the Crescent bridge the birds took flight again, some flying over banks and others upstream. I walked from the Trestle bridge to San Lorenzo Blvd., as the kayaker was approaching the Riverside St. bridge. The water birds flushed, flying low over the banks, heading upstream. After single-handledly harassing dozens of birds on the river, the kayaker finally pulled out upstream from the Riverside St. bridge by Michael Fox Park.
There was no Ranger or Police Officer on that stretch of the levee at that time to cite the offender.