Wildlife

[gsseirik]

Hey guys! I have a question about wildlife preservation. The best spots around here to surf is also the best feeding-grounds for a huge amount of different birdspecies. The county has put out signs of "watersports forbidden during october-april". I understand that kiting and windsurfing is scary for the birds, but I always thought that surfing was more in harmony with the wildlife. Do you have similar laws where you surf? I really care about the wildlife, but its so sad that the best waves is banned during the best wintermonths.

[jaffa1949]

You are probably right about surfing being less scary for wildlife, however there is that wonderful tendency humans have of making assumption,
Ok surfing the maybe SUPing, ,oh SUP then???? .
Yes we have prohibited wild life areas. Breeding ground, migratory habitat, her dolphins , birds, seals and sharks may well feed off the same bait ball. Legs disappear under those circumstance, we have distance codes from approaching whales on or in different surfcraft, vessels, aircraft and drones.
So much area has been stripped from natural to suit us, every wild area is precious.
You are a person with awareness and care, how many are not! Sadly.

[gsseirik]

We look just like seals in the wintermonths, so maby the birds doesn't see the difference;-) Sounds like the best is to just leave the birds alone then. I was just curious, since I haven't seen any deeper studies about surfing and wildlife locally. And the birdwatchers arguments here didn't seem that well backed up by studies. But it was nice to hear experiences from other parts of the world:-)

[oldmansurfer]

Do you see birds in the water when you surf? I guess it depends on the situation, but the area might be important feeding or breeding grounds for the birds during those months. I have only seen a bird near me a couple times while surfing. Both times they were feeding and didn't seem to mind my presence however I was the only one out and if there were a hundred guys out instead that might have mattered

[billie_morini]

gsseirik, we see something similar in California. It is usually related to beaches and sand dunes where sensitive bird species nest. Likewise, I see the same in Florida for terrestrial turtle nesting sites. We're not allowed to go to these land-based locations, but we can still go surfing. bill

[gsseirik]

Thanks for your input guys! On the big days with stronger offshore winds its usually a couple of seagulls out cruising. But on calmer days there is a lot of ducks, wading birds etc. Both ducks and swans have nearly touched my head passing by, and sometimes swims past me without even blinking. I think its the seaweed that makes the area so important for the birds. The surf community is growing, and there is more people in those spots now compared to earlier. But you can still walk your dog on the path close to shore without getting a ticket.

[RinkyDink]

Thanks for your input guys! On the big days with stronger offshore winds its usually a couple of seagulls out cruising. But on calmer days there is a lot of ducks, wading birds etc. Both ducks and swans have nearly touched my head passing by, and sometimes swims past me without even blinking. I think its the seaweed that makes the area so important for the birds. The surf community is growing, and there is more people in those spots now compared to earlier. But you can still walk your dog on the path close to shore without getting a ticket.

I would check with an expert. Go find your local marine biologist at a nearby university and ask them. Maybe that habitat can support the birds and surfing. If the experts say those particular species of bird need the area for survival, then leave the birds in peace and find somewhere else. Live and let live. I agree with you that dogs and domesticated animals on the beach are a problem. People don't realize that the cat they feed and protect everyday is a terror to wildlife when it's left to its own devices outside the house.. I see the same when birds are trying to forage along the coastline and some dog or little kid comes barreling through scattering them. That goes on all day at the beach sometimes. It's just more pressure on the wildlife population. A lot of people push back when you point out how domesticated pets can make the lives of wild animals difficult so I usually don't bring it up. Some people aren't ready to leave the matrix.