Protecting our Endangered Species

Endangered birds on the coastal bays of Ocean City are taking a hit this boating season. 47 ABC spoke to the Department of Natural Resources and Coastal Bays to find out how boaters can help with keeping our birds safe.

“You have people who are going way above the speed limit on these boats and jet skis and I understand people are having a good time but they just don’t realize the effect it has on the wildlife that actually live here.” said Sandi Smith, Coastal Bays Marketing director.  “You get these little chicks that get close to the edge of the island – and it just takes one big boat wake and that’s it.”

Smith is referring to colonial nesting birds here on the Eastern Shore.  47 ABC took a boat ride Sunday with her to check out some of the islands that she says are restricted -specifically for these birds. Unfortunately, as we approached one of these restricted islands, people were on them. But on our trip – we saw people on the islands.

“We have these islands because there is no place in Ocean City for these birds to nest anymore . We have seagulls that have adapted to human beings and their nesting up on roofs

Skimmer island is a nesting ground for 12 species of water birds – some endangered. And Smith  tells us the boaters operating and landing their boats in these critical nesting areas disrupt the cycle of these birds’ lives. Even just walking up onto these islands scares birds away from their nests and leaves the eggs unprotected and exposed to predators and the hot sun.  

Natural Resource Police officer David Bloxem says there are things boaters can do to help protect the islands.

” For starters, please slow down.” said Bloxem. A lot of thesee birds nest on the sandy beaches so if you slow down that reduces the wake and keeps the small birds from washing away. Additionally, we have islands that are closed. There are signs posted to stay off and away from those islands. Do not trespass.”

These are just small measures measures to help ensure a long-lasting and safe habitat for our wildlife here on the Eastern Shore.

For anyone that sees any stranded or dead marine life please contact 800-628-9944