Sanderling Plan - Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network

However, Sanderlings are an excellent “umbrella species” for coastally dependent
species. They have declining populations, are sensitive to factors that limit many other species
(e.g., human disturbance, pollution) (Piersma and Lindstrom 2004), are responsive to
management that removes limiting factors, and are relatively easy to identify and monitor
(Granfors and Niemuth 2005). With directed efforts, the conservation of Sanderling habitats
would benefit many other coastal species as well, such as in South America, where the
Sanderling is the most abundant shorebird for >3,000 kilometers of Pacific coastline (from Peru
southwards; Morrison and Ross 1989.
CONSERVATION OF IMPORTANT HABITATS
Ensuring that this species has adequate habitat in which to feed and rest during the
nonbreeding season (i.e., the time of year when it overlaps with humans) will require a concerted
effort at many sites. Fortunately, a number of conservation efforts already target or include
shorebirds (including the Sanderling) in their habitat protection or management plans, such as the
Ramsar Convention, Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN), North
American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) Joint Ventures, Ducks Unlimited, Canadian
Shorebird Conservation Plan (regional and national plans), U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan
(regional and national plans), Mexican Shorebird Conservation Strategy, numerous federal and
state agencies, and nongovernmental organizations (i.e., The Nature Conservancy, and others).
These conservation and management strategies identify important conservation issues and areas
of great conservation value. Implementation of these conservation actions, however, remains a
challenge. Additional effort is needed to identify barriers to, and opportunities for, protecting
important migration and wintering sites for the Sanderling. Because Sanderlings use open beach
habitats, and these areas are of considerable recreational and commercial importance to humans
as well, the need for a careful and targeted strategy is important. Several important components
in developing such a strategy include conducting a review of efforts expended to protect coastal
sites, including the barriers encountered and (especially) those case studies with successful
outcomes; and approaching conservation/management solutions from a ‘common ground’
viewpoint through investment in innovative/creative solutions, and using outreach and education
more effectively. A shift in perspectives is necessary to loosen deadlocks (where they occur) and
to develop effective, long-term approaches.
WHSRN – Sanderling Conservation Plan, February 2010, v1.1 47