Sanderling Plan - Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network

IMPLEMENTATION OF BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
In several parts of the Sanderling’s range, management practices are being implemented,
either voluntarily or through legislation, for the benefit of this and other coastal shorebird
species. Some examples follow.
In 2008, legislation was passed in New Jersey to place a moratorium on Horseshoe Crab
harvesting (for bait) along certain Delaware Bay beaches and adjacent waters until shorebird
recovery targets are met (Senate Bill 1331). The majority of weight-gain by migrating shorebirds
in Delaware Bay is from crab eggs (Tsipoura and Burger 1999; Haramis et al. 2007). This
legislation follows numerous legal measures already in place to limit Horseshoe Crab harvest in
order to maintain this crucial food supply for Sanderlings and other shorebirds (New Jersey
Annotated Codes 2001).
In New Jersey, the Division of Environmental Protection established emergency
procedures to be used in the event of chemical spills in nearby shipping lanes during critical
migratory periods (Myers 1988). Delaware Bay is a crucial stopover site for a myriad of
shorebirds, and was the first Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site (in 1985)
(Myers et al. 1987b).
On the Atlantic Coast, management practices intended for Piping Plovers are benefiting
other shorebirds, including Sanderlings. In response to human-caused disturbances to shorebirds
on beaches, some managers are extending the various protections and closures that were in place
for plovers. For example, on coastal habitat around Boston, Massachusetts, protections remain in
place even after plover chicks have fledged in order to accommodate the migratory shorebirds
arriving in July and August. Hundreds of small shorebirds, including Sanderlings, take advantage
of enclosures and wrack left on even very small areas (S. Corona, pers. comm.).
In other areas throughout the Sanderling’s nonbreeding range, numerous management
efforts have been proposed or are in effect. On the Pacific Coast, beneficial management actions
include control and/or removal of exotic vegetation, active restoration and enhancement, waterlevel
management to benefit shorebirds, and a variety of outreach strategies to limit human
disturbance and increase public awareness (Drut and Buchanan 2000). In Washington, the state
government has funded an additional tug boat to respond to navigational emergencies by oil
tankers, in the event that the tankers lose power and could possibly run aground, thereby
WHSRN – Sanderling Conservation Plan, February 2010, v1.1 48