Sanderling Plan - Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network

emain, and to increase cooperation among countries and communities. If we can work together
to ensure that Sanderlings continue to occur on our coasts and shorelines, they will be our
evidence that we are carrying on the legacy, and taking responsibility for the effects (intended
and unintended) of our human footprint.
MEASURES TO REDUCE AND MANAGE HUMAN IMPACT
To reduce threats to the Sanderling and other beach-reliant shorebirds, new regulations
must be drafted and implemented. These regulations should better manage (i.e., prevent or
reduce) human disturbances and minimize risks to shorebirds and their food supply at key
beaches during peak migration and winter, especially for those sites with high winter
concentrations (e.g., Washington/Oregon beaches). Examples of specific regulations include:
o Area closures or restrictions (to beachgoers, dogs, vehicles, private watercrafts) at key
foraging and roosting sites during peak migration;
o Specifications for construction, traffic, etc., of oil tankers, to lower probability of oil
spills;
o Regulations to direct rapid and effective response to oil spills;
o In the mid-Atlantic region, regulatory measures to establish and maintain adequate and
healthy populations of Horseshoe Crabs.
Drafting new regulations is often a major hurdle and can cause significant conflict in
communities where opportunities to access or recreate at beaches are being reduced. It is
therefore essential to invest in building broad public support for wildlife through innovative
educational approaches, involving the public in caring for their beaches and wildlife whenever
possible, and improving meaningful wildlife viewing opportunities for the public. It is equally
important to maintain a proactive and flexible approach to drafting new regulations, where
necessary, to help minimize such conflicts.
SET MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES
Rangewide
In all parts of the Sanderling’s range, the agencies and organizations responsible for
managing its habitat should set specific objectives directed at maintaining or increasing current
WHSRN – Sanderling Conservation Plan, February 2010, v1.1 54