Protecting New Jersey’s
Migratory Shorebirds:
Combining Science with Stewardship
By Jenny R. Isaacs, Class of 2012.
Species shown: Red Knots,
Ruddy Turnstones, Horseshoe
Crabs, etc.
Final Presentation given May 2012, in
completion of Master of Sustainability
Studies at Ramapo College of NJ.
The Jersey Shore:
Shorebird Rest Stop
• The Delaware Bay presents a major geographic obstacle to
migration along the Atlantic flyway; birds may temporarily
halt their migration in NJ to fuel up and wait for favorable
winds.
• A depository of horseshoe crab eggs, the Bay serves as a
major migratory stopover site/critical feeding area for several
species of shorebird that traverse thousands of miles
annually; including Red Knots (Endangered), Ruddy
Turnstones, Semi-palmated Sandpipers, Dunlin, Dowitchers,
Curlews, Willet, Whimbrel, and Sanderling.
• Cape May County is one of the top five most popular bird
watching destinations in the United States.
• 40% of the Red Knot habitat/shore feeding areas are currently
protected.
The Red Knot
Dr. Larry
Niles
10,000 miles
Arriving Bird
Winter plumage
with Gull
Departing bird
Birds have two weeks to double
their body weight on crab eggs
during their northern migration
Horseshoe Crab
Spawning,
May and June,
Delaware Bay
PROBLEM: Rufa in Trouble
Red Knot in Trouble
Data presents a story of failure
Red
Red Knot
Knot -- Peak Count from Aerial
Aerial Survey
Survey
100,000
100,000
Abundance
Abundance
80,000
80,000
60,000
60,000
40,000
40,000
20,000
20,000
Year
*2009 peak from ground count, Mispillion Harbor, DE 526-09,Source: NJ and DE Divisions of Fish & Wildlife
2010
2010
2008
2008
2006
2006
2004
2004
2002
2000
1998
1996
1994
1992
1990
1988
1986
1984
1984
1982
1982
00
SOLUTION: Stewardship Model
of Conservation
Stewardship
a posture of responsibility for and proactive engagement within
the larger ecosystem
Science
THESIS: Conservation Science is worthless
unless people use knowledge to make more sustainable choices
Cape May County:
Stewardship Model of Conservation in Practice
2011 Shorebird Stewards
“VOLUNTARY AVOIDANCE”
An Inclusive Approach to Conservation
Beaches stay open: a win-win for people and species
Everyone can play a positive role in the ecosystem
Avalon NJ: Fall Shorebird Stewardship Program/Study,
November 2011, 3 weeks. J.Isaacs: Site Coordinator;
Dr. Niles: Head of Study, CWF; Dr. Joanna Burger:
Rutgers University
Steward educating public,
asking for cooperation
RESULTS of VOLUNTARY AVOIDANCE
ALL SHOREBIRD SPECIES
RED KNOTS ONLY
P = 0.0172 (All birds)
P = 0.0371 (REKN)
Mann Whitney U-TEST
134 Disturbances
Key finding: Much fewer disturbances with Stewards Present
Public Response to Voluntary Avoidance:GOOD IDEA?
Survey Results: 135 responses: 17 negative, 9 neutral,
75 positive (generally)
Negative
Neutral
Positive
Jogger avoiding birds voluntarily—
sharing the shore
CONCLUSION: We don’t need to keep people separate
from nature, we need to strengthen the connection by
asking people to play a positive role in their environment,
as stewards; this is the secret ingredient of sustainability.
Ask me how to get Involved:
isaacsjenny@gmail.com