Kayaking in the fiords of Prince William Sound, Alaska, is arguably as good as it gets. Calm seas, sheltered from the stormy Gulf of Alaska, make the Sound one of the best, and most beautiful, sea-kayaking destinations in the world.

Located in the heart of the Chugach National Forest, the Sound sports some of the most diverse wildlife habitat along the northern Pacific Coast. Tourists and kayakers flocked to Whittier, Alaska, the gateway to the western Sound, when a train tunnel was modified to allow ground vehicular access to the town in 2000. That influx resulted in a dramatic increase in Sound recreation. More visitors, especially kayakers, may lead to decreased reproductive rates for an important shorebird—the Black Oystercatcher.

Reason for Concern
Because of its small numbers (8,000 –11,000 range-wide) and its susceptibility to human-caused disturbances, shorebird conservation plans from Oregon, north through British Columbia and into Alaska designate the bird as a “species of high concern.” It is also on Audubon Alaska’s Watchlist and is one of nine U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Focal Species.

The Black Oystercatcher is a harmed species from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. And, although considered to be recovered from the disaster, oil residue is still found in and around nests. The birds are an intertidal zone management indicator species for the Chugach National Forest. If the Black Oystercatcher population decreases, it’s an indication that other shorebirds may decrease as well.

Recreation and Nests
There is renewed concern that increased recreation, the so-called “people-spill,” could cause habitat loss or breeding disturbance for Black Oystercatchers. About 65-percent of the birds nest along Alaska’s coastlines. The primary nesting season is between May 15 and July 15—which is also a prime time for kayaking.

One of the hottest spots in Prince William Sound for kayakers and Black Oystercatchers alike is Harriman Fiord. The fiord has the highest density of the shorebird than any mainland area scientists have studied. Here, the likelihood of kayaker-Black Oystercatcher interaction approaches 100%.

The Research
The U.S. Forest Service is collaborating with other agencies and organizations to identify challenges Black Oystercatchers face, and to seek solutions.

Over the past three years, scientists completed a comprehensive Black Oystercatcher productivity study along Alaska and British Columbia shorelines. Late this spring the Forest Service, along with other agencies, will deploy satellite and conventional radios on the birds at six sites from Prince William Sound, Alaska, to Puget Sound, Washington. This research will determine interseasonal movements and the linkage between breeding and wintering areas. Conservation measures at highly populated sites could become critical for development plans, or in the event of a disaster such as an oil spill.

Research was conducted on kayaker and camper interaction with Black Oystercatchers to determine nest disturbance. The shorebirds’ reactions to a number of activities at varying distances to the nesting site, such as floating by the site on kayak, walking on the beach, and camping near nests were observed.

A study in Kenai Fjords National Park showed that the Black Oystercatcher actually had a high tolerance for lengthy human activity before it left or abandoned its nest. Scientists determined that paddling by nest sites hardly disturbed the shorebirds, while setting up camp near nests could cause significant disturbance.

What Kayakers Can do to Help
Kayakers can play a huge role in the conservation of this species if they are concerned, educated and careful. Paddlers setting up camp on beaches may be unaware that they are disrupting the Black Oystercatchers’ pair bonding, nest activity, and parenting. Because the eggs are cryptic colored and look like rocks, it is easy to walk right over them without even noticing. People may also leave behind smells which attract avian and terrestrial predators that will rob nearby nests.

Based on the findings, researchers developed some key recommendations for kayakers.

Give Nest Sites a Wide Berth
Kayakers should first scout beaches from the water to see if any Black Oystercatchers are present. If they are, continue scouting from offshore until a suitable Oystercatcher-free area of beach is found, and put ashore. Next, scout along the beach by foot, searching for nests and being careful not to step on any eggs. If a nest is found, move further down the shore and repeat the scouting process.

Leave No Trace
Shoreline creatures with an appetite for eggs and chicks include mink, marten, river otter, wolverine, bears, eagles, gulls and ravens. Human smells attract predators to nest sites. Use bear proof containers to store food. Human and food waste should be carried out or eliminated below the high-tide line. Leaving your human smells at a campsite might cause a predator to encounter a nest they wouldn’t have otherwise come into contact with.

Resources
For more information on Prince William Sound and kayaking, go to: www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/glacier/kayak/index.html.
Black Oystercatcher Research and Management in Prince William Sound: www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/pages_district/glacier/GRDWildlifeWeb/grd_bloy.html
Be Bear Aware website: www.centerforwildlifeinformation.org/BeBearAware/bebearaware.html.
Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org/