Surfing & birds

[very boring banned member]

An interesting question was forwarded to me, originally from Norway:
>>We have a problem conserning activ wave-surfing in seabird-protected
>>areas (RAMSAR-areas) along the westcoast of Norway. Do you have any
>>informations/references to such a conflict and policy ?
I do not have much experience on this particular issue - how about You?

[Ranger James]

An interesting question was forwarded to me, originally from Norway:
>>We have a problem conserning activ wave-surfing in seabird-protected
>>areas (RAMSAR-areas) along the westcoast of Norway. Do you have any
>>informations/references to such a conflict and policy ?
I do not have much experience on this particular issue - how about You?

Karwin, can you expand on what you mean by activ wave-surfing? I am currently working with a group of Kite surfers on the Exe estuary. it was feared that their new sport may disturb feeding flocks of dark-bellied brents, so an active dialogue was set up. Very difficult to begin with, as I was seen as the 'man in a suit' out to stop their fun. But all became easier when those initial barriers were overcome. For starters, it has been some years since I wore a suit to work. Apart from interviews.
I'd be interested to find out any global issues of recreation coming into conflict with conservation goals.

James

[very boring banned member]

What my source meant was that surfing may disturb feeding and resting of migrating & wintering birds in october-march. The sport may also cause disturbance for
shore-feeding and -resting birds.

I am also interested in breeding season experiences - has anywhere been conflicts concerning eg scattering broods?

If You have experiences over these, had any solutions?

[Ranger James]

What my source meant was that surfing may disturb feeding and resting of migrating & wintering birds in october-march. The sport may also cause disturbance for
shore-feeding and -resting birds.

I am also interested in breeding season experiences - has anywhere been conflicts concerning eg scattering broods?

If You have experiences over these, had any solutions?

I can't see how wave surfing would cause undue disturbance, apart from overcrouding beaches! Well, that's my experience anyway.

The only solution I have persued with kite surfers is to get takling to them. Explain the potential problems and help them understand why you don't want them to go in certain areas. Most people who you take the time to talk to are grateful for pointing out issues such as these. It is only the die-hard red-necks who are unable to see someone else'e point of view, and there are precious few ways to deal with this level of ignorance.