Report on Shorebird Conservation Efforts at Wrightsville Beach, NC

Introduction

The southern end of Wrightsville Beach, located in New Hanover County, North Carolina, serves as a critical habitat for nesting and roosting shorebirds and waterbirds. This area faces significant challenges due to the coexistence of a thriving beach town and vital bird colonies. The population of Wrightsville Beach surges from approximately 2,400 residents in winter to over 30,000 during summer peak seasons, intensifying human-wildlife interactions.

Decline of Bird Species and Conservation Challenges

1. National Decline in Bird Populations: The 2025 State of the Birds report, released by a coalition including Audubon North Carolina, highlights that about one-third of all bird species in the United States are of high or moderate concern due to population declines.
2. At-Risk Shorebirds: Shorebirds have experienced a 33% population decline since 1980, primarily due to habitat loss, climate change, and human disturbances.
3. Threats to Bird Habitats:
   • Coastal development leading to habitat loss.
   • Rising sea levels causing flooding of nesting sites.
   • Increased frequency and intensity of heat waves impacting food supplies.
   • Stronger tropical storms due to ocean temperature rise.
   • Predation by coyotes and other animals.
4. Human Interaction: Human presence and activities remain one of the most significant, yet manageable, threats to shorebirds.

Conservation Efforts and Community Engagement

Audubon North Carolina and partner organizations have implemented several measures to protect shorebird habitats while promoting coexistence with the local community and visitors.

• Protected Areas: Designation of sandy spits and inlets as protected sanctuaries during nesting seasons.
• Volunteer Programs: Nearly 80 volunteers participate in the bird steward program at Wrightsville Beach, educating visitors and managing human-bird interactions.
• Educational Signage: Use of signs and illustrations, some created by local students, to inform beachgoers about the importance of maintaining safe distances from birds.
• Rules Enforcement: Gentle reminders to keep dogs away from nesting areas and to avoid disturbing the birds.

Bird Species and Habitat Details

• Shorebird nesting season spans from March 1 to mid-September.
• Common species include least terns, black skimmers, common terns, and oystercatchers.
• Nearby undeveloped islands such as Lea-Hutaff and Masonboro serve as additional protected nesting and roosting sites.
• Lea-Hutaff Island accounts for nearly one-third of North Carolina’s nesting least terns.

Economic and Social Impact of Birdwatching

Birdwatching is a significant economic activity in the United States, supporting 1.4 million jobs and generating $279 billion in economic output related to bird-associated recreation, according to the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The conservation efforts at Wrightsville Beach contribute directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – Protecting coastal and marine ecosystems vital for shorebirds and waterbirds.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – Conserving terrestrial habitats and biodiversity, including endangered bird species.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Addressing climate change impacts such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events affecting bird habitats.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Promoting coexistence between human populations and natural ecosystems in urban-adjacent areas.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Engaging the community and visitors through education and volunteer programs to foster environmental stewardship.

Conclusion

The ongoing efforts at Wrightsville Beach exemplify a successful model of balancing human activity with wildlife conservation. Through community involvement, habitat protection, and education, the region supports the survival of vulnerable shorebird populations while enhancing public awareness and appreciation of biodiversity. These initiatives align with global sustainability goals, emphasizing the importance of collaborative action to safeguard natural habitats and promote sustainable development.

Report compiled by Gareth McGrath. This work was supported by the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation. Editorial control remains with the USA TODAY Network.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Focus on protecting coastal and marine ecosystems, including shorebirds and waterbirds habitats.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Conservation of bird species and their habitats on land, particularly shorebirds nesting on beaches and barrier islands.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Addressing impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels, increased flooding, and stronger tropical storms affecting bird habitats.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Managing human interaction with wildlife and promoting responsible tourism and beach use.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Environmental education through signage, volunteer programs, and community engagement to raise awareness about bird conservation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt the loss of biodiversity.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.8: Ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Bird Population Trends
   • Decline percentages of shorebird species (e.g., 33% decline since 1980) indicate population health and biodiversity status.
   • Number of bird species considered of high or moderate concern nationally (about one-third).
   • Alerts for nearly 80 bird species at risk of disappearing, reflecting conservation status.
2. Habitat Protection Measures
   • Designation and management of protected coastal areas and sanctuaries for nesting and roosting birds.
   • Number of volunteers and educational signage deployed to manage human interaction.
3. Climate Impact Indicators
   • Frequency and intensity of heat waves and tropical storms affecting bird habitats.
   • Rising sea levels and flooding events impacting nesting sites.
4. Human Interaction Management
   • Compliance rates with guidelines for beachgoers (e.g., keeping dogs away from birds).
   • Effectiveness of outreach programs such as bird steward volunteer programs.
5. Economic Impact of Birdwatching
   • Total economic output related to bird watching activities ($279 billion).
   • Number of jobs supported by birding-related activities (1.4 million jobs).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: starnewsonline.com