Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

Seabird Protection Network

Pilot | Boaters
Meetings | In the News | Seabird Publications

Steer Clear of Seabirds

Click map to enlarge. (1.2MB JPG)
Click here to download. (292KB PDF)

The California coast host thousands of breeding, resting, and feeding seabirds, throughout the year. Data has shown seabirds are highly susceptible to human-related disturbances. Vessels close to cliffs and offshore rocks can disrupt breeding activities and cause adults to permanently abandon their nests. Keep your distance from breeding and resting sights. Steer around rafts and feeding flocks of seabirds.

Boaters, follow these easy tips and help protect seabirds:

Avoid rocks, reefs, and islands where seabirds rest, feed and nest.
Note bird behaviors such as head bobbing, calling, or fluttering. These are signs that you are too close.
While fishing, keep all food and bait covered. Do not throw fishing line overboard, and use barb less hooks or artificial lures when possible.

Click here download the Seabirds and Boating Fact Sheet (892KB PDF)

Free Outreach Materials Available

Boating poster available in 11"x17" and 24"x32".

Free 2008 Tidebooks of the San Francisco Bay Area avea available.
Please email california.seabird@noaa.gov to request posters or tidebooks.

2008 Outreach Events Schedule

International Sportsmen's Expo, San Mateo, CA, January 11-13
Fishermen's Swap Meet, San Francisco, CA, March 1
Bodega Bay Fishermen's Festival, Bodega Bay, CA, April 12-13

It's the Law!

Federal and state laws prohibit harassment of seabirds, marine mammals and sea turtles. Help protect California's coast - report wildlife disturbances to the NOAA Enforcement Hotline (800) 853-1964.

Click here for detailed information on Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Regulations.

Click here for detailed information on Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulations.

back to top

contact | media | privacy policy

This page was last updated on September 3, 2008
Web site owner: Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries
2007 Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
website: farallones.noaa.gov | e-mail: farallones@noaa.gov
National Marine Sanctuaries | National Ocean Service | National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration | USA.gov