News Release

National Seashore Begins Enhanced Enforcement of Shorebird Protections

A car approaches a new solar-powered speed sign on Fort Pickens Road in Gulf Islands National Seashore. These signs will be present during peak season in Florida to monitor speed on Highway 399 and Fort Pickens Road.

NPS/Kiss

News Release Date: March 29, 2022

Contact: Susan Teel

Gulf Islands National Seashore has begun increasing enforcement actions to protect nesting shorebirds in Florida and on islands in Mississippi.

The seashore will implement a new measure this year in Florida, the installation of solar-powered speed radar signs on Highway 399 and Fort Pickens Road. This will encourage drivers to maintain the 25mph speed limit. Additional actions include installing temporary speed humps, increased speed limit enforcement patrols, and monitoring the shorebird closure areas. 

All these measures are meant to provide nesting shorebirds and their chicks the best chance to survive through the nesting and fledgling process.

Each year, beginning in late February through the summer, the Gulf Island National Seashore provides an important habitat for several species of ground-nesting shorebirds including least terns, snowy plovers, Wilson’s plovers, and black skimmers. This is an effort to reduce the number of adult birds and chicks struck by vehicles after they have wandered or flown into the roadway.

In addition to roadway changes, small portions of the seashore will be closed to all visitors in Florida and Mississippi. These areas are marked with closure signs and/or postings. Intrusion into the nesting areas can cause birds to take flight, leaving their nests vulnerable to heat and predators.  If visitors find themselves surrounded by birds, they are likely to be in or near a nesting area or young chicks.  Please leave the area by back-tracking slowly to prevent disturbance to birds.

Visitors and motorists can help reduce the loss of imperiled species by being mindful of closed areas, posted speed limits, and watching out for adult birds and chicks crossing roads. 

www.nps.gov

 
About Gulf Islands National Seashore: Created in 1971, the national seashore stretches 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mississippi, and includes barrier islands, maritime forests, historic forts, bayous, and marine habitat. Visit us at www.nps.gov/guis, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.