Help Protect Endangered Species on our Navy Beaches
NAVAL BASE CORONADO, Calif., — The Navy is asking the public to join in efforts to safeguard federally protected birds and their precious offspring now that nesting season is here on Naval Base Coronado beaches.
“Our first Snowy Plover nest was found on March 12th, said Wildlife Biologist for Naval Base Coronado Tiffany Shepherd. “The season is now officially underway.”
The California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover breeding seasons typically last from March through September and due to protection under the federal Endangered Species Act, the Navy has joined with local authorities to ensure that people and pets do not harm or disturb the birds or their nesting areas on Navy beaches.
“These species are protected by law under the Endangered Species Act, said Shepherd. “Continued protection is necessary to ensure nesting attempts are successful. These nesting birds can easily be spooked by curious humans and pets, which may lead to nest abandonment, and trash left on the beach attracts predators such as skunks, crows, and possums, which will hunt eggs and chicks.”
NBC is asking dog owners and beachgoers to stay on wet sand close to the water’s edge on beach areas adjacent to the Silver Strand Training Complex-South which is south of Silver Strand State Beach. Navy training beaches north of the Silver Strand State Beach are off-limits to the public.
NBC properties will be patrolled by California Department of Fish and Game Law Enforcement and NBC Security to enforce trespassing and leash laws in support of the conservation of the Western Snowy Plover and Least Tern habitat areas and to promote protection of all plants and animals in Navy areas.
For additional information please contact NBC Public Affairs at (619) 545-8136.
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