Re: [Paddlewise] Marine Mammal Protection

> 
> As others here have pointed out, it's been well documented that 
> kayaks are in fact often more disruptive to wildlife than motorized 
> craft.  

Well, actually, I don't think I saw anyone make that statement.  Dave
said it is documented that even a slow-moving human silhouette is more 
frightening to birds than a moving automobile, Michael said he believes 
kayaks are less intrusive than motor boats but also believes kayaks are 
capable of startling wildlife because of lack of warning from approach, 
and I have seen reports which suggest it is because of noisy motorcraft 
that whales have actually changed their migration route along the 
California coast.  If someone has such documentation as Craig mentions 
regarding impact of kayaks being more disruptive to wildlife than 
motorboats, I would appreciate the documentation.  I would like to 
include such studies in the marine conservation pages for GASP.  As soon 
as I find the reports about the migrating whales, I'll also post that 
if I can get permission.

I do think (without any official studies, just my own observation) that 
kayaks do startle some marine life, but I tend to think that the negative
impact is on a smaller scale than the big power boats and jetskis,
fishing boats, etc.  We just don't travel as far or as fast and there
are by far fewer of us out there (anybody ever hear an airboat start up
in the middle of the night... grrrr).  However, kayakers have left 
negative impact in camping and intruding upon nesting areas of rare
birds and eco sensitive areas, leaving debris and trash behind.  I
remember a report written by Ed Gilette regarding the nesting of birds 
in the Sea of Cortez area and the negative impact from kayakers on
their nesting grounds.  He gave dates when not to hike back into 
the island areas and suggested that kayakers remain near the beach so 
as not to disturb the birds at that time of year.  Before camping on 
Horn Island, we stopped at the Ranger station and learned that certain 
sections of the beaches were off-limits (markers were apparent) and 
campers were required to remain at least 100 yards from the nesting 
Ospreys (so remember this on the barrier islands :-)  The park had such
success with the resulting increased osprey population from enforcing 
this restriction that they have continued the restriction (as far as I 
know).

Maybe if those writing a trip report for the group could also include
in the report any restrictions or information about the local wildlife,
endangered species in the area and where to go and where not to go,
this would be a very helpful and educational.  Especially for resource 
material for furture trips of other paddlers.  Please let us know the
source of information.  I'll make sure these trip reports make it on 
the PaddleWise web site so we can become more environmentally aware
of areas other than our immediate homes :-)

Cheers,

Jackie

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