8.4 Influence of human activities on the distribution and abundance of waterfowl on Long Point Bay
Long Point is recognized as an internationally important area for staging waterfowl. Yet, with the exception of the implementation of no hunting zones and signs posted to inform boaters about the adverse effects of human interference, waterfowl receive little protection from disturbance while using Long Point Bay. Therefore, as the demand for water-based recreation continues to increase at Long Point, spatial and/or temporal restrictions on human activities may need to be imposed. This is probably most critical during spring when birds need to acquire reserves necessary for migration and reproduction.
Available management options include: inviolate refuges, voluntary compliance refuges, no-wake or motorized boat zones, and fishing or hunting restrictions (Kahl 1991). It has been suggested that inviolate refuges are the most effective and most enforceable option, but are also often the most controversial. It has also been suggested that such refuges should be at least 1.5-2.0 km by 1.5-2.0 km in size and should encompass as much of a feeding area as feasible (Kahl 1991).
Given the large size of the Inner Long Point Bay, the establishment of either one or a number of refuges that exclude all forms of boat traffic during spring and fall migration, should be acceptable, particularly if they are linked to a public awareness campaign. This would be preferable to regulations that restrict boating to a specified distance from rafting waterfowl, as they are open to interpretation and are much more difficult to enforce. The dissemination of educational material may also reduce the instances of intentional hazing of waterfowl flocks by boaters.
It is relatively easy to assess the proximate effects of human disturbance on waterfowl. It is these effects that can ultimately compromise the ability of birds to meet the energy requirements of migration, breeding and survival. Obtaining information pertaining on the ultimate effects of such disturbance, however, is much more difficult. Since human disturbance is most likely to increase at Long Point, obtaining that information (e.g. their ability to acquire body fat and the length of stay) is essential.
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