Climate Change​

Warmer, more acidic ocean waters are driving forage fish, the main source of prey for seabirds and some shorebirds, further offshore to find colder, more productive waters. This causes birds to expend more energy to fly further from their nesting habitats to find suitable food for their chicks. Additionally, sea-level rise threatens to cause catastrophic habitat loss that will affect birds at all stages of their life-cycle and leave many birds unable to adapt. From 1990-2016, sea levels have risen by up to 8.3 inches, and scientists predict that by 2100, sea levels may continue to rise as much as 8 feet in many coastal areas if emissions continue unchecked. This will cause flooding that can destroy the low-lying habitats that many coastal birds need to raise their young and find food. 

Pollution

Plastic pollution, including discarded fishing line, is a big threat to seabirds. Oil spills are also a major source of pollution for coastal birds, including the BP oil disaster, which released 210 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, killing up to 1 million birds.

Development

Healthy, undisturbed habitat, including mudflats and open beach, are critical for sea- and shorebirds. With populations increasing in coastal areas, coastal development rates are also increasing. Development activities like filling in wetlands to support urban, agricultural, and industrial uses destroys important habitat for birds and other wildlife. Scientists predict that one-fourth of all U.S. coastal lands will be developed by 2025.

Overfishing

Seabirds, marine mammals, and other marine wildlife prey on forage fish that are also sought after by the commercial and industrial fishing industries. Little fish like menhaden are then churned into vitamins, cosmetics, fertilizer, feed for livestock, and more. When forage fish populations drop below one-third of their maximum size, seabird reproduction declines.