Study

Testing the effectiveness of an aquatic hazing device on waterbirds in the San Francisco Bay estuary of California

  • Published source details Whisson D.A. & Takekawa J.Y. (2000) Testing the effectiveness of an aquatic hazing device on waterbirds in the San Francisco Bay estuary of California. Waterbirds, 23, 56-63.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Use visual and acoustic ‘scarers’ to deter birds from landing on pools polluted by mining or sewage

Action Link
Bird Conservation
  1. Use visual and acoustic ‘scarers’ to deter birds from landing on pools polluted by mining or sewage

    A replicated, controlled trial at two sites in San Francisco Bay, California (USA) found that the Breco Bird Scarer (an orange buoy designed to drift with an oil slick) did not alter waterbird behaviour when it was broadcasting sounds as opposed to non-broadcasting (Whisson & Takekawa 2000). The buoy broadcasts up to 30 different sounds at up to 130 dB at 1 m, at varying intervals (30 sec to 5 min, dependent on how programmed). Alternating 2-day treatment (device ‘on’) and control (‘off’) periods were conducted. No significant deterrent effect was noted on numbers of three common wintering duck species (greater and lesser scaup Aythya affinis and A. marila, surf scoter Melanitta perspicillata) and all other waterbirds.

     

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