Preserving Precious Perches: Tianjin Volunteers Urge Construction Pause to Protect Relict Gull Habitats During Migration

In the coastal landscapes of Tianjin, where the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) intersects, lies a crucial corridor for migratory birds. Recent observations by Tianjin volunteers during their ecological patrols have shed light on potential threats to the habitat of relict gulls (Ichthyaetus relictus), prompting a call for careful consideration of construction activities to minimize disruption during migration seasons.

During their patrols, volunteers discovered that sections of the coastal mudflats, once covered with Spartina alterniflora (互花米草), had been cleared in preparation for further excavation and cultivation. With machinery and equipment poised for action, concerns arose about the timing of these activities, coinciding as they did with the peak migratory season for birds.

On March 21, 2024, volunteers embarked on field surveys along the coast of the Binhai New Area, meticulously documenting the avian population, including relict gulls. Their findings were troubling: compared to previous years, there was a notable decline in the number of relict gulls observed. Specifically, the surveys revealed that only a mere 200 relict gulls were spotted, representing a significant decrease from previous counts.

This decline was not isolated to the Binhai New Area alone. Prior to March 21, volunteers had conducted patrols along the beaches of Bagua Tan and Dashen Tang, where similar trends were observed. In particular, the coastal mudflats stretching from Fennanjie to the mouth of Yongding Xinhe showed a conspicuous decrease in the number of relict gulls and other migratory birds compared to previous years. Historical data from these areas illustrated the severity of the decline: in 2021, surveys recorded 4,720 relict gulls; in 2022, the number increased to 5,314; however, by 2023, the count plummeted to a mere 1,046. The situation worsened in March 2024, with only 96 relict gulls observed during the field surveys, failing even to reach the minimal counts recorded before the onset of construction activities.

Moreover, surveys conducted in March 2023 and 2024 indicated declines in other migratory bird species, including common shelducks, Eurasian curlews, dunlins, and black-headed gulls, compared to counts before 2022. In stark contrast, the population of relict gulls along the coastal mudflats of Tanggu Gaoshaling remained relatively stable, hovering around 7,000 individuals during the same period. This stability was attributed to the limited human activity in the area, providing favorable conditions for nesting and foraging. However, with impending construction looming over Tanggu Gaoshaling's coastal mudflats, volunteers expressed deep concern for the welfare of avian populations in the region.

In light of these findings, the urgency for conservation efforts to protect the habitat of relict gulls and other migratory birds becomes increasingly apparent.

The construction work, involving heavy machinery and extensive labor, poses immediate threats to the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems. Nesting sites are disturbed, and foraging grounds are compromised, impacting not only relict gulls but also other migratory bird species.

In light of these observations, volunteers advocate for a more cautious approach to construction scheduling, suggesting that work be postponed to avoid peak migration seasons from March to May and October to December. By aligning construction activities with natural rhythms, they hope to mitigate the adverse effects on avian populations and their habitats.

Furthermore, volunteers urge authorities to conduct thorough monitoring and evaluation of restoration efforts post-construction. They emphasize the importance of employing scientifically sound techniques in habitat restoration to minimize further disruption to bird populations. By considering the needs of migratory birds and their habitats, we can strive for a more sustainable coexistence with nature, ensuring the protection of relict gulls and other avian species for generations to come. Afterall, the feathered friends are part of the eco-name-card for Tianjin! 

Article: Gone

Translator: Wendy

Editor: Richard

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