Understanding Laws Protecting Rookery Islands from Human Intrusion

The purpose of this project will be to enhance protection of waterbird rookery islands from human intrusion by researching the laws that apply and by working with law enforcement officials to understand how those laws can be applied, including possible regulatory revisions. This project will develop based on input from Texas and Federal wildlife enforcement officials as well as wildlife conservation groups.

Despite an observed problem with humans harming waterbird rookery security, past discussions with wildlife law enforcement personnel indicate a reluctance to enforce “taking” birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act unless those takings amount to an injury or death.

The goals of this project are to develop a guide to the relevant laws (including regulations) and to identify needed regulatory changes to make implementing those laws more effective through presenting to agency officials, positing regulatory revisions, and hosting workshops to further identify final ideas and solutions.