HRI Marine Policy and Law Group Releases New Guide Outlining Protections for Texas Coastal Nesting Birds

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As human activity increases along the Texas coast, coastal waterbird nesting sites face growing risks of disturbance — and, in some cases, damage.

To help address this issue, the Marine Policy & Law group at the Harte Research Institute (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), with support from the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program (CBBEP), has created a comprehensive guide outlining the laws that protect coastal nesting birds — from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to local trespassing ordinances.

“This guide is designed to inform resource managers, law enforcement, and the public with a better understanding of the legal tools available to protect these critical habitats,” said Kristina Alexander, the Endowed Chair for Marine Policy & Law at HRI. “By clearly outlining existing protections, we hope to reduce human impacts on nesting birds and support long-term conservation efforts along the Texas coast.”

The online resource, titled Law Enforcement Guide to Reducing Human Interference with Coastal Nesting Birds, covers protections for migratory birds, birds listed as threatened or endangered, and enforcement measures available when nesting sites are disturbed by human activity.

It also features a detailed table of Texas coastal nesting bird species, including their preferred nesting habitats and notable behaviors.

The guide was developed with input from Texas and federal wildlife enforcement officials, as well as wildlife conservation groups.