Today on Short Wave, NPR investigative reporter Chiara Eisner talks to host Regina G. Barber about the state of the horseshoe crab industry, and how current practices may be threatening horseshoe crabs and other species in the U.S.—even though alternative, synthetic tests are available.
Rhode Island could use a little more common sense when it comes to protecting horseshoe crabs and the rest of the state’s natural world.
https://ecori.org/warwick-horseshoe-crab-harvesting-operation-received-special-favor/A sad look at disappearing salt marsh sparrows...
The piping plover may have a new predator to worry about – the common grackle, which has been photographed for the first time eating eggs in a nest of the endangered migratory bird.
Environmental Impact of Vehicles on the Beach
- Destruction of Wildlife Habitat: Driving on beaches can severely damage habitats for various species. For instance, vehicles can crush the eggs and young of beach-nesting birds, as well as disturb sea turtle nests. The presence of vehicles can scare adult turtles away from nesting sites and disorient hatchlings trying to reach the ocean.
- Erosion and Vegetation Damage: Vehicles can contribute to beach erosion and damage sensitive dune vegetation, which plays a crucial role in maintaining coastal ecosystems. Protecting these areas is vital for sustaining local wildlife and preventing further environmental degradation.
Charlestown Police Department posts new signs on the Sand Trail to remind drivers of vehicle restrictions
Biological invaders hurt local environment and economy
Dune plants are key to the health and stability of beaches. They gather sand, shelter birds, and withstand wind and waves. But they are very sensitive to a vehicle driving over them. All motor vehicles can kill native beach plants with a single pass, and even the wide flotation tires of quad bikes crush and destroy plants.
The sparrows are “living on the edge,” in more ways than one, Grace McCullough, a master’s student at the University of New Hampshire who studies the birds, said.
"Travel by off-road vehicles on beaches and dunes has a range of well-known environmental impacts: damage to dune vegetation, harm to nesting birds and turtles, and reductions in abundance and diversity of invertebrates."
