Determining an Effective Method to Limit Bird Use of Aquaculture Structures as Perching Sites in New Brunswick

Summary:
In several bays in New Brunswick, coastal birds regularly perch on floating bags used for oyster cultivation. Feces expelled on the bags by the birds have raised concerns of health and the industry's image with many oyster cultivators. The "Irri-Tape" holographic ribbon and "Gator Guard" alligator heads were used as a visual deterrent device for birds on floating oyster cultivation bags in two bays in New Brunswick. The "Irri-Tape" devices were effective in reducing the number of birds in Caribou Bay, especially for the double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), the most abundant species at this site during the study. These devices were not proven effective in reducing the number of birds perched on floating rafts in St-Thomas Bay. The only test that was done with the "Gator Guard" devices appeared to show that these devices are not effective in deterring birds from the floating bags. In addition, the lack of effectiveness for bird scaring and the fragility of the "Irri-Tape" device used are not viable options for the oyster cultivation industry.

Project Lead: New Brunswick Professional Shellfish Growers Association (NBPSGA)

Total Project Cost: $29,005
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution:  $19,862

Other Financial Support:

• Proponent: New Brunswick Professional Shellfish Growers Association (NBPSGA)
• Fisheries and Oceans/other
• Ministry of Agriculture and Aquaculture
• Shellfish growers, members of the NBPSGA
• Bouctouche Bay Industries Ltd.

For more information about this project, please contact the regional coordinator.
Gulf Region: Stephen.Lanteigne@dfo-mpo.gc.ca