San Diego Bird Alliance (previously Audubon Society) calls on the San Diego City Council to act now to protect nesting birds in Mission Bay. An unprecedented number of 16000+ adult terns nested on West Ski Island in 2024. Additionally Federal and State Endangered California Least Terns nest in several locations throughout Mission Bay from April 15 through September 15.

Disturbances to the nesting colonies, in the form of panic flying of 6,000-7,000 birds, Were documented during large firework shows on July 3 and 4, 2024. Further devastation was documented in the form of dead adult terns, tern chicks, and eggs that washed ashore on the Kendall Frost Shoreline. The disturbance to nesting birds and the bird mortality is a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the City's MSCP which calls for protection of nesting birds from disturbance. 

We are still requesting that the San Diego City Council and Mayor's Office prioritize this issue by: 

Taking action to not allow nightly fireworks displays during the nesting season for seabirds in Mission Bay. 

We previously asked supporters to demand action for the following, and have made progress on the following: 

Daily human disturbance occurs from motorized and non-motorized watercraft navigating close to the island causing the birds to take flight. This leads to expenditure of valuable energy needed to tend to nests and chicks, in addition to the time off the nest exposing the chicks and eggs to predator A 500 foot buffer should be established around the island to mitigate this adverse effect, and we are working with Parks & Rec and thre city to establish protective measures. 

The City grandfathered a permit for the Bayfair event from Sep 13-15. This was during Least Tern and Black Skimmer nesting season on West Ski Island. The disturbance from these high-powered boats cause large wakes to wash over the nearby shorelines washing birds, chicks, and eggs into the water. The noise and commotion cause fly-ups of the adults and could lead to nest abandonment. The event occurred in 2024, but will now have to submit an updated Coastal Development Permit for the 2025 Bayfair thanks to our advocacy. 

Thank you so much for helping us lead the way in setting an example for other communities to follow by demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship. 

Sign this petition today to protect nesting birds in Mission Bay.

If you feel inclined to support our work on this issue: https://www.sandiegobirdalliance.org/