Seabird Protection Network 
North Coast Chapter
Seabird Protection Network
Welcome to the North Coast Seabird Protection Network in Trinidad, California.
The mission of the North Coast Seabird Protection Network (NCSPN) is to protect, monitor, and interpret the seabird populations along the North coast of California. The goal of the NCSPN is to address human disturbance to breeding seabird colonies and enhance the recovery of seabird populations damaged by oil or other contaminant spills along the North coast with a focus on the Trinidad area.
The NCSPN is one of a series of projects funded by the Kure/Stuyvesant Restoration Fund. On November 5, 1997 M/V Kure released 4,500 gallons of oil into Humboldt Bay resulting from a fuel tank puncture on a Louisiana Pacific dock piling near Samoa, California. On September 6, 1999, the dredge M/V Stuyvesant spilled approximately 2,100 gallons of oil into the Pacific Ocean near the mouth of Humboldt Bay, near Eureka, California. Strong winds after the discharge event spread the oil nearly 15 miles offshore and north to Patrick’s Point near Trinidad. The spills affected coastal beaches and wildlife along the Humboldt County coast. Wildlife response efforts collected and documented the injured and dead wildlife, including seabirds that were affected by the spills between Humboldt Bay and Trinidad.
Disturbances
There are numerous threats to seabirds and the need for protection continues to increase. People unwittingly or accidentally disturb seabirds, particularly at their nesting colonies or roosting sites. These disturbances come from a variety of sources in the coastal zone: economic uses, recreational uses, national security, or threats to human safety. Loud noises, excessive light, toxic chemicals, and pets are all examples of disturbances that can threaten the breeding success of seabirds and create undue stress on the seabirds themselves.
State and federal laws such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 protect seabirds and other marine life from disturbance and harassment. Being aware of wildlife around you is the key to preventing disturbance. Breeding and roosting seabird species, particularly those that nest or roost on cliffs or offshore rocks are highly susceptible to human disturbances. To learn more about how you can protect seabirds visit our "Tips for Seabird Protection" webpage.
Taking the Lead
The Bureau of Land Management Arcata Field Office is taking the lead in overseeing the Seabird Protection Network in the Trinidad area. This collaborative project includes several partners such as the California Coastal National Monument, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California State Parks, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Humboldt State University, Trinidad Coastal Land Trust, Trinidad Rancheria and the City of Trinidad.
Get Involved
Join the Trinidad Seabird Citizen Science Project! Volunteers are needed to help gather information about seabird populations in order to help seabirds and other marine wildlife to thrive along the Trinidad Coast. Volunteer training will include information about seabird identification, natural history and scientific data collection as well as providing experience in the field observing seabirds. To learn more about citizen science seabird monitoring, please visit the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust website.