Birds and marinas are closely linked in many ways, with waterfronts providing homes for various species of aquatic birds. Marinas are on waterfronts, which has the potential to create a “seabird haven.” This brings many different migratory and local birds to the area. The most commonly seen birds are seagulls, pelicans, herons, and sea ducks. This creates a bird hot spot due to all marine life, fishing boats, nesting areas, and accessible landing locations.
So, what's the problem with bird activity?
High bird activity leads to droppings, garbage, and damage scattered throughout the boats and the marina. This can lead to numerous complaints from customers. Marinas often spend a large sum of money to clean up after the birds repeatedly. Constant cleaning and sanitation can quickly become a high-cost area for the marina and the boat owner. Potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly just for the upkeep and cleaning.
Birds also find refuge and safety in marinas. They can provide a sheltered environment to rest, feed, and breed. Marinas are also home to a variety of fish and other aquatic wildlife. With this variety of wild and marine life, these birds search for a quick meal. You cannot and do not want to harm aquatic life, leading back to dealing with the birds. The amount of food they can find at a marina is substantial; crabs, shellfish, baitfish, and garbage are all exposed to these seabirds. Once the birds nest and feed, removing and keeping them away from the marina is much more challenging. But more problems still arise.
These birds can also be disruptive and damaging. These birds are very loud and move in flocks, so it will not just be one straggler; you will be dealing with numerous birds. Gulls and other seabirds have been known to attack boats in marinas or cause damage by nesting on vessels. They can also damage the dock the same way. A mess can be made rapidly, along with all the garbage and droppings they leave behind. This excess can cause a dock and pylons to look grimy and dirty.
Free your marina from pest birds
Bird deterrents and exclusion devices can aid in combating constant bird activity and help protect the marina area from these nuisance birds. This could be netting, bird wire, sound systems, or shock tracks. Each works for different birds and in different situations. But, in a marina's case, plenty of places could be "comfortable" for these seabirds. This requires multiple solutions. The birds have docks, boats, canopies, and pylons to sit and nest. This accounts for a great deal of the marina's square footage.
Netting can be used to close off small or large areas. Bird netting prevents access to regions where birds tend to nest and sit, such as canopies, bushes, and the dock. Sound systems emit different frequencies at various intervals, intending to condition the birds to move to another area.
Then there are bird deterrent systems that can be placed: bird wire and shock track. Both prevent the birds from landing on a surface. These can be placed on most surfaces, such as ledges, parapets, and even docks. The birds do not want to land on the wire or do not want the light shock they would receive when landing on the shock track. As you can see, numerous options and avenues are available depending on the situation. All the methods are effective with the goal of limiting bird activity.
If you are a marina, boat slip, or boat owner, taking care of your property and investment is vital. Call AviAway at 844-247-3373 or fill out our online form for a free consultation and quote.