Factors Driving Recreational Disturbance of Waterbirds on the Texas Coast

The number of people living and visiting global coastal regions has increased in the last fifty years. During this time, recreational disturbance to avian species has increased through human development and activities, resulting in a decrease in bird populations. While many recreationists may believe that mortality is the only type of harmful disturbance, direct and indirect anthropogenic activities as well as natural occurrences can also negatively impact species populations. Waterbirds are most sensitive to human disturbance because of the delicate nature of coastal habitats, which waterbirds rely on. This dissertation addresses the decline in waterbird populations and efforts to reduce their disturbance in three ways. Data was collected by administering a quantitative survey to anglers, boaters, and non-motorized watercraft users. Survey administration occurred in person push-to-web postcards, and via email, allowing for recreationists who are potentially responsible for the disturbance to waterbirds on Texas’ coast to be contacted. Spatial and regression analysis was conducted to sufficiently evaluate the research questions. From the spatial chapter, we analyzed data from a participatory mapping survey instrument and publicly available ArcGIS layers to establish reasonable estimates of disturbance potential of rookery islands. Findings indicate that most rookeries are within two miles of a potential disturbance source. Additionally, there are hotspots of potential disturbances grouped around two metropolitan areas, Corpus Christi and Galveston, with a cold spot cluster near the Upper Laguna Madre. Waterbird managers can use the spatial relation of disturbance locations to identify areas of concern or areas to prioritize when considering rookery island conservation and placement. The focus on self-governance identified trust in other recreationists was positively related to the perceived stated compliance of others. Thus, our research suggests the need to stimulate self-governance among Texas coastal recreationists. To do so will require activation and engagement of social norms and group behavior to improve compliance with waterbird management guidelines and regulations. Waterbird managers might incorporate preexisting pathways to communicate compliance needs in remote locations. Lastly, a focus on charisma demonstrated that likeability does not significantly impact stated compliance for management actions. The belief that there are enough regulations for waterbirds had a significant negative impact on indicated compliance. Management may utilize this information to target messaging about and toward waterbirds. The purpose of this research was to advance theory and aid in future waterbird management and conservation.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aquatic Resources and Integrative Biology

Grantor

Texas State University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Meeks, Abigail

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Serenari, Christopher

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Green, M. Clay (Michael Clay)
• Siciliano-Martina, Leila
• Deringer, Anthony S.
• Rubino, Elena

• human dimensions
• waterbirds
• surveys
• charisma
• self-governance
• hotspots

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10877/20911

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digital.library.txst.edu:10877/20911