The role of human compliance for management actions to protect breeding shorebirds in coastal ecosystems

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Abstract: Driven by the awareness that protection of shorebirds breeding on coastal ecosystems, including sandy, gravel, and mixed shores, very much depends on human behavior and that activities developed in breeding areas could be a substantial threat to many shorebird populations, we here review and discuss evidence of the effects of human disturbance on breeding shorebirds and the state of knowledge for management actions conducted to protect them. We also present a case study using symbolic fencing as a pilot management action at a key breeding ground for Two-banded Plovers Charadrius falklandicus in Patagonia, Argentina, and discuss from our learned lessons how testing human compliance could be improved. We also discuss the role of human compliance for the implementation of management techniques and how changing human behavior could play a key role in the management of habitats for breeding shorebirds, the very same areas used as recreation landscapes by humans. Lastly, we recommend that general clear communication and enforcement of rules are needed, but also education campaigns aimed at changing human attitudes are paramount for the protection of shorebird habitats in coastal ecosystems.