About Man-Made Islands
The BUG Plan includes the construction and/or restoration of Evia Island, Redfish Island and Goat Island in Galveston Bay. Importance of Man-Made Islands Boaters and fishermen are familiar with the recreational enjoyment man-made islands facilitate, but these islands also serve a very important environmental purpose. The ecological significance of man-made islands has become increasingly crucial for the propagation of fish and bird species. These islands often offer the only remaining protected nesting places available for many rare shore birds whose habitats have been disturbed by increased urbanization of coastal areas, subsidence and erosion. In Galveston Bay, several coastal bird species have been on the decline. By providing a protected refuge, it is hoped that not only diminishing species will multiply but also that many new species will be attracted to the area, and the short-term results seem to support this premise:
For more information about these coastal birds and others, please visit http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bioeco/default.htm These bird islands, or rookeries, are works of art, science and engineering and are specially designed to provide the proper ecosystems to attract and provide a comfortable nesting site for many different species. Once the rookery is built, special foliage and grasses are planted to provide shelter and food for the birds. |
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Island Maintenance is Critical  Building a bird island, complete with varying ecosystems, is quite an accomplishment. But ongoing maintenance of the island, protecting the birds from predators and keeping non-native plants from overgrowth, is a feat in itself. Thanks to the Port of Houston Authority (PHA), the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Audubon Society, Evia, Redfish and Goat Islands are well tended and monitored. Bird predators such coyotes, raccoons and fire ants are a continual threat. Even though the islands are surrounded by water, these predators are good swimmers and are lured to the islands looking for easy prey. Scientists must monitor the islands and trap and move these animals to another location. Less aggressive, but equally threatening, is the growth of non-native plants on the islands. Seeds and foliage often wash up on the island shoreline, transported via ships from all over the world. If these seeds and plants take root and are not removed, they can potentially grow over the native plants, stunting or killing their growth, and thereby changing the carefully landscaped ecosystems and, in turn, destroying the environment and food source for several bird species. Another threat to the islands is human disturbance. Many people do not understand how fragile these ecosystems are and how easy it is to destroy a nesting area. Some birds nest on the beaches, and waves from nearby boaters and ships can wash their nests away. Curious, but naïve, bird enthusiasts can frighten a bird away from its nest, leaving the eggs exposed to sun and causing them to die. Bird nesting and habitat islands present a rare opportunity to enjoy many rare species of birds, but from a safe distance, so please respect the markers and signs. |
