A Disturbing Increase in Disturbance

Northumberland's Coquet Island currently has circa 30,000 breeding Puffins; 1400 pairs of Arctic terns as well as Britain's only breeding colony of rare Roseate terns. Coquet became a designated sanctuary in 1979. This means that the island has to be protected from disturbance and landings throughout the year. Recently, however, in addition to egg collecting criminals, the island has been subject to an influx of 'rogue' paddleboarders and kayakers (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/03/rogue-paddleboarders-and-kayakers-threaten-seabird-sanctuary). Paddleboarders and kayakers are supposed to come no closer than 20 m from Coquet. Coming nearer, can cause considerable disturbance to the birds. In some cases, it will stop nesting birds incubating their eggs. It's possible that part of the reason for these new human invasions, is a response to the ending of Covid19 pandemic restrictions. Paddleboarders and kayakers do need to be informed about the restrictions. Responsible folk, would certainly change their behaviour.