On the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act’s creation, it is under substantial threat of dissolution. Through a longstanding and unfortunate political battle, national leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives are looking to revisit and potentially revise an act that has protected the local endangered bird culture on Dauphin Island since 1918.
Why are the birds under threat at all? What can be done about it? The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is an example of bipartisan understanding and universal agreements of protecting nature, but it remains under threat.
What was the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Designed For?
The act was designed as a universal protection measure for migratory birds, including egrets, waterfowls, and other pivotal Dauphin Island species. The act sought to protect all beaked North American flying passersby from hunting for purposes of food, fashion, and more.
It has stood the test of a century by enforcing clear fines and potential further consequences for individuals providing birds undue harm, including rare and endangered species. The Snowy Egret shown in the picture is just one bird species that was almost hunted to extinction for its feathers before wildlife protection regulations gave the birds a chance to recover and flourish.
What is the Core Argument Against It?
The U.S House of Representatives is seeking to amend the act in an effort to relieve burdens from the energy infrastructure.
The amendment will rectify the act by lifting consequences for any bird deaths related to oil spills, wind turbines, and other man-created energy resources.
The amendment is known as SECURE Act, HR 4239, and it lifts protection for birds killed by gas and oil companies, including the 500,000 to 1 million birds that are killed by oil waste pits each year, and up to 175 million that are killed by power lines per year.
Supporting an Act Under Threat
There are many detractors, however. 17 high-ranking former officials wrote personal letters declaring their disappointments in the proposed amendment.
The argument stands that industries are hardly affected by the bird populations to begin with. If anything, the companies can add very affordable and manageable additions to protect the bird species and, by extension, other wildlife species.
One stated example includes grates and protective covers over open oil pits. Not protecting bird species from oil spills in the gulf or in the local waters seems to be missing the entire point of wildlife preservation.
Distressingly, a third of North American bird populations are in decline, as reported in an essay by The North American Bird Conservation Initiative.
Many argue that by cutting protection further, the amendment remains politically-motivated. It also undermines other aspects of wildlife that can’t be dismissed without repercussions.
The Importance of “Bird Culture”
The ecological benefits of migratory birds can’t be overstated. Their significant role in the world’s ecology is under threat from man’s imposing overgrowth.
But, there are also economic consequences of encroaching in “bird culture.” The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is one of the main Dauphin Island attractions, with over 130 acres of wildlife grounds, three miles of trails, and large open habitats for rare endangered migratory birds.
The sanctuary is recognized as “globally important” to bird culture, bringing enthusiasts from all over the world to dine, rent, and temporarily live on the island. Birding tours and the larger outdoor enthusiast culture around bird culture is a quintessential feature of Dauphin Island.
Instead of protecting bird species through reasonable and low-cost means, the U.S House proposes a revision that needlessly harms them.
If passed, it could hurt the local economy, the bird populations and, lastly, the North American ecology relying on the millions of birds passing through its land.
What Can You Do To Help?
Beautiful and increasingly rare migratory birds deserve our protection not neglect. You can get involved with the Dauphin Island community and learn more at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary on the island. Explore nature and find time to support the vital habitats here.
Let your voice be heard by taking part in this national discussion. Send a letter to your Congressional representatives through the Audubon website.
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