A review of human disturbance effects on nesting colonial waterbirds

We reviewed 64 published investigations concerning effects of human disturbance on nesting colonial waterbirds. We summarized and reviewed articles, based on taxonomy, examining investigator, ecotourist, recreator, watercraft, and aircraft activity. effects on physiology, reproductive behavior, reproductive success, and population trends of waterbirds. Though most studies found significant negative effects, taking careful measures minimized impact on some species. Guidelines for minimizing investigator and visitor disturbance are outlined. Little practical information for visitor management is available. Increasing pressure from the ecotourism industry to visit waterbird colonies makes research that develops scientifically-defensible tourism policies imperative.