Rotary Guernesiais sponsors puffin awareness buoys near Herm
- Two puffin awareness buoys have been deployed near Herm to remind mariners of the 6-knot speed limit and protect rafting puffins
- Rotary Guernesiais sponsored the purchase of new buoys after previous ones were damaged by heavy storms
- The initiative is a joint effort between ACLMS and Guernsey Ports to safeguard the internationally significant bird species during breeding season
- Puffins return annually to Herm, a Ramsar site, to mate for life and raise offspring in the same burrow
- Disturbance to rafting puffins forces them to expend extra energy, reducing survival chances and breeding success
Two puffin awareness buoys have been deployed near Herm to remind visiting boats and jet skis of the 6-knot speed limit and to protect rafting puffins from disturbance, thanks to support from Rotary Guernesiais.
Mariners are being asked to be extra vigilant in helping to safeguard the internationally significant bird species, which returns to the Bailiwick each year to breed. The local marine ecosystem is crucial to puffins at this important stage of their life cycle.
This year's deployment of the buoys is a joint initiative between Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services (ACLMS) and Guernsey Ports, with Rotary Guernesiais sponsoring the purchase of new buoys after the previous ones were damaged.
Jim Robinson, Director – Natural Environment at ACLMS, said: "The heavy storms in the first few months of the year had a big impact on puffins across the Northwest Atlantic, so it is encouraging to see some already returning to the Bailiwick at the start of their breeding season.
"But they need our help, and the puffin awareness buoys are a great initiative to highlight the need to take care when navigating around Herm. We are incredibly grateful to Rotary Guernesias for their sponsorship and to Guernsey Ports for taking a lead on this project."
Aimée Curzon, President of Rotary Guernesiais, said: "Who doesn't love a puffin? Rotary Guernesiais is delighted to be working with Guernsey Ports once again, as well as with ACLMS, on this important step to safeguard our puffins. The support we are able to give to this particular project is part of the club's environmental initiatives helping to protect the beautiful seas and local wildlife from harm."
James Way, Harbour Master at Guernsey Ports, said: "Boat owners and jet skiers are reminded of the 6-knot speed limit in the island's bays and the waters around Herm. One of the benefits of observing this limit is reducing disturbance to puffins as they raft and feed in the waters near their nests. Guernsey Ports are pleased to support measures that help protect wildlife in our waters."
Puffins return each year to the cliffs of Herm, an internationally recognised Ramsar site, to raise their offspring. Puffins mate for life and return to the same burrow to lay one single egg. Once the egg has hatched, the parents leave the chick in the burrow whilst they forage at sea, primarily for sand eels.
Both adult puffins and newly fledged puffling chicks gather in groups on the water, known as rafts, to rest and socialise between feeding trips. When these rafts are disturbed, puffins have to expend extra energy which can reduce their chances of survival and of successfully rearing their young.
By slowing down, keeping a lookout and avoiding disturbance to rafting puffins, marine users can play an important role in protecting this puffin colony.
The puffin awareness buoys are located adjacent to Puffin Bay, southeast of Herm. For more information on observing wildlife responsibly, the Wildlife Watchers Code of Conduct – Give Wildlife a Chance is available at www.gov.gg/givewildlifeachance.
Q&A
Q: Why are the puffin awareness buoys important?
A: The buoys remind visiting boats and jet skis of the 6-knot speed limit near Herm, helping to protect rafting puffins from disturbance. When puffins are disturbed, they expend extra energy which can reduce their chances of survival and successfully rearing their young.
Q: Who funded the new puffin awareness buoys?
A: Rotary Guernesiais sponsored the purchase of the new buoys after the previous ones were damaged. The deployment is a joint initiative between Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services and Guernsey Ports.
Q: What is special about puffins' breeding behaviour?
A: Puffins mate for life and return to the same burrow each year to lay one single egg. They return annually to the cliffs of Herm, an internationally recognised Ramsar site, to raise their offspring. Parents forage at sea for sand eels whilst the chick remains in the burrow.
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