In late February, our team visited the Hwaseong Wetlands FNS, and were very concerned to see that extensive structures were being built across the nationally protected Maehyang-ri tidal flat as part of a blue carbon project. Concerns were expressed, and advice was sought from independent experts, with all responses highlighting the expected negative impacts. Although it was suspected that some species (like Terek Sandpiper 뒷부리도요 and of course gulls) might even roost on these new structures, many shorebird species were considered unlikely now to be able use this area for roosting on neap tides – especially larger species like the globally Endangered Far Eastern Curlew 알락꼬리마도요. This is largely because most shorebird species need an open skyline when roosting, presumably in order to detect and to avoid potential predators. In addition, concerns were also expressed about the damaging method of construction including the use of heavy machinery; and the likely low level of climate benefit to be accrued by this approach. These concerns were all expressed in the clear and important understanding that, “Climate change and biodiversity loss (as well as pollution) are part of an interlinked triple planetary crisis the world is facing today. They need to be tackled together if we are to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and secure a viable future on this planet” (United Nations website).
These initial expert concerns about the likely impacts on shorebirds and the low efficacy of the blue carbon gains were communicated clearly to decision-makers and multiple stakeholders. They were also followed by expert commentary from the Wadden Sea – cited as the basis for the project design – that observed that, yes, similar approaches had been undertaken in some (much larger) areas of coastal tidal flat in the past, but that in more recent decades more natural processes have generally been preferred. Further insights on how similar measures would be evaluated in the context of the German-Dutch-Danish Wadden Sea. were provided by WWF Germany.
Unfortunately, following an indication to suspend the project temporarily, the decision was taken to continue work on the construction of the 1m high, stone-filled wall and to leave all of the tall wooden poles in place. A large trust deficit meant that funds that were to be provided for shorebird surveys to be conducted by local NGOs together with researchers contracted by the blue carbon project were not taken up.
We are therefore very grateful to members of the University Birding Clubs of Korea who, following some correspondence with us, independently organised two surveys of shorebirds in the Maehyang-ri Tidal Flat Wetland Protected Area and Hwaseong Wetlands Flyway Network Site: Kwon Soonho and Kim Jin A on April 29th; and Lee Gun Hee, Kim Jin Young, Jung Minju and Lee Ju Hyeok on May 11th.
The survey included repeat counts and an assessment of use / avoidance of the tidal flat structures by different shorebird species.
As summarized by Mr Lee Juhyeok (known as Andy Lee to many in the birding community),
“We initially planned to conduct five surveys from late April through May. Unfortunately, two surveys had to be canceled due to heavy rain, and another was canceled due to the absence of a volunteer driver. As a result, we were able to complete two surveys in total — one on April 29th and the other on May 11th.
During the first survey, we were still refining our methodology and approach to data recording, so the documentation is less detailed. After that session, we revised our data collection process. In particular, we began referring to individual structures by specific identifiers:
- Structure A refers to the long, 1-meter-high wall.
- Structures B refer to the rectangular transplantation plots (from which fencing had already been removed).
Summary of Observations:
- Small waders appeared largely indifferent to the B structures, likely due to the absence of fencing.
- Mid- to large-sized waders, however, tended to remain farther out toward the sea and appeared to avoid structure A, maintaining a noticeable distance.
- While we regret not being able to conduct more surveys under varied tidal conditions, we hope these two sessions still offer some insight and are of value.”
Count data are available on Excel, and we are proposing to conduct further counts together in August and September during the southward migration period.
More information will be posted about this research this summer. Please contact us if you would like to participate in or support this survey effort (e.g., through driving researchers, or supporting expenses). Thank you.
