What is now happening to South Padre Island’s surrounding habitat? Is the very habitat essential to migratory birds being destroyed for the short-term economic goals of our local and state politicians?
According to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, unless authorized by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is “unlawful at any time, by means or in any manner to” “kill” or “take” “any migratory bird, nest” or “egg of any such bird” and encompasses activities that “foreseeably” result in the unauthorized killing of migratory birds as well as the destruction of their nests and eggs.
Let’s consider the events now unfolding.
A report issued by the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program immediately following the fourth test launch of a SpaceX rocket documents extensive damage to active migratory bird nests at Boca Chica; all shorebird nests monitored following the rocket launch on June 6 were either missing eggs, had damaged eggs, or both.
This past April, the South Padre Island City Council surprised many residents with an architectural plan to increase the footprint of their convention center. However, local birders warn the current plans would wipe out old growth habitat critical to migratory birds who have long flocked to the convention center following a two-day flight over the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan.
Critical habitat is being destroyed at both ends of the Island. This vital habitat plays an essential role in supporting migratory birds as well as an important ecotourism economic draw to our RGV area.
Why is our local environment, once valued for ecotourism with parks, beaches and wildlife refuges being sacrificed for short-term profit and entertainment? When will the long-term destructive effects of industrialization, both aerospace and leisure, be calculated and acknowledged?
Diane Teter,
Edinburg
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