Project Description
Because of its shallow waters and extensive tidal flats, Estuario del Río Gallegos is an important foraging and resting area for migratory shorebirds that winter in Tierra del Fuego such as the rufa red knot, white-rumped sandpiper, and Hudsonian godwit. Endemic species, including the Magellanic plover, Magellanic oystercatcher, hooded grebe, and austral canastero, also rely on the estuary for feeding and nesting habitat. The City of Río Gallegos has grown exponentially in recent years, and habitat loss and illegal dumping are major threats to the estuary. Two protected areas for shorebirds were established around the estuary since the 2000s: the Reserva Costera Urbana (Urban Coastal Reserve; managed by Río Gallegos) and the Reserva Provincial Aves Migratorias (Provincial Migratory Shorebird Reserve; managed by the Province of Santa Cruz).
To compensate for injuries to migratory shorebirds caused by the T/V Anitra oil spill, the Trustees transferred $12,000 to the Asociación Ambiente Sur and Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences to mitigate the threat of illegal dumping and wetland filling in the reserves. This included establishing a permanent surveillance and monitoring program, purchasing an off-road vehicle to reach remote areas, and installing new signage, wire fencing and guardhouses. An awareness campaign directed toward the residents of communities adjacent to the reserves was also conducted that included 466 house-to-house visits to inform people of the reserves and the regulations.
Parties Implementing Restoration
Asociación Ambiente Sur ; Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service