Many estuaries in the world play host to waders and waterfowl. Undisturbed feeding and resting may be vital to their survival, especially in severe weather. You can assist by avoiding mudflats and sandbanks with large concentrations of birds.
Rocky Outcrops and Marshes
Be aware that rocky outcrops and marshes often provide shelter and safety for wildlife.Otters use outcrops for their nest holts and seals haul out onto rocks exposed by the tide. A number of birds live in marsh areas and use reed beds for security from predators.
On Land
When on land kayakers still need to be aware of their responsibilities towards wildlife. Do not leave behind any food scraps, as these attract scavenging animals and birds. Take out all your litter and if you take out some litter left by other people you will be leaving the coastline that bit cleaner than it was before your visit.Carry a trowel and bury your own waste (or take it back with you) and urinate well away from open water, rivers and nesting areas etc.
Fires
Sea kayakers on multi-day trips will quite often have a fire on a beach as part of their overnight camping experience. Following a few simple guidelines should ensure that you don’t cause any damage. (Check first to see if the local laws/by laws allow fires). Fires below the high water mark are washed away by the next high tide, so this can be a good way of ensuring that your fire is cleared away and properly put out.
Before starting to build a fire assess the fire risk. Consider the wind direction and strength and think about the proximity of any dry forest or vegetation. If in doubt, don’t have a fire.
Be careful on boulder beaches that there aren’t any birds, such as storm petrels nesting under the boulders.
If you have a fire above the high water mark then use established fire rings or mound fires on sand or soil piled up to provide a protective base for your fire.
Make sure your fire is well burnt out and that there is no risk of it spreading before you go to your tents and check there is no trace whatsoever of your fire before leaving in the morning.