Cape Hatteras National Seashore is home to nesting shorebirds, such as the threatened Piping Plover, the Common Tern, and the American Oystercatcher. The number of colonial waterbirds nesting on Seashore beaches declined from a high of 1,311 nests in 1997 to 212 nests in 2007—an 84 percent decline in 10 years. Last year, two of the imperiled shorebird species, Gull-billed Terns and Black Skimmers, failed to nest on the Seashore. Since 1995, Common Terns have been all but eliminated at the Seashore while American Oystercatchers have seen their numbers decline by almost one half since 1999.

Since additional sections of the beach were closed under a new management plan that provides additional protection earlier this year, the number of birds nesting on Cape Hatteras National Seashore is already showing preliminary signs of recovery. According to the National Park Service, the number of Piping Plovers on the beach increased from six pairs in 2007 to eleven pairs, the highest number of Piping Plovers on the Seashore since 1997. There are now 21 pairs of American Oystercatchers on Seashore beaches, which had declined 42% between 1999 and 2007, with at least 20 additional birds, some of which appear to be paired but not breeding this season. A record-setting 113 sea turtle nests have been identified, up from 82 last season. By the same token, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau reports that tourism revenue in the area remained steady compared to last year.

The temporary closures under the emergency management plan are based on observed nesting and feeding behaviors, allowing for specificity in determining what areas need to be closed, as the areas that are used for breeding are protected. When the nesting season is finished, the protected closures for breeding birds can be reopened. While this approach requires more intensive monitoring efforts by the National Park Service, it also provides the most flexibility, as closures are limited in location and time.