These seasonally concentrated areas of shorebird activity can be vulnerable to ecological disasters such as oil spills or the spread of disease as well. Were such an event to occur at a major shorebird staging area it would be possible to wipe out a significant portion of the overall bird population. Changes in sea level due to global warming is also of potential concern. Even a small increase in global temperature could be enough to raise water levels to the point that many coastal wetland areas would be destroyed. Habitat loss in wintering grounds in Central and South America also affects shorebird numbers.
Loss of habitat decreases food availability causing birds to have to work harder to survive.
A Many organizations are now working together to aid shorebird survival and to preserve shorebird habitat. Information gathered on the location of these staging areas, bird numbers, and migratory routes has increased knowledge of shorebird population trends. A U.S. shorebird conservation plan is presently in development. Scientists, educators, and habitat managers, are developing a plan that will provide short and long term research, population monitoring, and habitat management strategies for shorebirds. Education and public outreach programs are also being designed to increase public awareness for the need to preserve these graceful birds and the habitats that are as important to our health and well being as it is to theirs.