Houat-Hoëdic, island sanctuaries for seabirds
15 May 2024
In France, many species of seabirds are under threat, and all are protected by law. Whether these feathered sailors feed offshore or near the coast, the islands of Houat and Hoëdic and their isolated rocky islets are safe havens. Here, seabirds can stop over, rest, and above all, breed.
Seabirds of the Houat–Hoëdic archipelago
The Houat–Hoëdic archipelago, dotted with small rocky islets, is home to important colonies of seabirds. However, these wild islands are subject to significant human visitation, and such activities can disturb the birds.
Disturbance on the islands: an invisible threat
As the islands of Morbihan are increasingly visited, birds are forced to share their habitat with hikers, beachgoers, fishers, and boats. All of these activities can disturb seabirds—especially in the summer, when they are in their breeding season.
During the breeding season, disturbance can have serious consequences for bird colonies. Each time adults are frightened into flight, they leave their eggs and chicks unprotected, making them vulnerable to predators and natural elements like heat or rain. Furthermore, if disturbance is frequent or intense, some birds may even abandon their nests entirely.
Disturbance is also a threat to migratory birds stopping over in the area. Repeated stress and forced flights can deplete their energy reserves. For example, the Balearic Shearwater is the most threatened seabird in Europe. This species is expected to become extinct in less than 60 years. From late August to mid-November, large numbers can be observed around the Houat–Hoëdic archipelago. They are especially vulnerable to disturbance during their moulting period, when their flying and diving abilities are significantly reduced.
The right actions to take during your visit to the islands of Houat and Hoëdic
Find out about and follow local regulations (some islets are off-limits);
Dogs are prohibited on all beaches unless kept on a leash. This rule is in place to protect the Kentish plovers that nest on the beach;
Avoid causing birds to take flight, whether on land or at sea;
Do not feed wildlife;
Stay on marked trails.
Keep dogs on a leash to avoid disturbing seabirds.
The association Bretagne Vivante, in charge of seabird conservation in the Houat–Hoëdic archipelago, presents this article in partnership with BreizhGo Océane.