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"Such
a sky -- such water, and Horn Island between with me walking -- the back
of Moby Dick, the white whale, the magic carpet, surrounded by inhabited
space...". ISLAND
FORMATION Once swept into the open sea, strong currents push sand grains westward along the coast. Currents and waves eventually build a ridge of sediment on shallow ocean floors to create islands. Sand continues to deposit over time building the islands higher. With the right conditions, wind blown seeds germinate, and vegetation takes root. Seeds may also be carried by migrating birds. In time, animals find food, water, and shelter for their homes. Inland ponds and salt marshes become nurseries when young shrimp and crabs are swept in by tides. Insects find refuge from stormy winds. Birds swoop down during migration and decide to stay for awhile. Mammals, refugees from some mainland flood, wash ashore after grasping and floating aboard downed trees and debris. A delicate balance of life, despite hurricanes and dozens of other threats, comes together on a gulf coast barrier island. ISLANDS
ARE ALWAYS CHANGING Between Mexico and Canada, 350 fragile islands once provided homes to hardy groups of plants and animals. In time, people also built homes on these same islands. Today on many islands we find sea ports, refineries, villages and even major cities populated by millions of people. Few islands now offer the unique form of wilderness found on Horn, Petit Bois and Ship Islands. IMPORTANCE
OF BARRIER ISLANDS Of all the barrier islands between Maine and Mexico; Horn, Petit Bois and East Ship are some of the last still in a natural state. Their beaches, lagoons and maritime forests offer a rare solitude not far from a rapidly developing Gulf coast. Perhaps more powerful than forces of nature, human impact can threaten the existence of barrier islands. Thousands of visitors come yearly to these islands and surrounding waters. Uncrowded beaches, quiet forests and few signs of civilization provide a getaway from office schedules, telephones and traffic. Unfortunately, oil spills, marine debris, sea grass destruction, trashy camping practices and poor manners degrade recreational opportunities. Thoughtful campers and boaters can help preserve these islands for their next visit and the visits of future generations. ISLAND
HABITATS Life is nowhere more abundant than where land meets sea. Buried beneath sandy beaches are ghost crabs, sea worms and sand fleas. Offshore, waters teem with squid, silversides, shrimp, jellyfish, horseshoe crabs, mullet, and more. Reptiles are common. Alligators bask in the morning sun alongside lagoons and ponds. Lizards, snakes, turtles and frogs crawl or slither among dunes, marsh and forest floor. Huge, rare sea turtles crawl ashore to lay eggs in nest cavities they dig in the sand. Most mammals can not swim the Mississippi Sound, but look for signs of raccoons, rats, mice, rabbits, and nutria. Some washed ashore on floating storm debris. Others were introduced by humans.
Conditions are harsh. Island animals have to cope with relentless summer heat and sun, and unpredictable weather extremes including hurricanes. But these island inhabitants are well adapted to natural conditions and thrive in an amazing variety. The greatest threats to island animals are not harsh natural conditions but human caused impacts, such as air and water pollution, habitat destruction and fragmentation, and introduction of non-native species. HUMANS
ON THE ISLANDS The first recorded use of the water offshore Ship Island for a deep water harbor was in 1699, when a French-Canadian fleet dropped anchor. The fleet's choice of anchorage was perhaps influenced by the 30 known pirates among the vessels' crews. Using his new island base, French-Canadian Pierre le Moyne d'Iberville claimed for France what became known as Louisiana. His Louisiana extended from Ship Island to Canada. Ship Island figured prominently through two centuries of French, Spanish, and British colonization followed by American nation-building. In 1845, the Waters family moved to Horn Island. There for 75 years, livestock and crops were raised. Offshore, "Biloxi Schooners" anchored behind protective islands when not shrimping, oystering or hauling cargo. The U.S. Army took over Horn and Ship Islands during World War II, but little evidence of Army activities remains. In 1971, Congress set aside Horn, Petit Bois and Ship Islands within the boundaries of Gulf Islands National Seashore. In 2000 Congress enlarged the Seashore's boundary by 2000 acres to include portions of Cat Island. Their historic significance, recreational importance and unique ecological niche make the islands worthy of preservation, unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.
WHAT
IS WILDERNESS? WILDERNESS
ETHICS Avoid walking on vegetation; it holds the fragile dunes together. Camp and explore away from bird nesting areas. Human presence can frighten adult birds, causing eggs or young to scald under the hot, summer sun. Entering a nesting area allows predators to follow human scent to a free meal of eggs or young birds. Young or eggs of ground nesting birds may be camouflaged to resemble the surrounding environment; you can easily step on them. Carry your trash and garbage back to the mainland for proper disposal. Fish, birds, sea turtles and mammals can be entangled in monofilament fishing line. Plastic bags floating in the water resemble jellyfish; sea turtles mistakenly eat them causing death. Remember it is illegal to leave a campfire unattended. |
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Last Updated:
1/6/03
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The
most easily seen species are birds. Over 260 species, including skimmers,
plovers and terns, find the islands ideal for nesting or migratory rest
stops. Sanderlings feed during an 8,000 mile trip between the Arctic and
South America. Osprey, pelicans and bald eagles are seen flying here.
Decades ago, fish-eating birds were devastated by the pesticide DDT. Banning
it and other related pesticides, plus time and habitat preservation, such
as protecting these islands, aided in their return. 
WILDERNESS
STATUS
