Ashtabula Breakwater Tern Nesting Habitat Demonstration Project (Ashtabula, OH)

The Ashtabula breakwater tern nesting demonstration project assesses whether suitable habitat can be created on the harbor breakwater by making simple, low cost modifications to the concrete blocks used to repair the breakwater. Design includes incorporation of suitable nesting substrate (gravel) and predator deterrence features. If the demonstration is successful, it will provide a means of returning the common tern (Sterna hirundo) to the local avian community. Historically, the common tern nested in the area, but has not been recorded locally for decades due to the lack of suitable habitat.