Prince Edward Island National Park's seasonal ban on domestic animals on beaches is in effect. Leashed pets are welcome elsewhere in the park/Stephen DesRoches/Parks Canada

Dogs, cats and horses are banned from the beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park as part of an annual seasonal ban on domestic animals that runs until October 15.

“The presence of domestic animals on beaches can disrupt wildlife, such as young animals and birds, including the breeding activity of the endangered Piping Plover, which nest on the ground,” the park reports in an information bulletin.

Anyone caught breaking this seasonal law — which started April 1 — will be fined at least $100 ($80).

Dogs are permitted in all other outdoor areas of the park. All pets must be on a leash with a maximum length of three metres (about 10 feet) at all times. Owners are required to clean up after their pet.

The park is an important habitat for several species at risk, and its sand dunes and beaches, wetlands and forests are home to more 400 species of plants and 300 species of birds and other wildlife. Parks Canada calls the beaches "a sanctuary for the endangered Piping Plover which returns every spring for its breeding season." The small, sand-coloured birds nest above the high water line in sandy areas with sparse vegetation and use gravel and broken seashells to disguise the location of their eggs.

Not only can humans and domestic animals destroy nests, they can disrupt important feeding regimes necessary for migratory energy stores. The park closes certain areas of the beach to mitigate risks during breeding season.

Parks Canada has been working with partners to recover Piping Plover populations here since 1982. Beginning in mid-April, when the birds first arrive, data is collected to identify the numbers and locations of the birds. As the season progresses, behaviour is observed, nest locations are monitored and staff watch for signs of hatching, chicks and fledging.

The number of Piping Plover pairs in the park has been declining for 35 years, although trends have been showing an increase in productivity, and breeding pairs have been found in the park since 2012. Even with this increase, Piping Plovers are still below their threshold for the number of breeding pairs and productivity. Research is ongoing, and Parks Canada continues to work with universities and other agencies to better understand the cause of the decline.

Prince Edward Island National Park recently announced a 405-acre expansion.