World-renowned conservationist and ornithologist David Wingate issued an urgent appeal to boaters to avoid two maritime buoys to help save an endangered endemic subspecies.Although the Common Tern is found worldwide, extensive research and DNA testing has shown that the 13 surviving birds that nest in Bermuda are unique and qualify as the Island’s most endangered species.Last night Mr Wingate said that 2013 “could be a make or break year” for the “extremely vulnerable” subspecies because the seven chicks hatched this year have been found clinging to life on the large ships’ buoys in St George’s Harbour and The Little Sound.Concerned about the practice of boaters tying up to the buoys, and possibly disturbing the nesting sites, Mr Wingate said his concerns were raised after learning of a large tour boat being tied up to one of the buoys over the weekend for a short time. He said the boat’s operator quickly disconnected his lines so as not to disrupt the birds.Mr Wingate said he was speaking as a conservationist and not speaking for Government’s Conservation Services.“It was a very close call the chicks are fine. Saving the Common Tern subspecies here is of great importance right now, because we’ve found them to be so unique. Uniquely Bermudian, if you will,” Mr Wingate explained. “We’re appealing to boaters and people in general to avoid those buoys because it is a matter of life and death.“We’ve just been able to confirm through DNA that this is an endangered, vulnerable subspecies that is hanging precariously to life here. Boaters are going too close to them. There are just three nesting pairs and seven chicks. Those chicks and even the subspecies itself are doomed if they were to go overboard.”While the newly enacted Protected Species Amendment Act of 2011 provides for heavy fines of for anyone who puts an endangered animal at risk, Mr Wingate said: “It’s my appeal to Bermudians who I know are lovers of nature to avoid those buoys.”Although the Common Tern is found around the world, the 13 birds in Bermuda are remarkably different from those found in the rest of the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. They are known to travel to the South American continent and even cross to the Pacific Ocean before returning here to mate.Mr Wingate said the adult birds can get relatively aggressive when protecting a nesting site, including “dive bombing” a boat if necessary.