Success story: Roses Marina uses StopGull Air and StopGull Air XL to protect its docks, berths and harbor areas from seagulls and other coastal birds.
Seagulls can become a serious problem in marinas, docks and berths. They perch on pontoons, boats, handrails, biminis and access areas, causing droppings, dirt, user complaints and constant cleaning work.
In this real case study, Roses Marina decided to install StopGull Air and StopGull Air XL to prevent seagulls from perching on its docks and other harbor areas.
Case study: StopGull Air XL at Roses Marina
Roses Marina provides service to 485 boats. The municipal company of Roses City Council, responsible for operating the marina, decided to test StopGull Air bird deterrents to protect different areas of the harbor from seagulls.
Anna Martí, Technical Director of Roses Marina, comments on the installation:
This summer, we made an initial purchase of ten StopGull Air devices to deter seagulls from the harbor. The devices worked very well. In the areas where we installed them, the seagulls have left.
Given the positive results, we added six more StopGull Air XL units to protect the docks and other areas of the harbor from seagulls.
Anna Martí, Roses Marina
This case shows one of the most common uses of StopGull Air XL: protecting specific perching points in marinas, especially when seagulls gather on docks, empty berths, pontoons or moored boats.
Contents:
- Why seagulls perch on docks and berths
- What StopGull Air XL is and how it works
- Difference between StopGull Air and StopGull Air XL
- Where to install StopGull Air XL in a marina
- Quick table: which support to choose
- Available supports for StopGull Air
- Advantages and limitations of StopGull Air XL
- When to combine StopGull Air with other solutions
- Frequently asked questions
- Where to buy StopGull Air XL
Why seagulls perch on docks and berths
Marinas offer many attractive perching points for seagulls and other coastal birds: quiet docks, empty berths, stationary boats, handrails, decks, biminis, masts and elevated spots where birds can rest or watch their surroundings.
The main issue is not only the presence of the birds, but the mess they leave behind. Seagull droppings can damage surfaces, stain boats, affect the image of the marina and increase cleaning and maintenance costs.
In many cases, the most practical approach is not to try to cover the entire harbor, but to protect the specific places where seagulls repeatedly perch.
What StopGull Air XL is and how it works
StopGull Air XL is an anti-perching system designed to prevent seagulls and other coastal birds from landing on the area where it is installed. It works through two rotating arms with blue wind vanes that move with the breeze.
When the arms rotate, they physically occupy the perching area and make it difficult for birds to land or stay there. The system does not use sound, does not require batteries and does not create noise disturbance for marina users.
This makes it especially useful for marinas and boats because it is simple, silent, visible, easy to install and bird-friendly.
Difference between StopGull Air and StopGull Air XL
StopGull Air is available in two versions, depending on the span of its rotating arms:
- StopGull Air: its arms span 1.85 meters in diameter.
- StopGull Air XL: its arms span 2.34 meters in diameter.
Both models measure 16 cm in height. The right choice depends mainly on the available space and the area you want to protect. For docks, berths and open marina areas, the XL model is often a good choice because it covers a wider diameter.
Where to install StopGull Air XL in a marina
StopGull Air XL can be installed in different areas of the marina or boat, provided the right support is chosen for each surface. In marinas, the most common locations include:
- Docks, pontoons and piers.
- Empty berths or areas with low boat occupancy in autumn and winter.
- Access walkways to boats.
- Handrails, railings and bow pulpits.
- Biminis, booms and hard-tops.
- Decks, hatches and outboard engines.
- Inflatable boats.
- Specific points where seagulls repeatedly perch.
At Roses Marina, the Sandbag Support for StopGull Air was used. This allows the device to be placed directly on the dock without permanently fixing it with screws or industrial adhesive.
Quick table: which support to choose depending on the area
| Area to protect | Recommended support | Practical comment |
|---|---|---|
| Dock, pontoon or empty berth | Sandbag Support | Allows StopGull Air XL to be placed without permanent fixing and removed when needed. |
| Handrail or bow pulpit | Handrail Support or Large Rail Support | Useful for tubes, railings and similar structures. |
| Open bimini | Open Bimini Support | Allows protection of elevated areas when the bimini is open. |
| Closed bimini or boom | Closed Bimini and Boom Support | Suitable for sailboats and boats with a closed bimini or boom. |
| Hatches, outboard engines or smooth surfaces | Suction Cup Support | Allows simple installation on smooth surfaces. |
| Inflatable boats | Inflatable Boat Support Kit | Designed to install StopGull Air on inflatable boat tubes. |
Available supports for StopGull Air
Both StopGull Air and StopGull Air XL can be secured to a base with screws or industrial adhesive. However, optional supports are available to adapt the device to different areas of a boat, dock or marina.
- Open Bimini Support: allows you to install StopGull Air on the bimini arch when it is open.
- Handrail Support: has two positions, vertical and horizontal. It adapts to tubes from 22 to 38 mm in diameter.
- Large Rail Support: allows you to install StopGull Air on handrails from 38 mm to 110 mm in diameter.
- Suction Cup Support: allows StopGull Air to be placed on smooth surfaces such as hatches, outboard engines or similar areas.
- Closed Bimini and Boom Support: used to place StopGull Air on closed biminis and booms.
- Inflatable Boat Support Kit: allows StopGull Air to be installed on inflatable boats and their tubes.
- Boat Vent 3 with optional telescopic mast: protects the boat from damage caused by moisture, mold, fungi and bacteria, and includes a direct attachment for StopGull Air.
- Sandbag Support: a UV-protected acrylic canvas bag filled with 4 kg of non-absorbent sand. It is especially useful for docks, pontoons and berths because it allows StopGull Air XL to be placed without permanent fixing.
The Sandbag Support was the option used at Roses Marina to place StopGull Air XL directly on the docks. This solution makes it easy to remove or reposition the devices depending on berth occupancy.
Does StopGull Air XL only work for seagulls?
No. StopGull Air prevents any type of bird from perching in the area where it is installed. In marinas, the birds that usually cause the most problems are seagulls and other coastal birds such as cormorants, due to their size and the amount of droppings they can produce.
Its main purpose is to prevent perching in specific points. This makes it especially useful when birds have clearly identified places where they regularly land or rest.
Is it robust enough for marine environments?
Yes. StopGull Air is made in Spain using high-quality nautical materials. It withstands strong winds of over 70 knots and temperatures ranging from -50 ºC to 150 ºC.
This makes it suitable for demanding outdoor environments such as marinas, docks, pontoons and boats exposed to sun, wind and marine conditions.
Does StopGull Air XL take up a lot of space? How is it stored?
StopGull Air folds easily. If it is used on a boat, it should be folded before sailing to prevent it from being lost or damaged while underway.
On docks and berths, especially when used with the Sandbag Support, it can be placed or removed depending on how the area is being used.
Does it harm birds?
No. StopGull Air is a bird-friendly and environmentally safe solution. It does not trap, injure or use chemicals against birds. The birds simply find the protected area unsuitable for perching and move elsewhere.
It also does not use batteries or electricity. It works with the breeze, so it does not consume energy.
Advantages and limitations of StopGull Air XL
Main advantages:
- Prevents seagulls and other birds from perching in the protected area.
- Works with the wind, without batteries or electricity.
- Silent operation, with no noise disturbance.
- Bird-friendly and environmentally safe.
- Can be installed on boats, docks, pontoons, handrails, biminis, hatches and other surfaces.
- Different supports are available to adapt it to each installation point.
- Easy to install, remove and store.
- Made in Spain with high-quality nautical materials.
Limitations to consider:
- It protects the specific area covered by the rotation of its arms: 1.85 meters in diameter for StopGull Air and 2.34 meters in diameter for StopGull Air XL.
- It does not replace a broader bird control strategy if the problem affects an entire roof, a large marina area or a well-established bird colony.
- It must be installed where the birds actually perch. If it is placed away from the problem area, its effectiveness will be lower.
When to combine StopGull Air XL with other solutions
StopGull Air XL is very suitable for preventing birds from perching on specific points. However, if the seagull problem affects a large area, such as an entire roof, warehouse, swimming pool, coastal terrace or the wider marina environment, it may be advisable to combine it with other bird deterrent systems.
For general seagull pressure, sound bird deterrents, visual deterrents or other specific solutions may be considered depending on the surface, the environment and the tolerance to noise. If the problem is specifically on boats, sailboats, biminis, decks, handrails or docks, StopGull Air and its different supports are usually a very practical option.
Frequently asked questions about StopGull Air XL on docks
Does StopGull Air XL work on docks and pontoons?
Yes. StopGull Air XL is suitable for protecting docks, pontoons and berths where seagulls repeatedly perch. Its rotating arms make it difficult for birds to land comfortably in the protected area.
Can StopGull Air XL be installed on a dock without drilling?
Yes. With the Sandbag Support, StopGull Air XL can be placed on the dock without drilling or permanent fixing. This makes it easy to remove or reposition depending on berth occupancy.
Does StopGull Air XL make noise?
No. StopGull Air XL does not use sounds or ultrasound. It works with the movement of the wind, so it does not create noise disturbance for marina users, neighbors or nearby boats.
Does it need batteries or electricity?
No. StopGull Air XL works with the breeze. It does not require batteries, charging or electrical connection.
What is the difference between StopGull Air and StopGull Air XL?
The main difference is the protection diameter. StopGull Air covers 1.85 meters in diameter, while StopGull Air XL covers 2.34 meters. For docks and open areas, the XL model covers a wider area.
Does StopGull Air XL harm seagulls?
No. It is a bird-friendly anti-perching system. It does not trap or injure birds. It simply prevents them from perching comfortably in the protected area.
Does it also work for cormorants and other coastal birds?
Yes. Although it is commonly used as a seagull deterrent, StopGull Air XL can also help prevent cormorants and other coastal birds from perching, provided the problem is located where the device is installed.
How many StopGull Air XL units does a marina need?
It depends on the number of perching points that need to be protected. It is not calculated according to the total size of the marina, but according to specific areas: docks, empty berths, pontoons, boats or places where seagulls regularly land.
Should the area be cleaned before installing bird deterrents?
Yes. Before installing any bird deterrent system, it is advisable to clean the area thoroughly to remove droppings, feathers, remains and old nests. A clean environment helps prevent birds from identifying the area as a regular resting or perching place.
Where to buy StopGull Air XL for docks and boats
Many port authorities and boat owners choose StopGull Air because it is effective, silent, cost-efficient, easy to install and respectful of coastal birds.
At BirdGard Iberia, we specialize in bird deterrents and anti-perching solutions. In addition to providing StopGull Air and StopGull Air XL, we can help you choose the most suitable support depending on where the seagulls are perching.
You can also read our guide to the 5 best products to protect your boat from seagulls, especially if you need to protect masts, spreaders, biminis, decks, antennas or other areas of a boat.
