The piping plover suffered from hunting in the 19th century for the hat trade and food markets, but began a slow recovery after it was protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1914. Declines began again with pressures from post-WWII coastal development, beach stabilization, dam construction, shore recreation, and increased predation. In 2001, 18 critical habitat units were set aside in Texas to help with the bird’s winter-season protection.