Breton National Wildlife Refuge protects the remote Breton and Chandeleur Islands off southeastern Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. Established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904 after the destruction of birds and their eggs, it became the second-oldest refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Formed from the former St. Bernard Delta, these low barrier islands are constantly reshaped by storms, wind, and tides. Their greatest significance is as habitat for nesting wading birds, seabirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl, especially brown pelicans. Though storms, oil spills, erosion, and coastal change have repeatedly damaged the refuge, restoration efforts continue and wildlife has shown resilience.