Dear Beagle Editor,
A reply to Heidi Thompson (Eurobodalla Council) recent article regarding shorebirds.
Thank you for your article regarding Tuross Shore Birds.
The Tuross Progress Association (THPA) and the Tuross Head Fishing Club (THFC) meet a couple of months with the local seashore bird group and NPWS to discuss local concerns about the protection of shore birds.
We were all on the same page and recommended an education strategy was the best approach as we lead up to Christmas and the New Year holidays. It was identified that many visitors to the region may not be fully aware of the shore bird concerns.
This strategy is being implemented and information has now been circulated within the Tuross community.
Most recreational fishers are very conservation minded and are very supportive of any sensible initiative to increase all bird breeding opportunities.
Many threats have been listed above that challenge our shore bird species. I understand that recently Emus may have been responsible for attacking nests! Another invader!
Normally one does not see nests in the intertidal zone as they would be washed away. This is the area some fishers look for live bait and are very unlikely to come across breeding birds that select higher ground to nest. Provision of signs is very helpful.
As part of the education strategy it was decided a brochure will be placed in each entrants information bag for the 2020 March (catch and release) Tuross Fishing Tournament.
NPWS advised most breeding activities has been completed by this time of the year. Bait is not permitted to be used during the tournament. In addition an announcement will be made at the event briefing night prior to the tournament to increase further awareness about the shore bird breeding activities.
Regards - Max Castle
THPA (Boating/Fishing)
