Endangered gulls now more vulnerable

Environment Canterbury today expressed disappointment and frustration at the removal of a structure designed to protect endangered black-billed gulls (tarāpunga) on the Ashburton River/Hakatere.

Protection work had been ramped up following interference with the colony in 2012 which last year had its sequel in court.

Biodiversity Team Leader Jo Abbott said it appeared recreational users had removed concrete blocks and a securing gate at Tinwald to gain access to the river.

“The matter has been referred to the police,” Dr Abbott said. “Hopefully this act of apparent vandalism was done in ignorance of the reasons for the placement of the concrete barriers and the gate. The barrier is there to protect an endangered species during the nesting season and enable recreational use the rest of the time.” Anyone who saw anything suspicious last weekend or with information about those responsible should contact Ashburton police, she said.

The black-billed gull is the most threatened gull species in the world. Disturbing protected birds and destroying nests is an offence under the Wildlife Act 1953 which can result in imprisonment or a fine of $100,000.

Many organisations are working to protect these species and improve biodiversity in the Ashburton area - Forest & Bird, the Ashburton Canterbury Water Management Zone Committee, Fish & Game, the Ashburton District Council Biodiversity Action Plan Group and the Ashburton River/Hakatere Mouth Action Committee and Environment Canterbury.

“They have put a lot of work into improving the habitat and health of the river, including predator control funded by Environment Canterbury, and into raising awareness of the black-billed gull colony and lobbying for its protection,” Dr Abbott said. “We must not allow the actions of a few to spoil this work.”

A number of steps have been taken to bolster protection and enhance the gulls’ habitat. For example, the Environment Canterbury Biosecurity team undertakes pest control and river engineers had blocked access to the site as a response to previous vandalism. There are prominent ‘Endangered Bird’ signs at a number of locations along the river.

Last year Environment Canterbury welcomed the one-month jail sentence handed down to Samuel John Townhill, who pleaded guilty to Department of Conservation charges of destroying nests and disturbing a protected species when he drove into a 3000-strong colony in November 2012.

“This behaviour was totally unacceptable,” Jo Abbott said at the time. “Unfortunately it’s not the first time a motorist has driven on to the river bed and destroyed nests and eggs of a very vulnerable species which deserts its eggs or chicks if disturbed.” In November 2007, the colony was attacked by vandals who killed over 100 birds.

“We need members of the public to keep an eye out and report to DOC or the police if they see any disturbance to the birds,” Dr Abbott said.

Environment Canterbury is continuing its support of BRaid Incorporated (Braided River Aid), an umbrella organisation set up in 2006 to protect braided river ecosystems in general and birds in particular.

BRaid believes that education of and information to community groups, territorial authorities and other agencies active in braided river management are vital to the protection and recognition of braided river ecosystems.

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