1 December, 2014

Ashburton River access – some people never learn

Environment Canterbury today expressed outrage at the removal of a structure designed to protect endangered black-billed gulls (tarāpunga) on the Ashburton River/Hakatere. The latest incident, on the weekend of 29 November, closely followed something similar only two weeks earlier.

Biodiversity Team Leader Jo Abbott urged the local community to get more involved if this treasure on their doorstep is to be preserved.

“We need the public to be our eyes and ears,” she said.

It appeared recreational users had gone to extraordinary lengths to remove concrete blocks at Tinwald to gain access to the river.

“We were advised by a member of the public that the 2-tonne concrete blocks preventing access to the river bed nearest the railway line had been moved, probably by a vehicle fitted with a winch,” Dr Abbott said.

“The matter has been referred to the police. If the culprits had any idea what they were doing they would surely stop. 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.

“The barrier is there to protect an endangered species during the nesting season and enable recreational use the rest of the time, so everyone - and every bird - gets a fair go.”

Anyone who saw anything suspicious last weekend or with information about those responsible should contact Ashburton police, Jo Abbott said.

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, 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 in response to previous vandalism. There are prominent ‘Endangered Bird’ signs at a number of locations along the river.

Last year Samuel John Townhill 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. He was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment.

This was not the first time a motorist had driven on to the river bed and destroyed nests and eggs of the 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 can’t do it all ourselves,” Dr Abbott said. “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 or their habitat.”

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.

Background
The black-billed gull (not to be confused with the similarly sized native red-bill gull or the larger southern black-backed gull) are classified as “Nationally critical” - the highest ranking - and internationally as “Endangered”, making it the world’s most threatened gull species.

They are braided river specialists and nest in river beds between September and January before migrating to the coast.

The Ashburton River is one of the most significant rivers for braided river birds in Canterbury. The Ashburton District Council has identified the river as an Area of Significant Nature Conservation Value in its district plan.

However, due to factors such as weed encroachment, flow changes, predation and disturbances, all bird populations have declined. Historically the Ashburton River had some of the highest counts of black-billed gulls of any braided river, but numbers have fallen substantially in recent years.

Environment Canterbury has a wide variety of responsibilities in relation to braided rivers – managing riverbeds, and water flow and allocation; flood control works; biosecurity and biodiversity pest control; encouraging sustainable management, and habitat protection and enhancement.

ENDS

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