An exclusion zone has been set up at Karagi Point, The Entrance North to protect the Little Terns during their annual breeding season until late February.
Little Terns are endangered species who migrate from South East Asia to Australia each year and are protected under both NSW and Federal Threatened Species legislation.
The seabirds are highly sensitive to disturbance and are known to abandon their nests and eggs if they feel unsafe.
In readiness for their breeding season, conservation fencing has been installed to prevent public access and dogs, including dogs on leads, from the sandspit area at Karagi Point. (Dogs are prohibited from entering Karagi Point at any time).
Central Coast Council says that unauthorised disturbance to endangered species or their nests could result in severe financial penalities.
Regular management actions by Council staff will be undertaken as required over the breeding season period, with fencing and signage to remain in place until Little Terns start to locally disperse, before making the journey back to South East Asia in May.
It has been encouraging that the best practice management actions undertaken by Council, and supported by the community, over the past two Little Tern breeding seasons have resulted in record-breaking breeding success and are significantly contributing to the long-term survival of the species.
Council requests the community to continue to assist in Little Tern conservation through the upcoming breeding season by keeping well back from the fenced area, not littering as it attracts predators, avoid being unnecessarily noisy (such as loud music, boat and jet ski motors), and avoid flying kites and drones near the fenced area which could lead to colony abandonment.
Council also requests that residents keep cats indoors at night, report fox sightings in the area and take all fishing tackle, bait and so on away when leaving the beach.
To assist in the conservation program, the community is asked to be watchful for eggs or chicks that may appear outside the fenced area, and to report the sightings as well as report any unauthorised activities or other issues to Council on 1300 463 954.
Source:
Media release, Sept 23
Central Coast Council