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December, 2007
TASMANIA MUST
CANCEL THE 2008 DUCK SEASON
and join Victoria and South Australia in ending an open
season
Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania (AACT) is asking the Tasmanian government
to follow the initiative of Victoria and South Australia in deciding to
cancel the 2008 duck-shooting season. Native ducks in Victoria and South
Australia will again be afforded relief from shooting because duck numbers
are very low and breeding is seriously impeded.
Chris Simcox, Duck Campaign
Coordinator for AACT, said:
“It is encouraging
that the Victorian and South Australian governments have made positive
decisions yet again for native waterbirds. They have looked at the scientific
information and been forced to cancel the duck season in those states
for the second year running. Tasmania currently remains the only state
allowing duck shooting next year.”
The recent report by Prof Richard
Kingsford of the University of NSW shows clearly that native ducks are
still being severely impacted by drought throughout eastern Australia.
Dramatic declines in the abundance of native ducks has been seen over
the last twenty years. The situation has worsened this year, with significant
declines in waterbird numbers and breeding abundance. Wetland areas are
now at the lowest levels on record.
Mr Simcox commented further
saying:
“Minister David Llewellyn
must realise the strength of the evidence in Richard Kingsford's report.
Here is a document that clearly describes the situation for native waterbirds
across eastern Australia. It paints a very grim picture, one of waterbirds
in crisis. We need the government to act decisively to help these imperiled
birds.
Tasmania serves as a refuge
for drought-affected waterbirds. Waterbirds are known to migrate to
Tasmania when conditions are too harsh on the mainland, as they are
now. We have a responsibility to protect these remnant populations.
A decision to cancel the 2008 season is the only sensible decision that
this government can make.”
For more information
contact: Chris Simcox 0429 015 110
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