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Release Media Release Media Release
5 February,
2008
Minister Realises
Record Drought but Denies Native Waterbirds are Suffering
Animal welfare and wildlife conservation groups are once again urging
Minister David Llewellyn to cancel this year’s recreational duck
shooting season in Tasmania. The Minister currently acknowledges a record
drought in Tasmania, but is denying the plight of ailing native waterbird
populations by allowing an open season.
“With the same blind
faith that he has in rains that will spontaneously appease concerns
of power blackouts, he is apparently of the belief that beleaguered
native waterbirds will miraculously recover in the near future.”
said Alistair Graham of the Tasmanian Conservation Trust, “By
contrast, the continued downward trend in native duck numbers tells
a very different story. It would take several very good years of rains
to see a reverse in this long-term decline of native waterbirds Australia-wide.
This would need to coincide with an ongoing cessation of recreational
shooting of native ducks.”
“The minister is fully
aware that Tasmania is experiencing a record drought and that water
levels statewide are very low.” declared Peter Power of Wildlife
Tasmania, “He has obviously failed to make the connection between
this and how seriously the conditions have affected native waterbirds.
Drought affected wetlands across Tasmania are severely impeding breeding
efforts of native ducks. Many waterbirds are dispersing to dams and
rivers in order to find permanent water. The lack of suitable habitat
is limiting their prospects of breeding success.”
“It is unconscionable
that the Minister plans to allow a duck season this year given the wide-ranging
effects of the drought.” announced Chris Simcox of Against Animal
Cruelty Tasmania, “Mr Llewellyn had opportunity to read the scientific
reports presented to him from experts like Professor Richard Kingsford.
He has also received the advice of expert scientists within his own
department. He has ignored this information in making the completely
irresponsible and highly political decision to go ahead with an open
season in Tasmania this year. Ministers in Victoria and South Australia
astutely acted on this same information and cancelled the open seasons
in those States.”
For more information contact:
Alistair Graham, Tasmanian Conservation Trust, Ph: 6234 3552
Chris Simcox, Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania, Ph: 0429 015 110
Peter Power, Wildlife Tasmania Ph: 0417 017 105
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