Beach users asked to be alert for pied oystercatcher
Throughout the school holidays beach users between South Ballina and Shark Bay are asked to be alert for the threatened pied oystercatchers and to drive responsibly at all times.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Ranger Andrew Fay said that beach users could help pied oystercatchers and other shorebirds by keeping a wide berth from them when using the beach.
“Signs at Salty Lagoon and the South Ballina 4WD access point have been installed to remind beach users that pied oystercatchers are a threatened species,” Mr Fay said.
“Other birds, such as the threatened little tern, also use this area for roosting. Little terns migrate all the way from the northern hemisphere. It’s understandable that when they get here they need to rest.
“Domestic dogs need to be kept under control and only exercised in the designated dog exercise areas. Pets are not permitted in any national park area.
“It might seem harmless to allow your dog to scatter a cluster of roosting shorebirds, but to these birds having a rest can make all the difference to their survival.
“Interfering with a threatened species can incur a fine of up to $1500.
“Drivers are also reminded vehicles are not permitted north of the South Ballina access point.
“Staff will be patrolling this area throughout the holiday season.”
