WATER and SHORE BIRD SANCTUARY ZONES

The Canoe Trail Friends have consulted with and received support for the Water and Shore Bird Sanctuary Zones from a wide range of community groups for this low cost initiative

The zones primarily would give the birds respite from the effect of human interference; for example, power boating, canoeing, jet skiing and sail boarding. The zones would be marked by buoys at a predetermined distance from the shore. The proposed zones would not affect access to rivers

Craig Olejnik (DEC’s Swan Coastal District Nature Conservation Coordinator) is currently consulting with stakeholders, about protecting water and shorebirds in areas we have defined.

The Friends are of the opinion that a number of areas are suitable for consideration as sanctuary zones; however, there are at least four areas for which the zones could be designated with relative ease. These are:
Reserve at southern end of John Street, Coodanup: the waters closed to professional fishermen, immediately in front of the John Street reserve, which extend in front of the reserve to the Serpentine River. This is a feeding ground for migratory and endemic waders.
Creery Wetlands: at both water access points to this habitat. Bird observing is promoted from the shores of this reserve.
Samphire Cove: at the water access point to this habitat. Bird observing is promoted from the shores of this reserve.
Len Howard Conservation Park: at both access points to the wetland south of Mandurah Quay. Bird observing is promoted from the shores of this conservation park habitat.
By paddling, walking and using a GPS, we have defined the sanctuary zone boundaries for:
Southern Harvey Estuary: from one kilometre by land south of Herron Point, across the estuary to 2.6 kilometres by land south of Island Point. A passage through the zone would be maintained to provide access to the Harvey River. This zone abuts A class nature reserves.
Austin Bay: The designated A Class Nature Reserve at Austin Bay, the boundary of which extends into the waterway
Since we first promoted the sanctuary zone concept, fairy terns have been placed on the threatened species list
Later this year, as part of our water and shorebird public awareness strategy, we are going to produce a set of guides (Companion D) highlighting significant walks, adjacent to the waterways, where infrastructure is in place e.g. boardwalks or bird hides