Native Waterbird Numbers Take a Dive

Cause to cease fire - Part 1.

Last Friday RVOTDS Inc made a submission to Game Management Authority (GMA) to close next years native waterbird shooting season.

The sad state of our plummeting native waterbird numbers was one reason.

Whilst we welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the submissions process for the first time, we are sadly unsure what difference it may make.

Independent experts; RSPCA, scientists, university professors, have all submitted compelling evidence for years as to why the seasons should not go ahead, yet seasons go ahead regardless.

There is very strong evidence next year's season should be cancelled. We must protect our struggling native waterbirds at the few areas where there is water.

Read our full submission here; https://www.regionalvictoriansotds.com/submission-to-gma-re-2019

Sadly, we have heard that shooting organisations are calling for a season, despite the overwhelming scientific data that speaks for itself. Surely, if sustainability is a concern to them they will support a ceasefire to allow our struggling native waterbirds the opportunity to recover in number.

We will also watch with interest, what GMA recommend, particularly given the recent Pegasus report which was damming.

GMA have allowed themselves less than a week to read submissions before providing their recommendation to Ministers.

Given they cannot release their Annual Report - normally published each October - until after Parliament, would it not make sense to allow Parliament to decide next year's season at the same time?

Stay tuned for our next Blog which will cover the second reason there should be a ceasefire.

In the mean time, For those who may not have seen our Threatened Species Day clip made for National Threatened Species Day last year, it's a timely piece. Please enjoy.

Header picture, Chestnut Teal bathing. - courtesy Eleanor Dilley

“Victorians and visitors from interstate and overseas seek to enjoy our wildlife”

“Victoria’s native wildlife are a unique and important part of the landscape. The Victorian government is committed to conservation of Victoria’s wildlife”

Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for the Environment

#NativeWaterbird #threatenedspecies #freckledduck #parliament #sustainability #nativewaterbird #waterbirds