CALM presence increased at Coral Bay during turtle nesting season

5/12/02
The Department of Conservation and Land Management is continuing to increase its presence at Coral Bay over the next few months as part of its strategy to conserve the distinctive features of the Ningaloo Marine Park and adjoining coastline.
The additional staff will provide a greater focus on protection of turtle nesting habitat, management along the marine park's coastal dune system and boating activities within Bills Bay.
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards today said the number of departmental staff based in Coral Bay between December and May would be increased to three and would include a specialist in marine turtle management.
"The turtle nesting season is now beginning and will run through until about May," Dr Edwards said.
"The nesting is becoming increasingly popular as a nature-based tourism experience in the region. Consequently, there is a greater need to ensure that visitor interaction with the animals is sustainable.
"The department also is liaising with pastoral leaseholders along the Ningaloo coast to control foxes that in some instances are digging up 60 per cent of the nests to eat the eggs.
"Foxes are the single biggest predator of the green and loggerhead turtle nests. Both these species are listed as threatened.
"Baiting will be carried out at strategic locations along the coastal strip to protect the major turtle nesting sites.
"The Cape Range National Park and lands owned by the Australian Defence Force also will continue to be baited for foxes."
Dr Edwards said the department also would be working closely with tourism operators and researchers on other turtle management issues, including interaction with the animals.
"The effectiveness of conservation operations can be increased if people are more aware of the impact their activities can have on the turtles," she said.
"In particular, the department will be focussing on making people aware of indiscriminate driving of vehicles such as four-wheel-drives and quad-bikes along the beach."
Dr Edwards said the department also was stepping up activities in relation to visitor safety and boating in the Bills Bay area and other parts of the Maud Sanctuary Zone of the Ningaloo Marine Park.
"A new Coral Bay boating strategy for commercial and recreational boat users is being prepared," she said.
"Public comment was sought on a range of proposals earlier this year and these comments are currently being analysed. These comments and a proposed strategy are being presented to the Coral Bay Reference Group for its consideration.
"The Coral Bay Reference Group comprises representatives from user organisations and Government agencies.
"The next step will be to present a proposed final strategy to the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, which will then make recommendations to the Minister."
Dr Edwards said the strategy was essential to minimise damage to the Ningaloo reef in Bills Bay and to avoid potential conflicts between boats and other users of the bay, especially people snorkelling and swimming.
"Boat owners - both commercial and recreational - can be prosecuted for willfully causing damage to the coral and in the past two years, five boat users had been charged," she said.
"Three have been penalised up to $2,000 for offences and a further two cases have been listed for trial. Letters of warning also have been sent to three people in relation to digging up turtle hatchlings and interactions with other marine animals."
The boating offences included installing an illegal mooring, taking live coral and damaging the reef.
Dr Edwards said the State Government had instigated a public environmental review process to identify an appropriate location for boating facilities in the Coral Bay area.
Minister's Office - 9220 5050