Water bird populations are falling across the East Coast of Australia due to drought conditions that have affected waterways and wetlands, according to a report in theage.com.au
The report states: "The annual aerial survey of waterways and wetlands by the University of New South Wales' Centre for Ecosystem Science found the total wetland area studied was the smallest documented, with 60 per cent of wetlands in the survey area dry. The number of breeding waterbirds was also the lowest recorded."
Although drought conditions and climate change play a role in the reduced number of waterbirds breeding, the government can determine the water flow of some of Australia's eastern rivers to ensure breeding grounds are maintained.
The report states, "They are a great indicator of what is going on in the El Nino and La Nina cycles and what is going on in this drought we are in and the impact of water allocation policies."
Areas where water had been allocated to water bird breeding grounds such as the Macquarie Marshes and the lower lakes in the Coorong in South Australia, had become a refuge for waterbirds during the dry.
Water bird populations and the areas where they breed must be protected. Will you join me in urging the NSW Government to take action to ensure water flow to areas where water birds breed to help ensure the survival of populations?
In addition, will you join me in urging the government to put an end to duck hunting as the numbers of fowl have plummeted due to the dry?
Please sign and share the petition.
