Man fined for distrubing Ramsar site at Avalon

A MAN from Lara has been fined $790 for disturbing the habitat of the critically endangered fairy tern (Sternula nereis nereis) at Avalon Coastal Reserve.

The Conservation Regulator and Victoria Police launched an investigation last month after BirdLife Australia reported research equipment used to monitor fairy tern breeding had been stolen.

The stolen equipment, including a monitoring camera and decoy 3D printed fairy terns, was taken from an artificial habitat pontoon.

Habitat for the fairy tern was also disturbed during the incident.

Images of the incident captured on the research camera were used to assist officers with their investigation.

The Lara man has received an infringement for disturbing wildlife habitat under the Wildlife Act 1975.

Avalon Coastal Reserve is part of the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site, and is used by fairy terns for foraging and roosting.

All research equipment was successfully returned to BirdLife Australia.

“Victorian native wildlife and their habitat are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975,” acting chief conservation regulator Wayne Robins said.

“It is an offence to disturb wildlife or to damage, disturb or destroy wildlife habitat.

“It is especially concerning to see the habitat of a critically endangered species being disturbed.”

A BirdLife Australia spokesperson added: “This research is so important for the endangered fairy tern and it’s vital that we are able to continue this work without disturbance.”

If you are aware of anyone disturbing wildlife or wildlife habitat, report it by phoning Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.