The scientist behind one of Australia's longest-running seabird studies warns the birds he studies at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands are at greater risk than ever before.
As tourism intensifies at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, the scientist behind one of Australia's longest-running seabird studies has warned the creatures are at greater risk than ever before.
Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions has confirmed it is already aware of several "conceptual tourism proposals" for the newly declared Houtman Abrolhos National Park. He said the 12-kilometre-long Pelsaert Island was one of only three places in the world where threatened lesser noddies nested and, during nesting season, was home to 80 per cent of Australia's brown noddies and 50 per cent of Australia's sooty terns.
Human visitors could also unwittingly trample ground nests. Structures such as boats and pontoons could interfere with bird flight paths, disorienting the birds and causing collisions.Dr Surman said lighting also played havoc with birds, particularly chicks that would flock to light sources by their hundreds.
The group's Pelsaert Island is one of only three places in the world where threatened lesser noddies nest.DBCA expects a management plan for the Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park and the surrounding Fish Habitat Protection Area to be completed by the end of the year. "In terms of overnight camping, DBCA is currently monitoring camping activity and will make recommendations in the draft management plan about camping."Dr Surman began studying Abrolhos seabirds as a postgraduate student who borrowed his dad's yacht to reach the Abrolhos Islands for six-month study stints.
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