Protecting Bass Strait's Shearwaters | TasPorts' ongoing commitment

The Bass Strait Islands, particularly those off Flinders Island, provide a critical breeding ground for the Short-tailed Shearwater, or Mutton Bird. These remarkable seabirds undertake extraordinary annual migrations, often covering thousands of kilometres in search of food.

Each autumn, adult shearwaters leave their nesting sites around mid-April, departing Bass Strait for their feeding grounds in the North Pacific. About two weeks later, the fledglings follow - undertaking their first long-haul flight, aided by strong May winds.

Recognising the potential impact of port operations on this natural event, TasPorts prioritises careful environmental management to protect these birds.

"TasPorts is committed to ensuring our operations minimise any disruption to the Short-tailed Shearwater's incredible migration," said Susan McLeod, Manager Environment and Sustainability at TasPorts.

"We understand the ecological significance of these birds and are constantly motivated to implement best practices to protect them."

The Short-tailed Shearwater is listed as a migratory species of national significance under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and is protected by Tasmania's Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010. To help reduce fledgling deaths caused by artificial light attraction at the Port of Lady Barron, TasPorts has implemented a dedicated Environmental Standard in collaboration with Bass Strait shipping operators. This includes installing bird-friendly lighting, such as low bollard lights, adjusting operational lighting schedules, and restricting night-time vessel operations during peak migration.

"The implementation of bird-friendly lighting and the careful management of night-time activities at the Port of Lady Barron have led to a notable decrease in shearwater deaths," Ms McLeod said.

"We are extremely encouraged by the positive impact of these measures in helping protect these special birds."

While focused on port operations, TasPorts acknowledges the broader role of the community in shearwater conservation.

"Our dedicated Environment and Operations teams actively monitor the situation and work closely with shippers and port users to ensure our migration strategies are effective," Ms McLeod says.

"We also encourage the community to reduce light pollution and drive carefully during the migration season, as everyone has a part to play in protecting these birds."

The success at the Port of Lady Barron this breeding season highlights the positiveness of these safeguards and TasPorts' continued commitment to environmental stewardship.

TasPorts' industry-leading Light Pollution Environmental Standard, developed and implemented across all its sites since 2021, provides clear guidelines to minimise light pollution at ports and terminals across Tasmania.

"The development and implementation of the Standard, coupled with the dedication of TasPorts' teams and the cooperation of shippers and port users, has contributed significantly to these positive outcomes," Ms McLeod said.

 

Image credit: Supplied by Helen Cunningham