Peril of Oil on Coasts.

Forest and Bird, Issue 34, 1 October 1934, Page 16

Peril of Oil on Coasts.

Sentence of Death for Birds.

Already the pollution of some stretches of New Zealand’s coastal waters by oil-waste from ships has brought death to many sea-birds. Events have proved that the present law, which limits the ban against pollution of territorial waters (reaching only three miles from the shores), does not go nearly far enough. The protected coastal zone

of the United States of America has a width of a hundred miles a necessary safeguard for the ■ birds. Similar action is required throughout the world. Bird-lovers of Great Britain and several other countries have been striving earnestly for international action on behalf of the menaced birds—a compulsory installation of oil-separat-ors in —but progress is sadly slow, because there is much powerful opposition, which does not usually show its head in the open.

Happily, it is likely that the New Zealand Harbour Boards’ Association, at its next conference, will give a stimulating lead to the Government here. A remit, sponsored by the chairman of the Wellington Board, emphasises the need of an amendment of the law.

If each member of the N.Z. Native Bird Protection Society persuades at least one relative or friend to join this year, he or she will be doing a good deed, not only for forests and birds, but for national welfare. Show Your Bulletin to Your Friends and Invite Them to Apply for Free Copies!