Boaties and island sanctuaries

Forest and Bird, Issue 281, 1 August 1996, Page 8

Boaties and island sanctuaries

Jacqui Barrington

ENVIRONMENTAL transgressions are common among boat users visiting conservation islands in the Hauraki Gulf. A

1995 survey of boaties reveals that 89 percent broke some kind of regulation, and 59 percent knew they had done so. The survey was done by Auckland University student Craig Jones as part of his MA thesis. The main infringements were bringing dogs onto islands, damaging vegetation and lighting fires. An astonishing ten percent of boats had domestic pets on board — mainly dogs and cats — while only five percent had effective rodent control measures. When asked whether they had considered the possible negative effects of their actions, 77 percent of those surveyed replied they hadn’t given it any thought. Combined with a lack of understanding about the purpose of reserves — 25 percent thought it was solely recreation — these actions and attitudes represent huge potential trouble for offshore island sanctuaries and the endangered creatures that find refuge on them. Most at risk are shore nesting and/or flightless birds like the New Zealand dotterel, and little blue penguins. Unsupervised dogs put ashore to exercise and "do their business" can create havoc in these fragile island populations in a few moments of mindless fun. Some boat

users have even been caught rowing their dogs ashore on Tiritiri Matangi — known for its takahe, kiwi and other endangered birds. Kawau and Ponui also have kiwi, and in addition Kawau has weka. All three of these bird species are flightless and threatened. Even the populations of flying birds can be badly affected by dog disruptions that interfere with incubation and reduce nesting success. And the accidental introduction of rats, of course, can threaten whole ecosystems. Forest and Bird urges yacht clubs around the country to work with DoC in drawing up a code of environmental conduct for boat owners using the gulf and its islands, and then to help publicise and police it. Pest-free offshore islands are a priceless conservation asset; they deserve our best efforts to ensure they have the protection they need.