Otago boatie's net death-trap for sea birds

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Boat owners could face penalties under the Wildlife Act if protected birds continue to be killed in large open-weaved netting they use to deter birds from fouling their vessels' decks.

Protected sea birds such as a red-billed gull, which is listed as endangered, and shags were seen entangled in netting on Deborah Bay yacht, Mutineer, on Saturday.

"It's just a bird trap," Department of Conservation biodiversity assets programme manager David Agnew said.

Mr Agnew said the birds were protected under the Wildlife Act and while he sympathised with boat owners trying to keep birds from fouling their boats, their responsibility was to use methods that did not endanger the birds.

There were also animal welfare issues.

"Old flounder netting is not a good idea, it is difficult for birds to see and the large holes mean they get their feet and legs tangled up in it."

Doc would be contacting the owner of the yacht and suggesting they remove netting as soon as possible, he said.

People used other methods such as stringing up plastic bags to rattle when birds came near or netting with small mesh such as that used on orchards or in kea nets on skifields, he said.

This was a reminder to all, that where birds impacted on their property, it was important to check if the birds were protected or not before choosing their method of deterrence, Mr Agnew said.

However, in Otago Harbour and along Otago's coast and inlets the majority of birds were protected.

Mutineer owner Bob Matthews said the fishing nets had been an effective way to stop birds fouling on his yacht, but agreed it was not the "most palatable" way to do so.

"I had a terrible problem with birds where it's moored . . .

"I didn't stop and think."

He would look into finding replacement nets with a smaller pitch, he said.