Renewed efforts to protect Phillip Island’s hooded plover population
Phillip Island and wildlife authorities are coming together this summer to protect our native wildlife and educate people about how they can safely share the beach with animals and give them the best chance to thrive.
Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Sharing Our Shores campaign, run in partnership with Bass Coast Shire Council and the Conservation Regulator aims to raise awareness about some of our most vulnerable species, including the beach-nesting hooded plover, and how beach visitors can support their survival.
Reserve Manager Ben Thomas says the joint campaign is about sharing the coast safely and helping care for these threatened shorebirds during their breeding season.
“It is a shared community responsibility that we all help safeguard the unique and wonderful wildlife we have on Phillip Island to ensure they are protected,” Mr Thomas said.
Sharing Our Shores is aligning with the Conservation Regulator’s Operation Save Our Hoodies (SoHo), which is educating beachgoers and enforcing rules around hooded plover nesting sites.
Hooded plovers are a tiny, native bird that nests along the high tide line and in sand dunes during spring and summer. Their eggs and chicks are difficult to see and at risk of being trampled or disturbed by beach users and their dogs.
“We encourage all beach users to be mindful of wildlife in the area. Keep to the designated paths and have your dog on a lead, away from signed nesting areas.”
“This campaign is about respecting all beach users, which is why the regulations prohibit dogs between the hours of 10am and 5pm on some beaches.”
Sharing Our Shores runs from 1 December 2023 to 31 March 2024 and involves both patrols by
Authorised Officers along the Phillip Island coast and an educational poster competition.
Local students are encouraged to create artwork that communicates the importance of harmony between residents, visitors and the natural environment that supports local conservation efforts.
The winning artworks of threatened shorebirds and other native animals from last year’s competition feature in advertising for this year’s campaign.
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Clare Le Serve said residents and visitors had an important role to play in supporting local conservation efforts.
“Phillip Island is loved by many, and we want everyone to enjoy and respect this special part of the world together,” Mayor Le Serve said.
“I urge dog owners to check local signage and take advice from the rangers and authorised officers who will be doing an important job this summer to help protect local wildlife and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.”
Hooded plovers are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to disturb, injure, or destroy them; damage their habitat; or interfere with warning signage. Penalties range from $96 on-the-spot fines up to a maximum penalty of $46,154. Dog owners must also be aware of local beach regulations, particularly areas where dogs are prohibited, and always keep pets on-lead or under their control, as they face fines up to $4,807 if their dog attacks wildlife.
The Conservation Regulator investigates reports of habitat destruction and dogs harassing hooded plovers. Reports can be made to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.