Ocean Sentry
(From ceduna.yourguide.com.au)- The dispute between people who want to either conserve or develop the coastline between Streaky Bay and Venus Bay has stepped up to a whole new level with the shooting of four endangered birds of prey over the past month. But both agree whoever did it is “a redneck”, “a coward” and “needs psychiatric help”.
And Department of Environment and Heritage staff have confirmed they have suspects and are following leads after a visit to the areas during the week.
A juvenile coastal raptor (or osprey) was found on Friday at Searcy Bay, near Sceale Bay.
Its decomposed carcass, which had wounds consistent with shooting, is being taken to the Adelaide Zoo for an autopsy to be conducted.
A juvenile sea eagle was found dead on September 18 at Bosanquet Bay, near Ceduna.
A second juvenile sea eagle was found shot dead at Point Fowler on October 10.
A fourth bird is believed to have died at Point Fowler, but this has not been confirmed, as a carcass has not been found.
Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill has urged the public to come forward with any information about the shootings.
“This is a sickening attack on our magnificent sea birds, which are endangered species,” Mr Weatherill said. “There are only about 50 breeding pairs of white-bellied sea eagles left in South Australia. Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, the sea birds are listed as endangered species. Anyone found guilty of killing a protected animal faces a $10,000 fine or up to two years’ jail. I’m appealing to anyone with any information at all about these shocking incidents to come forward.”
Anyone with any information about the killings should contact Mr Wilkins on 8688 3112.
