Research recently undertaken by CQUniversity's Centre for Environmental Management, testing different management techniques to protect internationally significant shorebirds in our region, has been finalised.

The research was funded by the Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management Inc.

Beach stone-curlews - among the key species for the project

Shorebird populations worldwide are declining with the major threats to shorebirds in Australia being human disturbance, predation, habitat loss and degradation and lack of knowledge and awareness to shorebird conservation needs.

"Shorebirds are one of region's most poorly understood and threatened biodiversity assets.  Many birds migrate here annually from Siberia yet sadly most of us wouldn't know the difference between a common seagull and an international wader," said David Brown, CEO of the Burnett Mary Regional Group. 

The project ‘Feathering the Future of Burnett Mary Shorebirds' looked at signage to exclude beach users from sensitive shorebird habitat and found that 96% of people complied to the temporary beach closures.

The study also investigated the efficacy of baiting to reduce predation by foxes on shorebird eggs and chicks.

Finally, researchers surveyed beach users to better understand the level of knowledge about shorebirds.  Sixty-six percent of people were aware of shorebirds.

Education activities were also undertaken to promote the conservation of shorebirds; for example, dog walkers' breakfasts were held at Elliot Heads and Scareness beach.

Dog owners were given dog leashes and other educational material to encourage them to walk their dog on a leash, thereby minimising disturbance to shorebirds. 

"The trial demonstrated simple activities, like erecting temporary signage which could be done by local councils or community groups to protect shorebirds; but more importantly it provided feedback on the success of each approach to improve delivery in the future," Mr Brown added.

For further information about the project contact Dr Tamara van Polanen Petel from the Centre for Environmental Management on (07) 4970 7289 or t.vanpolanenpetel@cqu.edu.au.   Or contact Sue Sargent from Burnett Mary Region Group on 07 4181 2999.