Terry,
I think it might be helpful for people to reflect on the growth of birding
and other nature based recreation in recent years. This list has often
published comments on the economic importance of birwatching. Of course
more people means more impact. Behaviour that might once have been
considered of little consequence may be quite destructive when repeated over
and over. One person leaving a walking track may not cause irreparable
damage, but dozens of people doing the same thing will. People dont always
commit these acts knowingly, so I think it is important for use to
periodically re-emphasise a code of behaviour, if only to draw attention to
impacts that people may not have considered. I remember discussing the
potential consequences of spotlightling with a group of keen nature
enthusiasts not so long ago. They were all quite surprised that this
activity could have a down side.
Scott O'Keeffe
-----Original Message-----
From:
Behalf Of Terry Pacey
Sent: 15 February 2002 21:02
To: Birding-Aus
Subject: Birders code of ethics
It is time we all had a look at what we consider our code of ethics. In
some cases, what most of us considered "bad birding" is now a criminal
offence. For further information, check on ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999.
SECT 20A Offences relating to listed migratory species, makes it quite
clear that a number of practices are now illegal. The penalties are very
severe. Non-migratory endangered species are also dealt with in the same
manner but I can't quote the section off the top of my head.
The act can be found at http://www.ea.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html . We
should all read the Act carefully. For those of you who can't access the Act
(or don't want to) here is a very short extract from SECT 20A:
"Offences relating to listed migratory species
(1)
A person is guilty of an offence if:
(a)
the person takes an action; and
(b)
the action results or will result in a significant impact on a listed
migratory species.
Note: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of
criminal responsibility."
Flushing of breeding birds and some other practices would seem to fall
within this area. Certainly food for thought.
Terry Pacey
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