Good to see some acknowledgement of the importance of research in
these rather than raw emotion in these matters.
Regards,
Chris
21/04/05
No duck and quail hunting season for 2005
As Queensland faced its third consecutive year of drought, State
Parliament was told today that there would be no duck and quail
recreational hunting season in 2005.
Environment Minister Desley Boyle told Parliament that sustained below
average rainfall had seen duck and quail numbers dramatically fall,
making a season unsustainable.
Ms Boyle said a recent waterbird population survey had revealed
numbers at their lowest level since surveying began in 1984; down from
one million to just 200,000.
Ms Boyle said: "I know recreational hunting of ducks and quails is a
topic about which there are strongly and passionately held views -
both for and against.
"However, in the end a decision was made based on science and fact -
aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of these native
species.
"The annual survey showed just 20 birds in the key breeding ground of
Macquarie Marshes in New South Wales.
"This location averaged 30,000 birds in the 1980's," Ms Boyle said.
Ms Boyle said approval for a duck and quail hunting season was based
each year on an assessment of ecological sustainability.
"In providing advice, the Duck and Quail Management Advisory Committee
have looked at such things as rainfall records, long term weather
forecasts, surface water in dams and wetlands, and population data,"
she said.
Ms Boyle said since 1995 the hunting of duck and quail in Queensland
has been controlled by the Nature Conservation (Duck and Quail)
Conservation Plan and Management Program 1995 - 2005.
There was no duck or quail hunting season in 2003, and no quail
hunting season in 1995.
Ducks and quails are listed as 'common' under the Nature Conservation
Act 1992. Last year there were 376 recreational harvesting licences
issued.
MEDIA CONTACT: Louise Foley on 3227 8819
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