From Ricki Coughlan
Begin forwarded message:
From: Ricki Coughlan <>
Date: 9 July 2007 1:02:28 PM
Hi All
In April 2006 a 33km seawall was completed at Saemangeum on the
Yellow Sea coast of South Korea. The wall excluded the tide from
400 square kilometres of mudflat which was the most important
staging area for many species of migratory shorebirds which visit
the Yellow Sea as they travel ffrom Australia to their breeding
grounds in Siberia each year. This action completed the creation of
the now infamous Saemangeum Reclamation Area. It will certainly
increase pressure on the Threatened Spoon-billed Sandpiper and
Nordmann's Greenshank, both of which number 1000 or less
individuals. There is every likelyhood that the reclamation will
bring about a reduction in migratory shorebird numbers overall - as
former visitors to Saemangeum compete with other populations around
the Yellow Sea for resources - and we are particularly concerned
about the one third of the global population (280,000) of Great
Knot which relied upon this region for refuelling before proceeding
to their Siberian breeding grounds each year.
The South Korean government can find no use for the "reclaimed"
site but, despite this, there is no realistic chance of having the
wall removed. The chances are good that some of the site can be
returned to nature if the sluice gates on the wall are fully
opened, permitting the reintroduction of a tidal flow and I am
appealling to all of you to assist me in calling for this take take
place. You can do so by visiting http://www.restoresaemangeum.com.
Admittedly, the likelyhood of attaining even this concession is not
good. However, to do nothing will only encourage continued
reclamation activity on more sites along the South Korean coastline
and beyond. This is part of a range of actions which are currently
in train and which are aimed at restoring Saemangeum and
discouraging further reclamations in the region so please lend just
a few moments to act on behalf of the magnificent migratory
shorebirds.
Regards
Ricki Coughlan
Cremorne Point, Sydney
http://www.restoresaemangeum.com
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