Notre Dame plays part in Pelican Survey

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Fall 5-5-2005

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

Students of Environmental Management and Biology at Notre Dame recently took part in a pelican survey organised by the Sustainable Fisheries Liaison Office.

The survey was conducted to ascertain the level of fishing tackle injuries and entanglements in pelicans in the south west of WA between Busselton & Perth. Similar studies on the east cost of Australia have found that in every human populated estuary as many as one in five pelicans are injured by fishing tackle.

Notre Dame students Ana Terrazas, Denis Haeberlin and Perusha Boelling volunteered their time to survey the Swan River at Mosman Park, Bicton, Applecross and Guildford.

Environmental Science Lecturer Dr Dylan Korczynskyj said, “In a step towards sustainability, it is important to consider the impact of recreational fishing on these birds where their habitat intersects with areas of high human population. It’s also nice to see that tomorrow’s ‘decision makers’ (today’s students) are showing an interest in today’s environmental issues”.

The Sustainable Fisheries Liaison Office is part of the Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA) which has been the state’s foremost non-government, voluntary conservation organisation since 1967.

The results of the survey will be compiled, and a report presented to Recfish West for discussion.

For media related information contact: The Media Office, University of Notre Dame, Direct line: 08 9433 0698, Mobile: 0408 959 138, Email: media@nd.edu.au

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