Our Wetlands Should Be Celebrated, not Turned into Shooting Galleries
mps.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today called for an immediate end to the recreational shooting of native ducks describing the opening of the annual season as a shameful day that needs to be removed from the Tasmanian calendar.
Greens Environment and Coasts spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said that the State’s internationally acclaimed and recognised Ramsar-listed wetlands, and other significant coastal habitats for shore-birds, must receive greater recognition and be managed to protect their special natural features and wildlife.
“It is a stain upon Tasmania’s reputation that our internationally acclaimed wetlands, such as Moulting Lagoon, are still turned into a recreational shooting gallery with our native duck species being treated as targets,” Ms O’Connor said.
“We need an end to this barbaric practice that shatters such beautiful autumn days as we have seen, and which also shatters the havens that our wetlands and other significant coastal and water habitats should be.”
“For nine months of the year our native duck species are protected, and it is utterly inexplicable that they then are treated as shooting targets for the remaining three months.”
“These habitats are also very significant for other waterfowl and threatened species, and it is past time that they were protected and managed to enhance their important ecological features and wildlife.”
“It has long been Tasmanian Greens’ policy to end the recreational shooting of native ducks, and we will continue to advocate for this and seek the necessary legislative change.”
“Lets stop the killing, remove this shooting weekend from Tasmania’s calendar, and lets start celebrating the unique and wonderful life that is our wetlands, waterways, and coastal habitats,” Ms O’Connor said.
Cassy O’Connor, Greens Environment and Coasts spokesperson
