NSW: Penguins win added protection from state govt
SYDNEY, Dec 16 AAP - An endangered penguin colony was today declared a critical habitatby the NSW government, with hefty fines for anyone who disturbs it.
The declaration gives the little penguin colony at Manly in Sydney's north the highestlevel of protection and bans fishing during the breeding season.
It is only the second time in the state's history such a declaration has been made,Environment Minister Bob Debus said today.
"It is essential that we protect these penguins without unduly affecting the peoplewho live nearby and those who use the area for boating, fishing and other recreationalactivities," Mr Debus said.
The critical habitat declaration takes effect from January 1 and means pets will bebanned and people prohibited from interfering with the penguins or their burrows on theforeshore slopes of Manly Point and parts of the Sydney Harbour National Park.
Fishing would also be banned in waters from Collins Beach to Cannae Point, from sunsetto sunrise during the breeding season from July to February.
Mr Debus said the National Parks and Wildlife Service would now consider measures toensure mooring and anchoring of boats did not disturb the habitat.
Manly is the only known NSW mainland breeding site for little penguins, the smallestof all penguin species.
The colony was declared endangered in 1997.
Penalties of up to $5,500 apply for breaches of the habitat.
AAP sal/mg
KEYWORD: PENGUINS
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