Shorebird survey – Tasmania’s north-east coastline and Flinders Island

Supported by the Australian Government, Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service, Birdlife Australia and NRM North

The following survey is designed to collect information that can be used to inform the better management of shorebirds along Tasmania’s north-east coastline. Some species are listed as threatened by the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, because they are known to be sensitive to human activities.

The purpose of this survey is to find out more about the local situation and about your ideas.

Your participation is entirely voluntary and even if you agree to participate, you can change your mind at any time.

We value the accurate information and opinions you provide and greatly appreciate your participation. The information you provide is confidential and you will remain anonymous. The data we collect will be summarised to establish trends and patterns.

This project is funded by the Australian Government's Saving Native Species Program and delivered by NRM North.

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* 1. Location:

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* 2. Date and Time:

Date / Time

Date

Time

AM/PM

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* 3. Interviewer (if applicable):

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* 4. Where is home for you? (for all questions, please feel free to tick more than one answer)

Live locally in NE coast of Tasmania

I’m a local shack owner (live elsewhere)

Elsewhere in Tasmania

Interstate

Overseas

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* 5. What do you typically do at the beach?

Walk

Jog

Surf

Fish

Swim

Sunbathe

Picnic

Games

Other (please specify)

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* 6. How often do you visit the beach? ----- times/week/month/year

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* 7. If you’re local to the area, which beaches do you mostly visit?

Bay of Fires

Binalong Bay

Blanche Beach

Beer Barrel Beach

Peron Dunes

Scamander

Dianas Basin

Falmouth

Beaumaris

Other (please specify)

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* 8. If you own a dog and take them to the beach, do you let them off lead?

Never

Sometimes

Often

Always

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* 9. If your dog is exercised off lead, select relevant option/s from following:

I let them off the lead when signage permits me to do so

I let them off the lead near the waterline / wet sand

I let them off the lead if I can’t see any shorebirds

I let them have a good run

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* 10. What do you think the significant threats are to shorebird conservation?

Beach erosion (e.g. increased storm surges caused by climate change)

Weed encroachment (e.g. encroach on nesting spots, or modify breeding and feeding habitat)

Predators (e.g. other birds, or cats, that attack the shorebirds, or eat their eggs)

Pollution (e.g. from beach users, or washed up from other places)

Direct impact from human activities (e.g. the eggs are crushed, or the birds are frightened away)

Other (please specify)

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* 11. Of these, which do you think are the biggest problem in this area? (can rank from 1 being highest threat to 5 being lowest threat)

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* 12. What do you think can be done to protect shorebirds from human impacts?

Nothing required, there are plenty of other beaches and islands for them

I don’t really know, it’s up to other people or the government to work out

It’s too late to do anything, the problem is too large, and the impacts are irreversible

Control introduced predators (particularly cats)

Place fencing around nest sites (to stop humans from disturbing them)

Regulate activities on the beach that involve dogs, horses or vehicles, especially during breeding season

Use good signage to inform beachgoers of the presence and needs of shorebirds

Remove dune modifying weeds (especially in areas where shorebirds breed)

Focus on education (in schools, plus through field days and discovery officers)

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* 13. Are you involved in shorebird or coastal conservation in any way?

I already help, through volunteer/work initiatives (e.g. beach cleanups, weed removal, etc.)

I would like to help… I would participate in working bees, field days or other activities as a volunteer

Unfortunately, I don’t have time, but I think it’s a good idea

It’s really up to the government to address these issues

I’m not convinced there is a problem. Shorebird numbers fluctuate with natural cycles

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* 14. How would you feel if shorebird protection measures changed the way you can use beaches?

I would support this unconditionally, as the conservation of shorebirds is important

I would support limited measures that only had minor impacts

I would not support this, as there are too many restrictions already

I would need to know what the specific changes are before I would support this approach

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* 15. Can you name the birds in the photos – even just a guess?

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* 16. Specifically for hooded plover [pictured top left], are you aware of where this species makes its nest?

Yes

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* 17. If you answered yes to the above question, write where does this species make nest.

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* 18. Have you taken this survey before??

Yes