FISHING

Shell Collecting

Many marine snails produce beautiful shells that come in a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes. Empty shells are used by many animals including hermit crabs, for protection.

Leave some (all???) shells on the beach for use for other animals for shelter.

Collect only empty shells. Shells that contain live animals will die if removed from their habitat and soon become extremely smelly.

Some areas are closed to the collection of ALL shells, live or dead.

Fishing

Many coastal animals can be used as food. These include fish, crabs, prawns, rock lobster and shellfish such as abalone, mussels, oysters and pipies.

Know the regulations that apply to collecting animals including fish, abalone, crayfish, pipies and other shellfish. Some areas are totally closed and no collecting/fishing is allowed.

Return undersized or unwanted fish to the water as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary death of animals. Handle fish with wet hands to avoid rubbing protective slime off scales.

Dispose of unwanted or tangled fishing lines, nets and bait packages on land, as they can be lethal to fish, marine mammals, birds and reptiles. Land disposal sites attract birds and animals, wrap unwanted fishing line and nets to avoid entangling them.

Collect only the bait you need. Some bait species are protected. Know the regulations on bait collection. There are many alternatives to live bait such as steak, chops, bread dough, fish guts and tripe - try some!

Leave shellfish in designated protected areas. (Intertidal Protected Areas and Marine Protected Areas)

Spear fishing is prohibited in many areas for a number of species.

Coastal Birds

Many seabirds and waders make their home on sand dunes, rocky outcrops, offshore islands and beaches. While some birds make their nests on the ground others use burrows in the sand. Many birds abandon their nests if disturbed. Feeding birds can lead to the spread of disease or malnutrition. Please do not feed them.

Sea bird colonies should be avoided during the nesting season. These colonies are sensitive to disturbance by people.

Leave domestic animals at home or ensure they are under total control. Many sea and wading birds are vulnerable to attack from domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats.

Avoid walking in areas where there are burrows for birds like penguins and shearwaters.

Look out for and avoid walking on eggs that have been laid on the ground. Many sea birds like terns, pelicans, gulls, gannets and plovers nest directly on the ground.