Responsible Reef Practices - Tip 7 'Bird Watching' 10:24am, Mon 31 May 2021
Cumberland Charter Yachts are dedicated to Eco-tourism, and have been a certified Eco-tourism operator since 2015, promoting sustainable travel that benefits local communities, culture and heritage to minimise impacts on the environment. We believe it is our responsibility to educate all our charter guests on environmental sustainability.
On your charter, you'll enjoy the many different activities and experiences the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday islands offer and it's important to enjoy them in a responsible and environmentally 'reef friendly' way. Cumberland Charter Yachts have written our own
Responsible Reef Practice's guide with a copy provided on each charter yacht. Here we'll share with you the many ways that you can help us keep the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays pristine for years to come and enjoy your charter holiday in a sustainable way.
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #1 - Anchoring and Mooring
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #2 - Diving and Snorkelling
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #3 - Waste (including sewage) and Litter
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #4 - Around Turtles
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #5 - Around Whales and Dolphins
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #6 - Visiting Islands and Beaches
Bird Watching
With an estimated 175 species, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park boasts an incredible collection of birdlife - some are year-round residents, while thousands of others use the Marine Park as a much needed pit stop during their exhausting annual migration. Many of the Reef's islands are internationally significant breeding and nesting sites and offer an amazing wildlife experience. The birds, however, are particularly vulnerable during nesting season and it's vital that special care is taken not to disturb them.
Slight disturbances may scare the adult bird off the nest, and it can take only minutes for unattended eggs to be ruined or for chicks to be eaten by predatory birds.
In General
Land and launch your boat well away from any seabirds or shorebirdsDo not pull your dinghy up the beach into nesting areasAlways try to not disturb any birdsStay well clear of nesting and roosting shorebirds and seabirds. Remain low by crouching, keep quiet, move
slowly and use existing coverWatch your step to avoid crushing camouflaged eggs and chicksNever try to touch birds, chicks or eggsIf seabirds or shorebirds exhibit stressful behaviour (for example, raucous calling, swooping or 'dive
bombing') back away and leave the area immediatelyDo not conduct activities that may disturb birds (for example, kite flying, volleyball, beach rugby, beach
cricket)Do not take animals (including dogs) to National Parks, islands or caysDo not shine torches or bright lights directly on roosting or nesting seabirds - angle the lights to the side, and
cover bulbs with red cellophane or filters.
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Cumberland Charter Yachts is an award-winning company providing exceptional holiday experiences, leaving customers with a lifetime of memories that exceed all expectations.
