Save Rockingham’s Little Penguins UPDATE 30.01.25 – Now ONLY 114 Penguins left
Since my last email there has been a Report issued by Dr Belinda Cannell revealing that the colony on Penguin Island has declined even further and there are now only 114 penguins left. This is a 94% decline since 2007. You can find the latest population report here Little Penguin Population Estimates 2023 Report (rockingham.wa.gov.au)
Clearly, Our Little Penguins need URGENT WA Government Action
Please join us and show your support at Rocko’s Rally for our environment
WHEN: Sunday 9 February, from 9-10.30am
WHERE: Meet at the seal mural, 1-3 Kent Street, Rockingham
Little penguins are on the brink of extinction from our waters in Rockingham and other habitats and species are threatened – our community can’t stand by and watch this happen.
The state government is not doing enough to protect and conserve our incredible local environment.
We need:
· Updating of expired management plans.
· Funding to enforce marine park rules and stop the penguin-killing hooning.
· A plan to bring penguins back from the brink of extinction that is actually executed.
· Rejecting plans to create a nuclear waste dump on nearby Garden Island.
There is an event set up for the rally on Facebook – link here https://www.facebook.com/share/1F7WJiuDyH/
Contact Dawn Jecks dawnjecks@gmail.com for more information or can help on the day
MORE Background
The Penguin Island colony has declined by approximately 94% between 2007 and 2023, due to factors including climate change, boat collisions and tourism impacts. Studies show that watercraft injury accounts for 25% of penguin deaths.
The “Vision” in the outdated Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Management Plan, stated that by 2017, the marine flora and fauna, habitats and water quality of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park would be in the same or better condition than in the year 2007.
Successive state governments have failed to implement this vision for Shoalwater, as is seen by the decimation of the Little Penguin colony on Penguin Island.
Little penguins are on the brink of extinction from our waters in Rockingham and other habitats and species are threatened – our community will not stand by and watch this happen.
We need:
· Updating of expired management plans.
· Funding to enforce marine park rules and stop the penguin-killing hooning.
· A plan to bring penguins back from the brink of extinction that is actually executed.
The WA Environment Minister continues to deny there is a problem and recently stated on ABC news report that sustainable tourism has been occurring on Penguin Island for decades. Watch and listen here Calls to close major WA tourism attraction to save 'hounded' penguins - ABC News
Please come and show your support for action. Bring family and friends. We have signs for people to hold and penguin costumes to borrow for people who are keen to wear one. Please arrive by 8:30 am if you want to borrow a penguin costume
We need to act immediately because our little penguins are depending on it. Hope to see you there!
Yours for the Penguins
Dawn Jecks
0424 598 656