Local boaters are being urged to adopt a new rubbish removal policy when visiting Penguin Island, to help keep wildlife safe from invasive pests.
People accessing the island by private vessel can pick up a Keep Australia Beautiful disposable bag at the Rockingham Wild Encounters ferry office at Mersey Point and use it to store their rubbish until it can be placed in bins on the mainland.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife’s (DPaW) Penguin Island manager, David Charles, said the new “take your rubbish with you” policy applied to all island visitors.
“By asking people to take their rubbish home with them, we are removing a potential food source for destructive animals such as black rats,” Mr Charles said.
“DPaW has recently conducted a successful baiting program to eliminate a rat population that had become established on the island.
“We are introducing a number of measures to prevent a re-infestation and boaters can support these efforts by taking all their rubbish off the island when they leave.
“We are also encouraging boaters to do a thorough inspection of their boats before setting out to ensure no unwanted stowaways have climbed aboard.”
Mr Charles said free rubbish bags were also available from the Penguin Island Discovery Centre.
“People enjoy picnicking on the island so to assist visitors with storage, rubbish bags will be readily available,” he said.
“There are no longer litter bins on Penguin Island, as part of the new ‘take your rubbish with you’ strategy.”
Penguin Island, home to WA’s largest colony of little penguins, is a popular nature tourism and recreation destination in the Perth region.
It is known for its population of approximately 1,200 little penguins, along with sea birds such as Caspian terns, bridled terns and pelicans.
Media contact: DPaW Media 9219 9999
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