New Zealand Airports Association Conference 2009 Wednesday 14 October Palmerston North Michael Gee Senior Policy Analyst, Policy Group National Office Department of Conservation Wellington (DDI

Wildlife Protection Review Spur-winged plover absolutely protected → not protected More liberal granting of permits allow more control of non-threatened protected wildlife outside airport boundaries Canada goose - better regional management required - aviation industry needs to have input to game bird management decisions

Information essential for addressing bird strike safety risk strike and near-strike data supporting technical information communicating significance of strikes

$35,000 study of spur-winged plover and feeding habits –examined species and feeding habits –examined possible remedial actions –demonstrated that control and management outside airport boundaries needed For non-aviation people, also need to: –describe extent of wildlife control at airports (considerable at some, minimal at others) –point out that management of any one species must be consistent with management of all other species

Conclusion: Bird always loses. Bird strike is no problem.

Information essential for addressing bird strike safety risk evidence that birds hit planes (data on strikes and near strikes) evidence that all non-lethal means have been pursued (supporting technical information) evidence that birds can hurt planes (understanding the significance of photos)

Other data-related matters Identifying species is important compiling strike frequency graph know which species to manage (different feeding and roosting areas, different management agencies) non-protected birds – regional councils with Regional Pest Management Strategies under Biosecurity Act game birds – local fish and game councils other protected birds – DOC Accuracy of information risks loss of credibility

I have a bird problem. Who should I liaise with? Non-protected birds (those listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act) These species are not protected and can be culled by anyone at any time (no permit is needed). Ask landowners for permission to control birds on their land. Or regional councils can include species in a regional pest management strategy, allowing local control or regional population control whether individual landowners consent or not. The above can provide local control and regional population control.

I have a bird problem. Who should I liaise with? Partially protected birds (those listed on Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Act) Ask landowners for permission to control birds on their land. May need a permit from DOC. This can provide local control. No regional control available.

I have a bird problem. Who should I liaise with? Game birds (those listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Act) Ask local fish and game council to control, or give you a permit allowing you to control (fish and game councils do not have to give consent). This can provide local control and regional population control but both can be declined depending on wishes of local game licence holders. Or ask DOC for permit to control, and ask landowners for permission to control birds on their land. This can provide local control using best method even if fish and game council disagree on control or method. No regional control available.

I have a bird problem. Who should I liaise with? Fully protected birds (those not listed on any Wildlife Act schedule) Ask DOC for permit to control, and ask landowners for permission to control birds on their land. This can provide local control. No regional control available.