There are reports more than one million mutton bird chicks have died on Babel Island off north-east Tasmania.
The Aborginal Land Council has closed mutton bird harvesting on the island after reports the bird population has been decimated.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre's Michael Mansell is operating a mutton bird shed on nearby Big Dog Island and is calling for an investigation into why the birds have died.
Mr Mansell says it is likely overfishing is to blame.
"The adult mutton birds cannot get the krill to feed the chicks," he said.
"Overfishing in Tasmanian and Australian waters means that the adult birds cannot compete with the lack of food that they need to feed the chicks."
The commercial mutton bird season started a week ago and the recreational season opens today.
Approximately 23 million mutton birds, or short-tailed shearwaters, breed in about 285 colonies in south-eastern Australia from September to April.
Eighteen million of these arrive in Tasmania each year.
Sir, does that got anything to do with our economy or govt?
Ok ok, i know you r going to ask me to shut up, ok me go working liao,...bye bye sir. take care
Originally posted by angel7030:Sir, does that got anything to do with our economy or govt?
Ok ok, i know you r going to ask me to shut up, ok me go working liao,...bye bye sir. take care
eco system > natural resources> economy> people.
i have seen mutton birds before. they are cute.
I think we should kill off the koalas, they don't really serve any purpose then to look cute and cuddly. Just kidding, don't flame me.
eh, tot u using new nick oredi?
eee..so cute the bird