Application for Scientific Permit – Available for Public Comment
Public comment on the following application for a Scientific Research (Fauna) Permit is open until 18 November.
Applicant: Australasian Seabird Group
Species/Taxon: Australian Fairy Tern Sternula nereis nereis, Tasman Little Tern Sternula albifrons placens.
Location: Coasts of Tasmanian mainland, King Island and Flinders Islands.
Title of research: Genetics and migration of Australian Fairy Terns and Tasman Little Terns in Tasmania.
Aim of project: The project seeks to obtain data on Australian Fairy Tern and Tasman Little Tern migrations and their genetic identities.
Justification: Conservation and appropriate management of threatened species is dependent upon contemporary and accurate knowledge of their taxonomic status, and critical phases of their life history strategies. This project seeks to address the need to define genetic identity of Australian Fairy Terns and Tasman Little Terns that breed in Tasmania. The degree of genetic isolation will inform contemporary on-ground management efforts to protect nesting terns of both species at key locations around Tasmania.
The banding will allow for the post-breeding migrations and dispersions of Australian Fairy Terns and Tasman Little Terns from Tasmania to the Australian mainland to be examined. This dispersion complements the genetic component of the study, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the population status and trends of breeding populations of these species in Tasmania, and their post-breeding dispersion and movements.
Maximum likely numbers of individuals involved: Up to 250 Australian Fairy Terns and up to 50 Tasman Little Terns over 3 years.
Activities undertaken and methods: Up to 250 Australian Fairy Terns will be banded, of these up to 20 will have blood samples taken. Up to 50 Tasman Little Terns will be banded, of these up to 10 will have blood samples taken. The bands will be Australian Banding Scheme-approved, and blood samples will be taken as per current Australian standard protocols.
Fate of animals: Released back into the wild at the site of capture. All individuals handled will be banded.
Likely impact on species involved (including any by-catch): Brief disturbance to handled birds. Experienced research team will ensure minimum time required in captivity to obtain blood sample and application of band.