In the picturesque coastal waters south of Perth, a crisis is unfolding that has local residents deeply concerned. The tranquil haven known as Penguin Island, a mere 53km from the bustling city, is facing an ecological emergency that could see the end of its most charming inhabitants – the little penguins. With numbers plummeting by a staggering 97% since 2007, concerned citizens are now calling for drastic measures: a complete tourist ban to safeguard the future of these tiny, tuxedoed birds.
The little penguin, the smallest species of penguin, has long been a drawcard for visitors to the region. However, the once-thriving population of these birds on Penguin Island has dwindled to a mere 114 penguins. Activists like Dawn Jecks of Save Rockingham’s Little Penguins are sounding the alarm, pointing to tourism as a significant stressor that has been overshadowing the welfare of the penguins for decades.
The island, which attracts around 130,000 visitors annually, becomes particularly problematic during the penguins’ moulting period. This critical time for the penguins involves shedding and regrowing feathers, a process that requires them to remain out of the water and abstain from feeding for two weeks. With the moulting coinciding with the height of summer, the penguins are subjected to extreme stress, often leading to hyperthermia and death.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that these birds have no respite from the throngs of tourists. As Ms Jecks poignantly describes, the penguins are forced to seek shelter under boardwalks, waiting for the last ferry of the day to depart before they can emerge to cool off and rest. The presence of visitors not only disrupts their natural behaviour but also exposes them to risks such as being touched or picked up, which can cause undue stress and harm.
Moreover, the increase in recreational boating and watercraft in the area has led to a rise in boat strikes, accounting for approximately 25% of little penguin fatalities. The call to close down the island for a few years to allow the population to recover is growing louder, with locals fearing the loss of an iconic species that is deeply ingrained in the cultural identity of the city of Rockingham.
Research led by Dr. Belinda Cannel from the University of Western Australia School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute highlights the little penguins’ plight. The study underscores the impact of the burgeoning human population and associated watercraft activities on the penguins, who typically remain within 10km of the coast.
While tourism operators like Chad D’Souza of Perth Wildlife Encounters acknowledge the role of global warming and the need for conservation efforts, they argue that tourism itself is not the root cause of the decline. Instead, D’Souza advocates for the establishment of a new discovery centre to educate visitors about wildlife and promote conservation, a project that has seen delays and misallocated funds according to his claims.
The Western Australian government, for its part, has implemented measures such as extending the island’s winter closure period and shutting down access on days when temperatures soar above 35C. They recognise the impact of warming sea temperatures on the penguins’ food sources and are exploring the development of a discovery centre to further conservation education.
The government has also pledged to create a business case and concept design for a proposed discovery centre at Mersey Point in Rockingham to help shape the project’s future direction. This work, now underway with appointed consultants, is anticipated to be completed in the coming months.
Have you ever visited Penguin Island or encountered conservation challenges in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on preserving wildlife for future generations.
Also read: Huge penguin chick at Melbourne aquarium a social media sensation
