Recognition for migratory bird sanctuary
Christchurch’s Avon-Heathcote estuary has received international recognition for its importance as a safe haven for scores of migratory birds.
The estuary is the only urban wetland in Australasia to become part of the East Asian Australasian Flyway network.
The network was formed in 2006 to protect migratory water birds and their habitat.
It includes 136 wetlands in 20 countries used by migratory birds either on their way to or from the Arctic.
The Avon-Heathcote/Ihutai estuary is home to 118 different bird species and its bird population grows to 30,000 in autumn.
One of the estuary’s most famous inhabitants are the godwit. Up to 2000 godwits arrive at the estuary each year after a nonstop 11,000 kilometre journey from Alaska.
The starving birds then forage in the estuary during the summer and put on enough weight to get themselves back to the Arctic where they breed.
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage, who made the announcement in Christchurch on Sunday, said the estuary’s new status emphasised the need to protect the habitat as a safe haven for bar-tailed godwits, lesser knots, and other shorebirds including the pied oystercatcher.
‘‘It’s a fantastic achievement for the trust for the estuary to now be internationally recognised.’’
The Department of Conservation has been working with the trust for the past two years to have the estuary recognised by the flyway network.
Sage said it was important that coastal wetlands were retained and protected because they provided a critical habitat for coastal birds.
The worldwide godwit population was already declining by 2 per cent annually as habitats, particularly in the Yellow Sea, were being destroyed. ‘‘With the estuary at Christchurch’s front door and birds easily visible feeding and roosting at a range of sites, it’s easy for residents and visitors to enjoy and understand the estuary’s international significance,’’ Sage said.
However, the announcement did not come with an offer of any government money to help preserve the estuary. The trust funds its work through grants from the Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury and other various funding bodies.
Port Hills MP Ruth Dyson, who is also a member of the estuary trust, said the recognition was an acknowledgement of the work done by volunteers.
Avon-Heathcote Estuary/ Ihutai Trust chairman Dr Kit Doudney said the trust was now focusing on creating an ecological management plan for the estuary and would look at ways to reduce estuary pollution including runoff from stormwater drains.
Three other areas in New Zealand were also recognised by the flyway partnership – Farewell Spit, the Firth of Thames and Awarua in Southland.
‘‘With the estuary at Christchurch’s front door ... it’s easy for residents and visitors to enjoy.’’ Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage