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FIVE ISLANDS NATURE RESERVE, PORT KEMBLA
NEW SOUTH WALES
A PERSPECTIVE AND VIEW TO FUTURE MANAGEMENT
Lindsay E. Smith & Harry Battam
Southern Oceans Seabird Study Association Inc
April 1998; Copyright SOSSA 1998
Nature Reserves In New South Wales
Reserving areas for nature conservation as a general purpose was introduced into Australia with the establishment of Royal National Park in 1879, some seven years after the world's first national park was created at Yellowstone in the United States of America.
Fauna reserves in New South Wales were first established under the Fauna Protection Act of 1948, which was replaced by the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1967. Under the latter Act, fauna reserves were reclassified as nature reserves. The 1967 Act has been replaced by the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974.
Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, nature reserves are areas of special scientific interest containing wildlife or natural environments or natural phenomena.
The purposes of nature reserves are defined in the Act as:
(a) the care, propagation, preservation and conservation of wildlife;
(b) the care, preservation and conservation of natural environments and natural phenomena;
(c) the study of wildlife, natural environments; and
(d) the promotion of the appreciation of wildlife, natural environments and phenomena.Five Islands Nature ReserveIntroductionThe Five Islands Nature Reserve is situated off Port Kembla on the south coast of New South Wales. 34 29' S., 150 56' E. The islands were first discovered by George Bass, Matthew Flinders and William Martin, on March 26th 1796 on a voyage of discovery along the rugged and unknown south coast of New South Wales, in the "Tom Thumb", an open eight foot (2.8 metre) sailing dingy. They found the islands to be inaccessible in the late evening and chose to spend the night in the Tom Thumb before landing at Red Point the following morning. They apparently made no effort to land on the islands. On landing at Red Point they were confronted by the local natives.
That was two hundred years ago. There is little documented evidence to indicate that local aboriginal people may have accessed the Islands. Further discussion with local Aboriginal elders would be of great assistance in this matter.
The islands were grazed by rabbits and cattle and inhabited by the Perkins family from about 1867-1872. Visits to the Islands by ornithologists of the day are well documented. Basset Hull 1909-1914, Allen Keast-1940-1941, Re: Seabird Islands No 38,39,40. Accounts of the vegetation have been also conducted since 1928 and are well documented Rodway 1928, Davis et.al. 1938, Mills 1989. Ariel photographs are available from several sources or through NSW Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Five Islands Fauna Reserve No 16 was declared in 1960 under the protection of the chief Guardian of Fauna as an important seabird breeding area. His authority has been vested in a local group, consisting of seven honorary rangers, appointed the trustees of Faunal Reserve No 16. under the Fauna Protection Act 1948. In 1967 under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, the islands became The Five Islands Nature Reserve under the care, control and management of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of New South Wales.
The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, requires that a plan of management be prepared for each nature reserve. At the time of writing, no such document exists for the Five Islands Nature Reserve. Below is a physical description and a documented account of the islands and their inhabitants, with a perspective view to their future management.
Present Status: All islands in the group are Nature Reserves, controlled by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW). An entry permit is required to land on any of the islands.Description of the Islands.
Big Island
Location: 34 29' S., 150 56'E. 500 metres offshore from Red Point, Port Kembla, NSW.
Other Names:
Rabbit Island (former name and still used locally), Perkins Island; Big Islands, No's. 1 and 2. The island is almost divided by a low isthmus, thus it is convenient to follow the separate numbering given originally by Consett Davis.
Description:
Largest of the group 1100 m (E. to W.) by 500 m (N. to S.); 19ha; No. 1 is irregular in shape, No. 2 is roughly rectangular; maximum elevation 20 m. A mostly inaccessible shoreline of dolerite rock, forms low cliffs in many places but slopes moderately to sea level on much of the landward side of No. 1, which is strewn with water-washed boulders and has a small sandy beach. The soil cover is deepest on the landward slope of No. 1.
The plateau of No. 2 is mainly bare rock with a soil cap towards the western end. It is probable that the islands have never supported any tree growth. Principal woody plants are Correa alba and Westringia fruiticosa seldom over 1 m. Soil binders mainly comprise, Pigface Carpobrotus glaucescents, Buffalo Grass Stenotaphrum secundatum, Prickly Couch Zoisia macrantha and tussock grass Poa sp. These have been reduced through erosion in recent years.
Some tussocks of Mat Rush Lomandra longifolia on the upper westward slopes of No. 1 retain the soil, presumably at the original level, and provide a measure of the erosion which has taken place. In the summer of 1975-76, Kikuyu Grass Peniosetum clandestinum and Crowsfoot Grass Eleusine indica spread rapidly in the very wet season. In March 1976 the Kikuyu Grass covered large areas of No. 1, forming a "mattress" almost 1 m thick in places. By 1998 the Kikuyu has covered most of No1 Island. A freshwater soak of doubtful purity is located a few metres south of Perkins beach on the Island. Crowsfoot Grass covered much of the normally exposed, rocky plateau on No. 2. Much of the south-western end of No. 2 Carpobrotus glaucesens has been re-established and is flourishing.
Landing: The beach, when approached from the north, is a safe landing place under most conditions for a small boat four metres or less. There are many submerged rocks near the shore, close to the surface at low tide. Swells from the south usually subside in deeper water just before reaching the landing area at low tide. In moderate conditions it is possible to land from a dinghy onto suitable rocks or sand on the lee side of No. 1 near the isthmus. Direction of winds swell and tides would have to be considered before attempting to land.
Breeding Seabirds
Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor)
Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus pacificus)
Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris)
*White-faced Storm-petrel (Pelagodroma marina)
Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
Reef Egret (Egretta sacra)
Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus)
Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae)
Crested Tern (Sterna bergi)
* No recent accounts of breeding on Big 1 & 2
Other Birds Recorded
Brown Quail (Coturnix ypsilophora)
Grey Teal (Anas gracilis)
Southern Giant-petrel (Macronectes giganteus)
Fairy Prion (Pachyptila turtur (derelict)
Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus)
Fluttering Shearwater (Puffinus gavia)
Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator)
Little Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos)
Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius)
Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
White-faced Heron (Egretta (Ardea) novaehollandie)
Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca)
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)
Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
White-bellied sea-eagle (Halieetus leucogaster)
Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Australian Kestrel (Falco cenchroides)
Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis)
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) (brown-backed form, possible sub sp. hudsonicus)
Grey-tailed Tattler (Heteroscelis brevipes)
Wandering Tattler (Heteroscelis incana)
Ruddy Turnstone. (Arenaria interpres)
Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva)
Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles)
Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus)
Artic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus)
Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)
White-fronted tern (Sterna striata)
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Rock Dove (Columba livia)
Spotted Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Leaden Flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula)
Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)
Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides)
Richard's Pipit (Keast) (Anthus novaeseelandiae)
Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)
Fairy martin (Hirundo areil)
Golden-headed cisticola (Cisticola exilis)
Silver eye (Zosterops lateralis)
Other Vertebrates
Eastern water Skink (Sphenomorphus quoyii)
Wide spread and very common on No. 1 and No. 2 islands, not recorded from any other islands in the group.
Garden skink (Lampropholis delicata)
At the Five Islands Nature Reserve, recorded from Flinder's Island and Big Island No. 1 Smith and Battam. pers obs.
Wealse skink (Leiolopisma mustelina)
Recorded only Big Island No. 1 Anyon-Smith, Smith and Keast, pers obs. December 1997
Three-toed Skink (Saiphos equalis)
Recorded only from Big Island No. 1 May 27th 1997 (LES)
Martin Islet
Location: 34 29' S., 150 56' E.; 2.5 km south-east of Port Kembla, NSW., and 1 km offshore.
Other Names: No. 3.
Description: 2.5 ha; roughly elliptical in shape with axes of 300 m by 150 m. The island is composed of heavily jointed Dapto dolerite and rises to 16 m. It is exposed to the prevailing strong southerly winds. Vegetated only on the more sheltered north-west section, over an area of some 0.35 ha. Predominant vegetation is Prickly couch Zoisia macrantha, with a small area of Pigface Carpobrotus glaucescens; Pickly pear Opuntia stricta is well established on the edges of the north-west corner.
Landing: Difficult and possible only in calm seas as the sides are steep; a strong surge, which often breaks, occurs around the full perimeter. Jumping or swimming ashore is usually necessary.
Breeding Seabirds
Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor)
Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus pacificus)
Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris)
*White-faced Storm-petrel (Pelagodroma marina)
Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
Reef Egret (Egretta sacra)
Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus)
Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae)
Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)
Crested Tern (Sterna bergi)
*No recent accounts of breeding on Martin Is.
Other Birds Recorded
Fluttering Shearwater (Puffinus gavia)
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)
White-faced Heron (Egretta (Ardea) novaehollandie) White-bellied sea-eagle (Halieetus leucogaster)
Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) Grey-tailed Tattler (Heteroscelis brevipes) Ruddy Turnstone. (Arenaria interpres)
White-fronted tern (Sterna striata)
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides)
Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)
Flinders Islet
Location: 34 27' S., 150 56' E.; 4 km north-east of Port Kembla, NSW and 1.5 km offshore.
Other Names - (No 4); together with Bass Islet, (No 5), form the Tom Thumb Island Group. Locally known as Toothbrush Island.
Description: 2.8 ha; a rocky, wave-cut platform with a small, vegetated plateau at the south-west corner. The island extends about 300 m by 160 m with a plateau about 125 m by 75 m at the widest. There is a small area of sand and gravel near the base on the eastern side of the island. This is an important breeding sight of the Sooty Oystercatcher. The plateau rises to 13 m and has a number of small caves in its almost vertical sides. Vegetation of the plateau is now dominated by the introduced weed Bitu bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera), Myoporum insulare, Coast Rosemary Westringia fruiticosa and Saltbush Atriplex cinerea have become very sparse. Pigface Carpobrotus glaucescens is clinging to existence on the southern end it too is becoming very sparse. Pigweed Portulaca oleracea, Correa alba, (now restricted to a few plants on northern end of plateau) Dichondra repens. Commelina cyanea, Tetragonia tetragonioides and Kennedia rubicunda occur in mixed communities all of which are now regarded as sparse.
For further details of the vegetation of Flinders Is Re. Rodway 1928. Davis 1938 and Mills 1990.
Landing: Except in rough seas and large swells, landing a small boat is possible on a gravel beach in the Gulch on the north-west end of the island. There are submerged rocks near the entrance and usually a strong surge, necessitating a cautious approach and exit. Great care is required in assessing the state of the tides and sea conditions if staying on the island for an extended time.
Breeding Birds
Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor)
Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus pacificus)
Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris)
White-faced Storm-petrel (Pelagodroma marina)
Reef Egret (Egretta sacra)
Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus)
Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)
Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides)
Other Birds Recorded
Little Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos)
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)
White-bellied sea-eagle (Halieetus leucogaster)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus (brown backed form), possible sub sp. hudsonicus)
Grey-tailed Tattler (Heteroscelis brevipes)
Wandering Tattler (Heteroscelis incana)
Ruddy Turnstone. (Arenaria interpres)
White-fronted tern (Sterna striata)
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Southern Boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae)
Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides)
Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)
Fairy martin (Hirundo areil)
Silver eye (Zosterops lateralis)
Reptiles
Garden Skink Lampropholis delicata
Bass Islet
Location: 34 28' S., 150 57' E.; 4 km north-east of Port Kembla, NSW., and 3 km offshore.
Other Names: No. 5, or Pig Island. Together with Flinders Islet,(No 4), forms the Tom Thumb Island Group.
Description: 2.3 ha; 225 m by 150 m, the outer-most of the Five Islands, it is some 16 m high and is very exposed to prevailing southerlies. Only small areas of soil occur, and these are on the north-western side. The vegetation is predominantly Pigweed Portulaca oleracea with some New Zealand Spinach Tetragonia tetragoniodes and Saltbush Atriplex cinerea. Buffalo Grass Stenotaphrum secundatum, Summer Grass Digitaria marginatum and Paspalum distichum flourish after prolonged spells of wet weather. The island is composed of heavily jointed Dapto dolerite, a hard rock of volcanic origin, which has eroded more readily along some prominent joints, leaving small ridges which offer useful shelter for breeding seabirds.
Landing: Extremely difficult. Almost flat seas are essential even for swimming on and off the island, hence visits are rare.
Breeding Seabirds
Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor)
Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus)
Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae)
Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)
Crested Tern (Sterna bergi)
Other Birds Recorded
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
White-bellied sea-eagle (Halieetus leucogaster)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus (brown backed form), possible sub sp. hudsonicus)
Grey-tailed Tattler (Heteroscelis brevipes)
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
White-fronted tern (Sterna striata)
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides)
Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)
Breeding Season Of Seabirds On The Five Islands
The breeding season is very protracted, August-November are the principal egg-laying months. Many birds arriving in late July. Little Penguins are ashore to moult from late January, and Wedge-tailed Shearwater chicks have fledged by May.
Out side of this period there is little breeding activity other than that of the Australian Pelican which breeds in all months.
Factors Affecting The Status Of Breeding Sea and Shorebirds
At the Five Islands the single most cause of decline of some seabird breeding numbers appears to be habitat degradation. Due to the introduction of exotic animals and weed species. The introduction of Kikuyu grass (Peniosetum clandestinum) to Big Islands No 1&2 in the late 1960s, either deliberately, to stabilise or control soil erosion during 1968-69 when the islands were almost denuded of vegetation due to a prolonged drought. Or inadvertently introduced by Silver Gulls as nesting materials, which ever the case it has had a profound effect on the vegetation characteristics of Big Island No1. In the past 30 years it has overgrown the majority of the remnant native plant communities. Kikuyu forms an almost impenetrable barrier to burrowing seabirds particularly Storm-petrels Shearwaters and Penguins. It affords excellent nesting sites for the super abundant Silver gulls. Clearly this problem of habitat degradation needs to be addressed, if the decline of suitable nesting sites for seabirds is to be reversed.
Problems exist in choosing suitable plant species for regeneration. Historically little is known of the original vegetation cover, other than, those species which have been previously recorded as occurring on the islands in Rodway 1928, Davis et.al. 1938 Mills 1989.
Unfortunately Big Island, has in the past been subject to grazing by goats and cattle. Rabbits also occurred on the island though it is not known when they were introduced. They were however eradicated in 1969 H. Battam pers com. It is unlikely that any of the out lying islands were grazed. Recorded visits to the islands prior 1909 are few. In all accounts Finder's Island had the most diverse plant species of the Group. Possibly this is what the original vegetation of Big Islands was like prior to grazing.
Presently much of the Flinder's Islands plateau is now dominated by the introduced weed Bitu bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera). This is presently being controlled to some extent, biologically, by a moth which has been introduced to nearby Hill 60. The moth has spread naturally to Flinder's Island. Flinders Island along with Big Is No. 2 offers what remains of many species, endemic to the islands. This material remains the last seed bank for the collection of material to revegetate plots on the other islands. Due to the encroachment of the Bitu Bush and other non-native species much of the native stock may be already gone.
We believe that through long term habitat management and revegetation with endemic native plant species, areas of the islands can be improved to a point which will encourage the re-colonisation of these areas by nesting seabirds.
For further details of the vegetation of Flinders Island Re Rodway F.A. 1928. Davis 1938 and Mills K. 1990.
Pollution The Five Islands Nature Reserve (Big Islands No. 1 & 2 ) are situated less than 1,000 metres of the Port Kembla sewage outlet and Fisherman's beach. This beach is rarely given a Water Watch Rating of more than Three Star rating. Not suitable for swimming, yet suitable for breeding seabirds to feed in! Large amounts of plastic bottles and containers have been collected from the southern side of the isthmus between No 1. & 2. Over 1,100 Litres of plastic waste has been colleted here in 2 years.
(Excellent study site for the migration of stormwater pollution). During the winter months and periods of heavy rain). The southern group of islands, provides an excellent natural catchment for Flotsam and Jetsam, occurring from Bass Point north to the islands.
The reopening of a major copper smelting plant, close by at Port Kembla may well have a major effect on breeding seabirds particularly the emission of lead and other toxic metals into the atmosphere. These would most likely affect the breeding population of the Sooty Oystercatcher, declared under the Threatened Species Act 1992 as vulnerable. Much of their diet includes molluscs, bivalves, mussels and ascidians. Filter feeders known to accumulate heavy metals.
Plastics, Rubber And Monofilement Fishing LinesThere have been instances where birds, including the threatened Sooty Oystercatcher have been found dead due to becoming entangled in fishing line and or plastic, as used in securing six packs of beverages. Specimens of two Sooty Oystercatchers which were found dead due to entanglement in discarded fishing lines, have been lodged with the Bird Department of the Australian Museum in Sydney. Smith pers obs. There have also been cases where seabirds have died from the ingestion of the remains of rubber balloons. Autopsies conducted on several species beach-washed on the islands have shown that death was caused by starvation due to obstruction to the gut by rubber balloons.
Other Significant Factors Affecting The Integrity Of The Nature Reserve(1) Urbanisation of much of the Illawarra district has resulted in a greatly increased number of pleasure craft with easy access to all Islands in the group.
Damage to seabird breeding burrows and deaths of threatened species have occurred, due to unauthorised people visiting the Islands, some vandalism has also occurred.
(2) A significant mortality of fledgling Wedge-tailed shearwaters often occurs during the exodus from the islands, in late April and early May. This is possibly due to the attraction of the illumination of the nearby Port Kembla industrial complex. Fledgling shearwaters are often reported from within the complex.
Introduced Animals
The Five Islands Nature Reserve is at present free of any introduced mammals, it is vitally important that it remains this way. If mammals including Rats or Cats were to find their way to the islands the results would be disastrous to the breeding seabirds.
Early references to the Five Islands mentioned rabbit-shooting visits (Sydney Morning Herald 18 March 1843) and the presence of rabbits and goats in 1849. From about 1888, No. 1 Island was occupied by the Perkins family. The last goats were eliminated by 1917. The small rabbit population was removed by 1969. Battam pers comm.
Animals Bought To The Islands From Elsewhere
Recently, fisherman were observed bringing crabs (Thalamita stimpsoni) from Towera Point (Boat harbour) NSW to Big Island No. 1. These were to be used as bait for fishing. This species has not been previously observed on any of the islands in the group. Smith pers obs.
Predatory Birds
Kites, Sea-eagles, Harriers, Falcons, Australian Ravens and Silver Gulls, appear to have had a minimal impact on the breeding seabird populations. No raptors are known to breed on the islands. (Most records appear as casual or unusual records usually in winter).
Kelp Gull, (Larus dominicanus)
The colonising of the islands by the Kelp gull, in 1968-69 perhaps earlier H. Battam in lit. Almost certainly has had an effect on breeding seabirds. The remains of White-faced Storm-petrels (Pegladroma marina) have been found, indicating predation. Possible predators are the Kelp Gull, Australian Raven and Boobook Owl Ninox novaeseelandiae; the latter has only rarely been recorded from the island.
It is noticeable that the Storm-petrel decline, coincides with the appearance and breeding of the Kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) the origins of which remain obscure, despite much research into it's origins, Smith pers obs.
The most likely scenario, is that the birds had been inadvertently introduced to the region or found their own way, most probably from New Zealand. Their presence in Australia was first discovered by A.R.Magill in 1943. Magill 1955 in lit.
Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides)
The Australian raven, breeds only on Flinders Island, the nest site is situated in a small cave on the northern face of the plateau. These birds are known predators of nestlings and Storm-petrels on the island.
On Big Islands 1 & 2 during Autumn, large numbers of wintering ravens flocks of 80+ have been observed feeding on the fruits of the Pigface (Carpobrotus glaucesens) and mirror bush Coprosma repens. The seeds of the later are regurgitated in the form of a pellet. Pellets containing more than one hundred seeds have been found on islands No's 1 & 2.
Humans And Disturbance
Due to the small size of some of the outlying it is not possible to access them with out causing some disturbance. Disturbance by field researchers needs to be taken into consideration, particularly when working on the smaller islands in the group. The effects of visitation to the islands needs to be monitored closely to ensure that at all times, disturbance be kept to a minimum. Should disturbance through field work become a factor in any undue mortality. Then study methods would have to be modified to ensure minimal disturbance.
Recommendations The Southern Oceans Seabird Study Association (SOSSA) proposes that the Five Islands Nature Reserve be Gazetted as a Marine and Estuarine protected Area (MEPA) as defined by the Australian Council of Nature Conservation Ministers (CONCOM).
"As any area of intertidal or sub-tidal terrain, together with it's superjacent waters and associated flora and fauna, which has been reserved to protect part or all of the enclosed environment for conservation, scientific, educational or recreational purposes"
It is vitally important that the NSW Fisheries, Parks and Wildlife Service work together in protecting the whole of this most valuable nature reserve. It clearly is the responsibility of both Government bodies to ensure the protection of the Five Islands Nature Reserve. The presence of such a high percentage over 30%, of the breeding population of the Sooty Oystercatcher in NSW, (currently listed as vulnerable under the Endangered Species Act of 1992). Indicate that the intertidal and sub-tidal zones are equally as important, if not as diverse as those of Long Reef MEPA currently afforded protection under the above legislation.
Banding studies undertaken by Smith et al 1984-98 (SOSSA) have shown that Sooty Oystercatchers, colour banded as chicks on the Five islands have been recorded foraging from Long Reef, north of Sydney, south to Congo Point NSW.
It is of the utmost importance that a biological survey of the intertidal zones of the Five Islands Nature Reserve, be conducted to ensure the survival of the Sooty Oystercatcher in NSW.
Studies conducted by Smith et al. (1998) and others have indicated that many rock platforms on the adjacent mainland coast are important foraging areas for breeding and non-breeding Sooty Oystercatchers.
A precedent for joint management of a MEPA by the NSW Fisheries, and Parks and Wildlife Service, has been set in NSW. The Bouddi National Park's marine extension is managed jointly by The NSW Agriculture & Fisheries and the Parks and Wildlife Service.
Flinder's Island has an extensive inter tidal zone, which as yet has not been satisfactorily be surveyed or documented. SOSSA has recorded many species to date. We consider that a an intertidal zone specialist, survey the site at both inter-tidal and sub-tidal zones. Flinder's Island is the main breeding site of the Threatened Sooty Oystercatcher. During the breeding season, many pairs rely on this inter-tidal zone in order to breed.
Surveys
Seabird colonies need to be surveyed and marked, before any major re-vegetation work is conducted, as there are certain areas on the islands where shearwater colonies are too fragile to work in. Initial work is currently under way as a joint venture by SOSSA, NSW P&WS and the Coomaditchy Aboriginal Union.
Endemic Plant Material Collection
Some material from the Correa alba and Westringia fruiticosa collected by Smith, from Flinders Is in 1995, have been propagated by Wollongong Botanic Gardens under the guidance of gardens Curator (Steve Poppel). As from March 1997 almost 100 plants have been propagated from this material and are ready to plant back onto the Islands, a further 300 cuttings have been struck from this material. It is hoped that these few plants can be used in future re-vegetation of the islands.
Further specimens of plant material including seeds, are required, to be propagated if these island forms are to be saved. This will ensure the islands can be re stocked with the original forms as part of a suggested, re-vegetation program before they are lost. It is suggested that any re-vegetation programs should be conducted by specialised (Coast Care or Bush Care Groups) under the guidance of SOSSA. This will ensure minimum disturbance of breeding Sea and Shorebirds.
Appendix 1
Bird Species Recorded Breeding On The Five Islands Nature Reserve
An annotated list:
Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor)
Breeding species, nesting recorded from all island in the group. Typically in burrows, caves and under shrubs. Over 1000 occupied burrows estimated in 1962 Gibson et al. Since 1962, numbers appear to have declined dramatically, due principally to degradation of habitat by the introduction of Kikuyu Grass.
Breeding season typically late July-February. Birds ashore for post breeding moult February-April, (some birds ashore in May-June M. Jarman pers ob).
Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus pacifcus)
Breeding species recorded from all islands in the group, with the exception of Bass Island, (insufficient soil in which to burrow). Largest concentration is on Big Island No. 1.
Birds begin to arrive in local waters during late August. Adults ashore at night to repair nesting burrows or dig new ones. Peak activity in early October, during the period of the new moon. Eggs are laid late November early December, adults and chicks have departed by mid-May. Occupied burrows spread over much of No. 1 Island and suitable areas on No. 2 and outlying islands.
"Over 1000 burrows" in 1940 Keast (1943). Numbers have declined dramatically, due principally to degradation of habitat by the introduction of Kikuyu Grass.
This species was listed as protected species under bi-lateral agreements, Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA).
Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris)
First discovered nesting on No. 1 in 1960 when 17 burrows were found in Wedge-tailed shearwater (P. pacificus) colony. Since have been recorded breeding in small numbers on all islands in the group with the exception of Bass Island, (insufficient soil in which to burrow).
At least 100 burrows estimated in 1968 (H. Battam, pers. comm.). Like the previous species numbers appear to have declined, due to habitat degradation. Breeding season similar to P. pacificus.
Listed as a protected species under bi-lateral agreements, Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA).
White-faced Storm-petrel (Pelagodroma marina)
Breeding species, first recorded breeding on the Five Islands by Basset Hull in October 1909, when fresh and partially incubated eggs were found in burrows on Big Island No. 1. Hull records October 15th as laying date (Hull 1916). First discovered breeding on No. 2 in 1940, when burrows were located on the higher parts of the islands amongst tussock (Lomandria sp) and pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens), some in bare wind-blown soil. Estimated to be more than 200 burrows in 1955.
Not recorded as breeding on No. 1 or No. 2 since 1969 ( Battam per's comm.)
A few burrows were found on Martin Island in December 1972, and one nestling located. Probably small numbers present to breed on the Island, from October to February. Estimated 10+ breeding pairs.
Relatively large colony discovered breeding on Flinder's Island in February 1990 after being absent for many years. (Battam and Smith pers. obs.) Currently under study by SOSSA.
Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
First discovered breeding on Big Island No. 1 in December 1983 (Fackender 1983). Pers comm. Numbers increasing rapidly to 500 pairs in November 1996, Smith pers obs. Since 1994 Pelicans have bred on all other islands in the group with the exception of Flinder's Island. Has displaced the Crested Tern Sterna burgii from favoured breeding sites in recent years Smith (1997). Recorded breeding in most months of the year. Can adversely be affected by disturbance by man. Often deserts colonies.
Reef Heron (Egretta sacra)
Rarely recorded on the Five Islands. Recorded breeding on a shelf in a small cave on the eastern side of Flinder's Island in December 1969. Battam (1976a). It has since not been recorded breeding on any of the islands in the group since that occasion. Smith per obs.
(This species had not previously, or since been recorded as breeding recorded as breeding in NSW) Blakers et.al 1984 Atlas of Australian Birds.
Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus) (Threatened Species)
At the time of writing up to sixteen pairs recorded breeding annually, in small, breeding territories. This represents the most important breeding site in NSW almost 30% of the total breeding population of New South Wales breeds on Flinder's Island. This breeding population, its breeding biology and post breeding dispersal are presently the subject of ongoing research by members of the SOSSA team.
Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae)
Very common breeding species. First recorded on Bass Island (No. 5) by Hull in 1914, No. 2 in 1940 when a few pairs nested at the eastern end. This island was used exclusively up to 1952 when an overflow nested on nearby Martin Islet. Subsequently, Martin and Bass Islets were occupied in addition to No. 2. First recorded nesting on No. 1 in 1957 (northern end) increasing annually. In the 1962 census, there were 10,500 nests on No. 1 and 7,300 nests on No. 2. Estimated at 50,000 pairs in 1988-91 Smith. Breeds July to February.
Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)
First recorded breeding on 9th December 1969 and has probably bred each year since. Numbers have increased slowly over the past 30 years, have bred on Martin Island, Flinder's Island and Bass Island in the group. Largest breeding concentrations occur on Bass Island.
In 1991 the breeding population peaked at 21 pairs, 18 of which were on Bass Island and 3 pairs on Flinder's Island. Smith pers obs. It is doubtful that the NSW population exceeds 130 individuals. The Five Islands Nature Reserve is the only known occupied breeding site for the species in NSW. The species have previously bred on Moon Island off Swansea. Gwynne and Grey 1959 (origins unknown) possibly endemic.
Crested Tern (Sterna bergi)
Regular breeding species, present to breed usually from September to February. Compact colonies are formed among the gulls usually on No. 2 (sometimes also on Martin and Bass Islets). Nesting has not been recorded from No.1 or Flinder's Island. The colonies have variable location, depending on season and food supply. Up to 2,000 pairs have been recorded nesting on No. 2 in 1997 Smith pers obs. Since 1985 colonies have been displaced from favoured breeding sites by the presence of nesting Australian Pelicans.
Appendix 2
Other Birds Recorded:
During our studies many other species were recorded, below is a current list of all species recorded from the reserve. Their status is undescribed.
Brown Quail (Coturnix ypsilophora)
Grey Teal (Anas gracilis)
Southern Giant-petrel (Macronectes giganteus)
Fairy Prion (Pachyptila turtur (derelict)
Sooty shearwater (Puffinus griseus)
Fluttering Shearwater (Puffinus gavia)
Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator)
Little Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos)
Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)
White-faced Heron (Egretta (Ardea) novaehollandie)
Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca)
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)
Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
White-bellied sea-eagle (Halieetus leucogaster)
Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Australian Kestrel (Falco cenchroides)
Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis)
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) (brown backed form, possible sub sp. hudsonicus)
Grey-tailed Tattler (Heteroscelis brevipes)
Wandering Tattler (Heteroscelis (Tringa) incana)
Ruddy Turnstone. (Arenaria interpres)
Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva)
Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles)
Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus)
Artic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus)
Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)
White-fronted tern (Sterna striata)
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Rock Dove (Columba livia)
Spotted Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)
Southern Boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae)
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Leaden Flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula)
Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)
Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides)
Richard's Pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae)
Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)
Fairy martin (Hirundo areil)
Golden-headed cisticola (Cisticola exilis)
Silver eye (Zosterops lateralis)
Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)
Christidis & Boles, 1994
Other Vertebrates:
Eastern water Skink (Sphenomorphus quoyii)
Wide spread and very common on No. 1 and No. 2 islands, not recorded from any other islands in the group.
Garden Skink (Lampropholis delicata)
A wide spread species in southern NSW. At the Five Islands Nature Reserve, recorded from Flinder's Island and Big Island No. 1 Smith and Battam. pers obs.
Wealse skink (Leiolopisma mustelina)
Big Island. No. 1 Anyon-Smith, Smith and Keast
Three-toed Skink (Saiphos equalis)
Big Island No. 1 May 27th 1997 (LES)
Since 1988 due largely to having access to the shed. Affectionately known as the "Five Islands Hilton" and better access to boats. A great deal more research has been conducted into the biology of the Five Islands Nature Reserve.
In the past the Field Laboratory (Consett Davis Hut) has been broken into on several occasions resulting in much valuable equipment being stolen and the hut vandalised. SOSSA at it's own expense has replaced smashed windows, interior lining including floor covering and have fitted steel mesh to windows and a heavy steel security door and replaced much of the wooden decking. Since the people of Volunteer Coast Guard tower on HILL 60, Red Point, have maintained surveillance of the islands we have no further vandalism of the hut. It is not possible to land on the beach on the island or access the shed without being seen from Hill 60. The Coast Guard contact us immediately by phone. We in turn advise the, NSW P&WS or Water Police, we follow this up by speaking to people when they return to the mainland.
Many of these fisherman have asked whether permits are available to fish on the islands outside of the breeding season?. If this were to be allowed then we are faced with the job of policing the access. This has been achieved in past with the assistance of the Volunteer Coast Guard tower on HILL 60 at Red Point. SOSSA makes a small donation, thanking them for their annual diligence.
Further to this interactive signs are to be placed near the Volunteer Coast Guard tower on HILL 60 Red Point and a further sign to be erected at the boat ramp on Fisherman's Beach. It is suggested that the original SEABIRD STUDY AREA SIGN (which was cut up and used as fire wood by vandals), be replaced by the NSW P&WS.
The Consett Davis Hut (AKA) "The Shed Or The Five Islands Hilton"
The shed was originally built in 1988 by Phil Straw then assistant to Dr. Geoffrey Smith. It was built to accommodate two people, often for an extended period. The shed was built as Field Station/Research Laboratory, from which to study the biology and management of the Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae) in NSW. Carried out with funding from the Waste Management Authority (now Waste Service), the Water Board and NSW Parks & Wildlife Service.
Since the completion of that study much of the original equipment was removed by the NSW P&WS to be used on Cabbage Tree Island to be used in the very successful Gould's Petrel study, Nicholas Carlile. per's comm. SOSSA took charge of maintaining the shed in 1992. Since then we have been able to conduct far more research into the biology of the Five Islands. Such has been the interest in the marine environment in recent times we have been assisted in our field work by students, both Tertiary and University, in conducting field research into the "Five Islands biology and the ecology of it's inhabitants".
Unfortunately we have had to decline the interest of many other's due to the fact that we cannot accommodate them on the islands. Funding is sought to encourage further research to be conducted by biology students of the University of Wollongong. Perhaps those completing honours or Phd.
With the assistance of the NSW P&WS. SOSSA has been able to rebuild the "Five Islands Shed" into a Field Laboratory suitable to accommodate six people over night and four for an extended period in relative comfort. The hut to be named the "CONSETT DAVIS HUT" in recognition of the pioneering work conducted by Consett Davis and others, on their efforts to ensure the future of the Five Islands Nature Reserve. We believe that this will encourage further participation from students and interested scientists not only locally but globally. Students from the University of Wollongong are currently involved in various studies on the biology of the islands as are other interested people.
Re-vegetation work and removal of weed species is currently being undertaken by specialist people under the guidance of SOSSA and NSW P&WS. It is important that all re-vegetation work is to be restricted to small sample plots to establish and monitor potential plant material for further propagation.
SOSSA has invested a great deal of effort and finances into establishing a research centre at the Five Islands. This has been achieved with the assistance of NSW P&WS and many SOSSA members, sponsors and interested members of the community. SOSSA is seeking further funding to enable research into the ecology of the Five Islands Nature Reserve to continue. Funding should be met by both Federal and State Governments, NSWP&WS, NSW Water Board, Environment Protection Authority, NSW Fisheries, Education and Training Departments, Local Government and Councils.
Bibliography
Anon. (1976). Recovery Round-up. Aust. Bird Bander 14: 76
Battam, H. (1970). 'The Dominican Gull on the Five Islands, New South Wales'. Aust. Bird Bander 8. 32-33.
Battam, H.J. (1976a) Seabird Islands No 39, Flinder's Islet. Five Islands NSW. Australian Bird Bander 14 : 104 -105.
Battam, H.J. (1976b).Seabird Islands No 40, Bass Islet, Five Islands, NSW. Australian Bird Bander 14: 106 - 107.
Battam, H.J. (1976c). Seabird Islands No 41 Martin Islet, Five Islands, New South Wales. Australian Bird Bander 14: 108 - 109.
Battam, H, Leishman A.J. and Smith L. E. (1986) Nesting of Australian Pelicans on Martin Island, Five Islands New South Wales Australian Birds, Vol 20 p 61-62
Battam, H. & L. E. Smith. (1988). 'Report on some aspects of the Silver Gull population and it's dynamics.' Unpublished report to the Metropolitan Waste Disposal Authority.
Chafer, C. J. 1992a Ascidian predation by the Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus further observations. The Stilt 20, 20-21.
Chafer, C. J. 1992b. The Foraging Ecology of the Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus on Rocky Shores of the Illawarra Region, New South Wales. Report for Department Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong New South Wales.
Christidis, L. & W.E. Boles. 1994 The Taxonomy and Species of Birds of Australia and Its Territories. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union Monograph 2. RAOU, Melbourne.
Davis, C., M.F. Fay and D.F Waterhouse (1938). 'Notes on the Terrestrial Ecology of the Five Islands'. Proc, Linn. Soc, NSW. 63: 358-388.
Gwynne, A. J. & D.F. Grey (1959). Breeding of the Southern Black-backed Gull on Moon Island, NSW. Emu, 59 (2): 141-142.
Gibson, J.D. and A. R. Sefton (1955), 'Mortality of Shearwaters', Emu 55: 259-262.
Gibson, J. D. (1976) Seabird Islands No 38, Big Island, Five Islands, NSW. Australian Bird Bander 14: 100 - 103.
Gibson, J. D. (1979). Growth in the population of the Silver Gull on the Five Islands group, New South Wales. Corella 3: 103-104.
Hull, A.F. Basset (1911). 'Avifauna of the New South Wales Islands', Part 1, Emu 11:99- 104.
Hull, A.F. Basset (1916). 'Avifauna of the New South Wales Islands'. Part 2 Emu 15: 207-216.
Hull, A.F. Basset (1922). 'The Islands of New South Wales and their Birds'. Aust. Mus. Mag. 1: 139-146.
Hindwood, K.A. (1948). 'Notes on Sea-birds Breeding on Coastal Islands of New South Wales'. Emu 48: 73-81.
Iredale, T. (1928). 'A wave-guarded Kingdom of Birds'. Emu 27: 271-274.
Keast, J. A. (1943). 'Birds of the Five Islands'. Emu 42: 133-140.
Carrick, R., W.R. Wheeler and M.D. Murray (1957), Seasonal Dispersal and Mortality in the Silver Gull, Larus novaehollandiae Stephens, and Crested Tern, Sterna bergii Liechtenstein', CSIRO Wildl, Res. 2: 116-144.
Carter, B.S. (1962), 'Five Islands Foray', Bird Bander 1: 35-36.
Finigan, W. (1914), 'Birds of the Five Island' in Bird Life Supplement of The Public Instruction Gazette, October, pp. 7-10.
Lane, S.G. (1961), 'Nesting of the Short-tailed Shearwater on the Five Islands, NSW', Emu 61: 65-66.
Mills. K. (1990). Terrestrial vegetation of Big Island, the Five Islands group, Port Kembla, New South Wales: 1938 - 1989. An historical and ecological study. Occasional Papers on the Vegetation of the Illawarra Region, No 3 Woonona, NSW: Kevin Mills and Associates Pty. Ltd.
Rodway F.A. The Vegetation of The "Five Islands" The Australian Naturalist Vol 17 No 4 Sept 1928 p 73-75.
Smith. G. C. (1992). Silver Gulls and emerging problems from increasing abundance. Corella 16: 39 - 46.
Smith. G. C. N. Carlisle and S. Tully. (1992) Breeding and Movements of Wing-tagged Silver Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae) at the Largest Colony in New South Wales, Wildl. Res 19 161 - 167.
Smith. G. C. and N. Carlisle. (1992) Habitat Use by Silver Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae) In the Sydney -.Wollongong Region, New South Wales. Wetlands (Australia) 11, 1992. 33 - 46
Smith. G. C. and N. Carlisle. (1993) Methods for Population Control within a Silver Gull Colony. Wildl. Res 20 219 -26
Smith. G. C. and N. Carlisle. (1993) Food and Feeding Ecology of Breeding Silver Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae) in Urban Australia. Colonial Waterbirds 16(1):9-17
Smith. G.C. 1995. The biology and management of the Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae) in NSW. Species management report number 17 NSW. National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Aerial Photographs And Source:
Wollongong City Council have black & white photographs of Big Island 1948 and 1955.
University of Wollongong have photographic series, 1941 / 48-51 / 1958-1960 / 1961 / 1963 / 1966.
L.I.C. Have photographs of the Five Islands 1990/1994/1983,1984,1980,1979,1974,1972, 1969, at various scales Paul Mooney. pers com.
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