Watch out for boatie bags in the Bay of Islands
Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Introduction
For the second year in a row, Bay of Islands’ Department of Conservation staff and Project Island Song volunteers will be giving out bags of goodies to local and visiting boaties to the Bay of Islands.Date: 14 December 2010
Boaties enjoying the Bay of Islands can help protect the pest-free islands from rats and stoats reinvading.
(From left) Julie Kidman (Fish Forever)
and Helen Ough Dealy (DOC) in a ‘sea’
of Project Island Song boatie goody bags
For the second year in a row, Bay of Islands’ Department of Conservation staff and Project Island Song volunteers will be giving out bags of goodies to local and visiting boaties to the Bay of Islands.
Department of Conservation Community Relations Ranger, Helen Ough Dealy says, “We will be giving out more than 200 bright yellow bags filled with information about the pest-free islands of the eastern Bay of Islands. These bags were really popular last summer. This year they include a rat trap for the boaties’ own vessels, or if their boats are stored on land, their garages; a fishing sticker with information about the project, a Stop Check and Go flyer, as well as information about the Fish Forever marine networks campaign. Even the kids haven’t been left out – there’s a ‘snakes and ladders’ biosecurity game and Fish Forever temporary tattoo for them.”
Bags will be given out both on land and on sea from 27 December on from Te Uenga Bay, Kaimarama Bay, Opua Marina launching ramp, Opito Bay, Russell Beach, and Oke Bay.
DOC staff will also be handing out the goody bags while out on patrol throughout the summer.
Helen says, “If boaties would like to get a bag before the rush, call me +64 9 403 9006 or send an email hodealy@doc.govt.nz.”
Further information
Project Island Song includes the pest-free islands from Motuarohia (Roberton), Moturua, Waewaetoria, Motukiekie, Okahu, Poroporo, Urupukapuka and all the rock stacks and islets in-between.
Fish Forever is a community-led campaign for a network of no-take marine sanctuaries in the Bay of Islands. www.fishforever.org.nz