Protecting the Shearwaters of Griffiths Island

Published on 11 April 2024

Every year, the Short-tailed Shearwaters from Griffiths Island in Port Fairy embark on an extraordinary migration, travelling over 15,000km to the Aleutian Islands. The fledglings take off a few weeks after their parents, and are vulnerable to predation during this time.

Council is working closely with the Friends of Griffiths Island volunteer group (FOGI) to give the Shearwaters the best chance of migrating successfully.

FOGI will launch their ‘Switch off for Shearwaters’ program on Saturday 13 April, 11:30am-12:00 noon at Port Fairy Community House, including a smoking ceremony by Eastern Maar.

‘Switch off for Shearwaters’ invites the community to actively help from April 10 - May 15 by:

● Switching off external house lighting.

● Shielding bright external lights.

● Keeping an eye out for young Shearwaters landing in unusual places, in and around town.

● Ensuring domestic cats are kept indoors at night.

● Joining FOGI as a volunteer.

Lighting at the island’s entrance rotunda will be switched off by Council during this period.

Council will also undertake proactive fox control measures to help protect the fledgling Short-tailed Shearwaters as they get ready for their first migration.

Monday April 15 has been set as the first date for a fox shoot with professional contractors.

The island and the rotunda carpark will be closed to the public from approximately 5pm Monday April 15 while shooting is in progress.

Mayor, Cr Ian Smith said the island will reopen on Tuesday morning April 16.

“Data from the past few years shows us which dates have the most kills from foxes, so we are undertaking a shoot that night to give the fledglings the best chance of survival,” said Cr Smith.

“Council’s Environment team are getting on the front foot to minimise fox predation of the fledglings,” he said.

A second fox shoot will be held later in the month, to coincide with expected peak fox activity. Details will be advised when confirmed.

Members of the public are asked to avoid the area during the shoots. Safety officers will be on site to prevent public access to the area and Victoria Police have been notified.

“We encourage the community to support the Shearwaters by switching off external lights at home and staying clear of the island during the fox shoot,” said Cr Smith.