Minister announces temporary ban on wildfowling
Wednesday, 6 January 2010Environment Minister Edwin Poots, today confirmed that shooting certain species of wildfowl will be temporarily suspended because of the severe weather across Northern Ireland.
Species such as ducks, geese and shore waders are having difficulty feeding in the current freezing conditions, threatening the birds’ natural survival.
The suspension which will come into force from 8.00 am on Thursday 7 January 2010 under the Wildlife Order, will last for 14 days with a review after seven days.
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and Countryside Alliance Ireland have been consulted on the suspension and are supportive of this unprecedented measure.
The Minister said: “The recent spell of freezing weather conditions has been particularly hard on wildfowl throughout the UK and I have decided that a temporary suspension of the shooting season for these species should be introduced immediately.
“It has been encouraging to note the responsible attitude shown by shooting organisations such as BASC and Countryside Alliance Ireland who had asked their membership to exercise a voluntary ban on shooting prior to this decision.”
Notes to editors:
1. The suspension on shooting wildfowl is being made through a Special Protection Order made under Article 4(10) of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.
2. The following species are covered by this Order:
·Curlew
·Duck, Tufted
·Gadwall
·Goldeneye
·Goose, Canada
·Goose, Grey-lag
·Goose, Pink footed
·Mallard
·Pintail
·Plover, Golden
·Pochard
·Scaup
·Teal
·Wigeon
3. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014. Out of office hours, contact the EIS duty press officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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