A LITTLE penguin found dead on a Safety Bay beach on September 1 most likely died from boat strike.
The penguin was taken to Perth Zoo and a necropsy report from the examination indicated bone fractures and injuries associated with blunt force trauma, most likely from a boat strike.
The penguin was found among many dead pigeons on the beach.
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READ NOWMORE: Pigeon baiting possible cause of dead birds on Safety Bay Beach
City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said grain exporter CBH had engaged a licensed pest technician to carry out a baiting program to control the large number of feral pigeons.
However, the necropsy report clears it of any culpability in the penguin’s death.
In Parliament, South West MLC Diane Evers said the biggest threats to penguins was starvation and boat strike.
She asked Environment Minister Stephen Dawson what was being done to protect the penguins.
Mr Dawson said the speed limit had been reduced within Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.
“This reduced speed limit is intended to reduce the risk of boat strikes to little penguins, Australian sea lions and dolphins,” he said.
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