Work Continues to Protect Penguin Population

New signs to educate boaters about the little penguin habitat at North Harbour and Spring Cove will be installed this summer.  

Member for Manly James Griffin said NSW Maritime is working with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to improve the visual reminders about the Sydney Harbour critical habitat of the little penguin at Little Manly, Store Beach and Quarantine Station.

“Boaters should be penguin-aware by keeping a proper look out between September and April in particular, which is the breeding season for the little penguins,” Mr Griffin said.

“Vessels moving in and around the areas of North Head and Manly should be aware there is a 4 knot speed limit in these ‘Environmental Protected Areas’, marked with signs.

“Boaters are reminded the 4 knot zone extends from Cannae Point to Smedleys Point, and includes Quarantine Bay, Store Beach, Collins Beach and Little Manly.

“This speed limit also continues north to 100 metres offshore from Smedleys Point toward Manly.”

 “Boaters must anchor at least 50 metres from the high water mark, which is identified by yellow aqua mark buoys and not in the vicinity of known seagrass beds.

“There is also no fishing permitted between sunset and sunrise in these areas.

“It is the responsibility of the skipper to comply with these boating, environmental and safety regulations.”

National Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers will be accompanying NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers on patrols this boating season to help educate boaters on critical habitat zones and boating safety while on Sydney harbour.

For more information visit safety and rules https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/index.html about critical habitats visit https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/criticalhabitat/LittlePenguinNorthHarbourCriticalHabitatDec.htm