Northumbria Police is working with the RSPB to protect the nesting colony of one of Europe's rarest breeding seabirds off the Northumberland coast.
The RSPB's Coquet Island nature reserve, off the Northumberland coast near Amble, has virtually the entire UK breeding population of roseate terns and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Last year, 75 pairs of roseate terns nested on the Island.
The force's Wildlife Crime Officers are working with the RSPB to protect these birds from egg thieves.
Roseate terns are fully protected by UK laws and anyone found disturbing, killing, injuring or taking the birds, their nests, or eggs can be fined up to £5,000 for each incident or face six months imprisonment.
Northumberland Wildlife Crime Officer, PC Andy Swinburne, said: 'In the past these birds have attracted unwanted attention from egg thieves as well as reckless disturbance of their nests and chicks by unauthorised visitors to the Island. Police and the RSPB will use everything at our disposal to protect this internationally important population of roseate terns.
'We will be vigorously targeting the egg thieves whose illegal activities risk depriving the public of the pleasure of seeing roseate terns and other rare birds.
'Any incidents or offences will be thoroughly investigated by Northumbria Police and the RSPB Investigations Department, with specialist resources being used if necessary in a bid to combat wildlife crime.
'I would ask local people and visitors to Amble to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information to the police.'
RSPB Coquet Island warden, Paul Morrison, added: 'We are grateful to Northumbria Police for their commitment to help safeguard the nesting roseate terns on Coquet Island. It is appalling that egg thieves are still prepared to target these birds for their own perverse self-interest.
'These rare birds are a beautiful addition to the wildlife of North East England, and trips round the island are a popular tourist attraction that contribute to the local economy.'
Notes
No landing is allowed on the island but boat trips around Coquet Island are available from Amble harbour.
Live images from a CCTV camera on the Island can be seen at the Amble Tourist Information Centre, Queen Street, Amble, Northumberland NE65 0DQ. The Centre is open 10am-5pm Monday-Friday; 9.30am-4pm Saturday (closed for lunch 1.30 pm-2 pm); 10.30 am–2.30 pm Sunday. RSPB volunteers will be on hand every day until late summer to help visitors find and identify the birds.
Try our search facilities to see what other wildlife/ nature attractions are close by.
The original artcile can be found on the RSPB site.