Cape Byron Trust

24/06/2015

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-23/whale-census-finds-numbers-of-humpbacks-spotted-off-cape-byron-/6565830

Whale census says numbers were down by as much as 50 per cent compared with last year.

22/06/2015

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0127616

Abundance and length of the highly-targeted snapper Chysophrys auratus were compared between sites in 'no take' areas (Sanctuary Zones: SZ), partial protected areas which are fished (Habitat Protection Zones: HPZ), and areas outside (Outside) the Solitary Islands Marine Park (SIMP), Australia. Baite…

15/04/2013

Here we have the protected Broken Head Nature Reserve from a different angle. If you're venturing into the park find out more about the culture, history and facilities here : http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHeritage.aspx?id=N0414

Photo credit - Evolution Concierge

07/03/2013

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has appealed to the public to respect the fragile remains of a shipwreck off Byron Bay, which is believed to be a timber vessel which ran aground during huge gales in July 1889.

Director of OEH’s Heritage Branch Petula Samios, who is the NSW delegate for administration of the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 for NSW coastal waters, urged visitors to the site to respect the fragile nature of the historic shipwreck and not interfere with it while it is exposed

“The wreck is a protected historic shipwreck under both the Commonwealth and State law and survives as a fragile part of our maritime archaeological heritage,” Ms Samios said.

“The remains, which are exposed within the beach sands of Belongil Beach on Byron Bay’s main foreshore, have become a local tourist attraction and we are concerned by reports that some people are carrying away timbers and copper alloy fastenings from the exposed timber hull.

“It is an offence to damage the archaeological site and associated relics, or to remove anything from the wreck site.

“Penalties up to $1.1m or six months jail can apply.”

The site was recently reported to OEH by local Byron Bay resident Greg Thompson and staff of the Ballina Naval Museum.

Heritage Branch maritime archaeologists have been monitoring the shipwreck with the assistance of Cape Byron Marine Park staff.

The wreck was beginning to naturally rebury under shifting beach sands last week but recent storm activity has again exposed more of the vessel.

“Identification of the timber vessel is currently unknown but it could be one of four vessels that wrecked ashore at Byron Bay during huge gales in July 1889,” Ms Samios said.

“In total seven vessels were lost from Byron Bay south to Coffs Harbour during the 1889 storm event.

“The wreck comprises the lower hull of a sailing vessel with outer hull planking and internal frames exposed for about 30 metres in length.

“The hull contains both timber and copper alloy fastenings and copper sheathing (thin plates) that protected the hull, making a mid-late nineteenth century date most likely.

“The discovery provides another glimpse into the fascinating maritime history of our State. These sites form a part of the fabric of our coastal and riverine communities and deserve to be preserved and for their stories to be remembered.”

Maritime archaeologists from OEH will visit the site to obtain detailed measurements of the hull timbers and a sample of wood for species identification, to see if the vessel was Australian built or foreign.

The NSW Government is committed to conserving, safeguarding and celebrating our State’s unique maritime heritage.

All shipwrecks lost in NSW can be searched through the Office of Environment and Heritage’s Maritime Heritage Online website http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/

17/02/2013

The Cape Byron State Conservation Area has been awarded silver at the 2012 National Tourism Awards in Hobart).

This national accolade follows the Gold Award in the NSW Tourism Awards in November last year.

Cape Byron Trust Chair Yvonne Stewart said the reserve recieved the award because it celebrates the rich heritage of the Arakwal people, along with the region’s colourful colonial past.

“And of course we are also blessed with outstanding natural values at Cape Byron,” she said.

Ms Stewart said this award was acknowledgement of the successful partnership between the NPWS and the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal people.

Two of the programs run at Cape Byron are Working on Country and the popular Dolphin Dreaming School Education Program. 66 percent of the people employed on these programs are indigenous,” she said.

Ms Stewart said the visitor experience was also enhanced by the more than 50 local volunteers at the Cape Byron Lighthouse Museum.

14/02/2013

The community is invited to an Information Morning on the Draft Plan of Management for the Broken Head Nature Reserve, including the proposal to create a link between the Three Sisters Walking Track and the Kings Beach Walking Track.

The Information Day will be held at Broken Head Nature Reserve Saturday 16 February.

Staff will be on hand between 10 and 11 am to answer questions, provide information and assist community members with submissions on the draft plan

10/02/2013

To the 200 followers we have thank you for looking after our environment

29/12/2012

Let's hear it for Cape Byron Trust Volunteer's, pictured here at our Christmas Party

24/12/2012

Christmas Greetings from Cape Byron Trust

05/12/2012

Lots of reports last Sunday of what appeared to be a Bryde’s Whale feeding on baitfish off the Cape.

The Bryde's whale is a baleen whale and is unique in having 3 longitudinal ridges on its head, forward of the blowhole, while all other rorquals have just one. The whale can grow to a length of 12.5m (41ft) to 14m (46ft) and a weight of 26 tonnes with the female larger than the male.

Although usually dark grey in colour some Bryde's have a lighter grey area between the head and the dorsal fin over the back and occasionally as a band down the flanks. The flukes are broad, distinctively notched and have a slightly concave trailing edge.

The Bryde's whale has twin blowholes with a low splashguard to the front. It has no teeth but in their place are two row of baleen plates.

There may be 2 distinct groups in some areas one occurring offshore and partially migratory and the other living inshore and resident all year-round. The two forms differ slightly in their reproductive behaviour and the offshore animals are usually larger, have more scaring and have longer and broader baleen than the inshore variety. There may also be a 'dwarf' form around the Solomon Islands.

Bryde's range in the Pacific from Japan and southern California south to northern New Zealand and Chile.

Some Bryde's whale populations have been depleted by whaling. Although not on the Endangered list, the Bryde's Whale is protected (since 1986) worldwide by the Moratorium on Whaling.

08/11/2012

Wildlife carers and authorities are appealing to backyard fruit tree owners to use a simple ‘finger test’ to help protect their fruit and native animals.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said netting is a popular way to protect fruit from wildlife, particularly in urban areas, but the wrong size of netting can be deadly.

This season there has been a significant increase in injuries and deaths to wildlife caused by incorrect fruit tree netting. Birds, bats, lizards, snakes and the occasional possum are the main victims.

Flying foxes often get the blame for a lot of damage to fruit that is actually caused by birds and other animals.

A simple way to test for the correct size netting to provide protection for flying foxes and other wildlife is ‘the finger test’.

If your finger won’t fit through then it is the ideal size to provide protection from predation from most animals.

Animals are easily caught in netting which has a mesh size greater than 1cm square, so choosing the correct netting is the simplest way to help protect fruit and our wildlife.

In addition to small mesh size it is important that the netting is stretched tightly over the trees and that it is well secured. Frames can be used to help achieve this.

Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers and WIRES have received calls regarding thirty one flying foxes and birds as well as eight reptiles already this year compared to just three flying foxes last year.

Some were dead on arrival and others unfortunately, had to be euthanased.

Pleasen dispose of unwanted netting responsibly so that it cannot become a hazard to wildlife.

For assistant with wildlife entanglements telephone The NPWS or Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers, 0500 822 626 or WIRES, 66281898.

01/11/2012

Are you keen to share Byron Bay’s historic and natural treasures? Enthusiastic and committed people are invited to join the friendly group of volunteers at the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

“Cape Byron Trust is currently seeking additional volunteers to help visitors enjoy Byron Bay’s maritime history and the annual Humpback Whale migration,” Cape Byron Trust Chairperson Yvonne Stewart said.

“Volunteers have the opportunity to be trained as interpretive guides in the Cape Byron Lighthouse and surrounding precinct. You will learn about the history of the lighthouse, Cape Byron State Conservation Area, marine life and how to pass this knowledge on.”

An information day for new volunteers is being held on Thursday, 22 November from 9.30am till 12pm. This will include an introduction to the guiding and volunteer program at Cape Byron and a tour of the Lighthouse Museum and Tower.

If you would like to attend the information day please contact Nathan Oliver on 66209300 or [email protected] to register your interest.