Central Coast Council is asking residents and visitors to do their part to help protect the endangered Little Tern over their breeding season the summer.

The Little Tern migrates annually from South-East Asia and chooses Karagi Point, The Entrance North as a nesting site.

Little Terns are highly sensitive to human disturbance and are known to abandon their nests and eggs if they feel unsafe. Recreational activities including using the beach, excessive noise such as fireworks, and walking dogs can significantly impact Little Tern breeding success. If you're visiting Karagi Point, The Entrance North this summer, please be mindful and keep to regular tracks and authorised areas.

Here's what you can do to help protect Little Terns and their eggs and chicks:

Take your rubbish with you

Rubbish, food scraps, unwanted fishing bait and other items attract foxes, ravens and other animals. These predators can attack Little Tern eggs and chicks which place unnecessary stress on adult birds. Plastics and other rubbish can suffocate chicks and pollute our waterways. Put your rubbish in the bin or take your rubbish with you.

No dogs allowed at Karagi Point

Dogs are not allowed at Karagi Point, The Entrance North. If you're enjoying another part of the beach where dogs are permitted, please keep your dog on-leash at all times. There are also lots of other dog parks, beaches and off-leash areas you and your dog can enjoy. 

Respect fenced areas and signage

Council has put up fencing and signage aroud Little Tern nesting grounds and monitor the area. Please stay away from fenced areas and follow signage instructions.

Don't fly drones or kites at Karagi Point

Flying drones can pose significant threat to beach nesting birds, including Little Terns. In other locations, Little Tern breeding colonies have failed because of drone use. We don't want the same to happen here. Likewise, kites and kite boarding can scare adults birds as they can see flying objects as birds of prey.

If you see something, say something

If you see harmful activities or damage to nests, contact Council by phone on 1300 463 954 or email ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Council's Little Tern Conservation Project recently won an award at the Local Government NSW Excellence in Environment Awards. This is not only a recognitiion of Council's efforts, but the community more broadly. 

We hope everyone in the community continues to do their part to support the conservation of Little Terns.