DEFA moves to protect nesting terns

Walkers attack nesting birds

Arctic terns could be lost to the Island if the public disturbs them while nesting. 

That's the message from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. 

It comes after reports of walkers breaching a fenced breeding colony at the Ayres and attacking the birds with rocks and sticks. 

The Ayres is the only nesting site for terns in the Isle of Man and the birds travel around 50,000 miles to and from the southern oceans – the longest migration for any animal – between nesting. 

Under the Wildlife Act 1990, it is illegal to disturb, injure or kill nesting terns.

DEFA is urging anyone who sees people doing so to call the department or, out of hours, Ramsey police station on 812234.