Conservation of Australian Seabirds and Turtles Incorporated.

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Conservation of Australian Seabirds and Turtles Incorporated.

Introducing Conservation of Australian Seabirds and Turtles, affectionally known as COAST Rescue.

Our team is recognised as a leader in seabird and turtle rescues on the south coast of NSW.

☎️ 0431 282 238
ABN: 91 679 137 412 About Conservation of Seabirds and Turtles Incorporated

Introducing Conservation of Australian Seabirds and Turtles, affectionally known as COAST Rescue. About COAST Rescue COAST Rescue was founded following the unforeseen closure of the ASTR South Coast branch. Formall

y own as Australian Seabirds & Turtles Rescue South Coast, our team is recognised as a leader in marine and shore birds, sea turtles and sea snake rescue, rehabilitation, observation, research and public education on the south coast of NSW. Our membership and committee are dedicated to the future of the organisation, ensuring our Rescue Team responds as quickly as possible to all incidents and to engage the relevant authorities whom we work with in rescues, haul outs, entanglements, oil spills, biohazards, rehabilitation and release in NSW and nationally as required. We are proud to say we have a united team with a range of exciting and specialist backgrounds who together are looking forward to building our volunteer organisation into the future. Together, we are paving the way within the volunteer sector as a specialist marine and wetland group with rescue, rehabilitation, research, training, conservation, protection, welfare and awareness of Australian seabirds, shorebirds, sea turtles and sea snakes our priority across the south coast of NSW.

08/03/2026

SEAWEEK. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY. HEALTHY OCEANS.
As SeaWeek comes to a close in Australia, COAST remains dedicated to fostering community awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of our distinctive south coastal environments and the world’s oceans—habitats to many of the species we support.

Today, we’re also highlighting the inspiring women who help safeguard our marine ecosystems for future generations. As we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), we want to honour the incredible contributions of women throughout our sector who work tirelessly to protect marine wildlife and their habitats. To mark this occasion, we are sharing a straightforward awareness clip that shines a spotlight on the insights, discoveries, and important topics brought to light by women scientists. By joining forces, we can make a lasting impact for the future!

03/03/2026

TODAY IS WORLD WILDLIFE DAY
This year’s theme: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.

It may seem like an unlikely theme for a marine rescue group to focus our post on this year, but is it?

All living things rely on the world of plants to survive. In our oceans we are still discovering large kelp forests and sea grass meadows that sustain many of the species our team works with. And we are still learning about the mass algae blooms that have devasting impacts on coastal communities.

This World Wildlife Day we reflect on the world below the waves and highlight the importance of conserving the many marine plants and sea grasses that all play a crucial role in the health of marine ecosystems across the globe. From creeks to rivers to bays and inlets to the coastal communities and then out into the big blue… the well-being of our planet and the wildlife, including marine wildlife, depends on our respect and nurturing of what we sometimes can’t always see.

These plant species not only support wildlife like sea turtles and shorebirds with food and shelter they also offer vital habitat for marine life throughout their lifecycles. Marine algae, seagrasses, and seaweeds also play a critical role in the worlds water filtration and carbon storage. They help improve water quality, provide climate regulation as well as coastline protection and stabilisation.

The worlds marine plant species are remarkable and diverse forming the base of the ocean's food web, supporting a wide range of marine life. The decline of our marine plants and their habitat around the world poses significant threats to the ocean’s biodiversity. Conservation efforts are now more important than ever to safeguard marine ecosystems, so their benefits to the ocean environment and human society can endure well into the future.

DID YOU KNOW?
Algae, seaweed, and marine plants provide turtles such as the green sea turtle with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. By grazing, green sea turtles help maintain healthy seagrass meadows, which in turn support fish nurseries and stabilise sediment on the seafloor. As with some sea turtles, some sea birds have been observed eating algae and small plants from coastal rock shelves or that float on the waters surface. This too helps them gain extra nutrients into their diet. Algae can also be a food source when fish are hard to find.

HOW CAN YOU HELP THIS WORLD WILDIFE DAY?
Get behind our wildlife rescue group by sharing our messages and rescue hotline phone number (save our rescue number in your phone: 0431 282 238). If you can, please make a donation. Your generosity will be a symbol of your support for conservation and wildlife rehabilitation advocacy.

23/02/2026

MONDAY MENTIONS
As we start the week, let’s give a BIG shout out to all the amazing wildlife rescue and rehab volunteers who give their time, energy and heart to saving our precious coastal wildlife. Be it shorebirds, seabirds, marine turtles or sea snakes, it’s a tough gig but someone has to be there around the clock to support these amazing species.
Our south coast wouldn’t be what it is if our wildlife disappeared!

THANK YOU, TEAM!
It is because of you that COAST exists and can do what it does from the Sutherland Shire all the way down to the Sapphire Coast.

HAPPENING NOW...
As the various migratory species get their final rests in and feast up on our coastal mudflats, fattening up before their long-haul flights, the change of season looms. These species will be taking off for their northern shores in Alaska and Russia to breed over our winter months. So please, give them a wide berth and keep dogs on leash if they are feeding or resting in your area.

The change of seasons also marks that important time of year… Clean up Australia Day!

If you want to make an important difference in your area and support coastal wildlife, please consider joining a local cleanup crew. You will be doing a wonderful thing for all species, including us humans. If you can’t manage a cleanup event this year, please consider making a donation to our crew who will be out there responding to wildlife rescue calls. Either way, you will be doing something positive. You will find a link for donations in the ‘About us’ on our page.

08/02/2026

IT'S SHOREBIRD SUNDAY
Today we were helping to reduce shorebird injuries from fishing gear.

Sadly, with some shorebird populations exhibiting losses of over 80% since the 1980s, at a rate of up to 8% per year, Australia’s shorebird species are in decline. This is always in the back of the minds for our wildlife carers as Australia has one of the worst extinction rates in the world, this includes shorebird species, and it’s getting worse.

This weekend, just like any other weekend… how enjoying a weekend fishing trip can pose a threat to our Aussie Pelicans; but accidents do happen! Sadly, this is a fact but the key risk factors leading to shorebird entanglements due to recreational fishing are not always well understood in NSW.

Many of us have enjoyed watching Pelicans on our days off by the coast. They are a large, striking and elegant black and white shorebirds. They cruise along our shorelines catching fish, their prey, in their large beaks, storing them in their throat pouches.

Unfortunately, an increasingly common problem our Pelicans face is entanglement in recreational fishing gear, especially near public wharves and around boat ramps. Our rescue team are seeing an increase in injuries and death from these accidents that are becoming common incidents. In some cases, we receive calls about an entanglement, most are accidents, and our volunteers attempt to find and capture the entangled bird.

TODAYS SHOREBIRD RESCUE
If we are lucky, our rescue volunteers find and secure the shorebird before attending to the issue/s just like in this adult female Pelican that was successfully rescued today.

Our team discovered she had braid and mono filament fishing line with a swivel over her left wing and primary tendon but luckily no injury from the fishing line. Her right wing had two large hooks, one quite superficial, thankfully. The rescue team cut the barb and released it. The other was a deep muscular pe*******on with the eye and tip just visible below large scabs. Again, the barb was clear and cut off, the hook and necrotic tissue was removed. The wound was gently flushed through with saline leaving a clean wound with minimal swelling. This was one lucky Peli!

An additional metal detection over her was clear, and this girl was released, waddling out into the water before flying off. A successful rescue and release by experienced wildlife rescue volunteers. And the other great bit was that the member of the public who reported in this entangled Pelican, was so very grateful and helpful in this case. It makes all the difference, and we all learn something out of these cases, in particular, a greater appreciation of these magnificent Aussie shorebirds!

TO HELP PREVENT ENTANGLEMENTS WHEN FISHING, CONSIDER THESES TIPS TO HELP OUR SHOREBIRDS:
• Avoid pumping for bait on mudflats or beaches in nesting areas or where shorebirds are present or feeding
• Clean up and take your tackle and rubbish with you
• Dispose of unused fishing gear responsibly eg. cut line into short lengths and place them in a bin with a lid
• If you snag a bird, of any species, please don’t cut the line
• Call the local wildlife rescue group for support and guidance
• BONUS idea: participate in a community clean-up in your favourite fishing area

By following these simple tips, you can contribute to safer fishing practices and help prevent or reduce shorebird entanglements across the NSW south coast.

A BIG thank you to Michael and Yvette, COAST rescue volunteers, for sharing this rescue incident today! We don't always get the positive outcomes so we take the wins when they come along.

24/01/2026

PENGUIN AWARENESS ON SEABIRD SATURDAY
This week was Penguin Awareness and Appreciation Week

Why don’t penguins ever get into arguments?
They just let things slide…

With this in mind, we must point out that given the threats these amazing seabirds face, we are now at the point where we can’t just let things slide!

From time to time, COAST Rescue receives calls for Fairy or Little Penguins, especially during their moulting season. During this cycle, they are extremely vulnerable to human impact and threats from domestic animals. Wild weather and reduced habitat also see penguins haul out on beaches, rocky outcrops, come into marinas and shelter in inlets or bays.

COAST Rescue is dedicated to protecting and celebrating the many amazing species of penguins founds in the southern hemisphere. And whilst the threats they face are real both here in Australia and across the Southern Ocean, we must all do our best to reduce our impact and conserve the species that sometimes shares our shores.

While Fairy or Little Penguin populations face various threats locally, they remain a vital part of coastal ecosystems in NSW. Sadly, their status is concerning, with a significant decline in their population numbers according to The Great Big Little Penguin Count which is hosted annually by NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and funded by the NSW Environmental Trust.

WHY?
The vital habitat that they need to survive and breed is being lost. However, despite this decline, there are signs of recovery! At known rookery sites, conservation measures are in place to protect penguins from threats such as habitat loss and predation.

LOOKING AHEAD
Together, we need to raise greater awareness of these little seabirds and the need for their ongoing protection, conservation and annual research. And if a penguin does need to come into care for rehabilitation, there should be better support and funding available to help carers with a penguin’s unique needs and their recovery journey.

GLOBALLY, A SPECIES UNDER THREAT
Sadly, many remarkable penguin species are threatened with extinction. Their fate is closely linked to our ability to minimise impacts on breeding sites and sustainably managing our footprint, the spread of diseases and climate change into the future.

We all love penguins and this week; we are reminded of the responsibility we must all take on to protect them and the various precious seabirds that share our NSW south coast shores to ensure their future and our future!

Save Our Species

18/01/2026

FOLLOWING THE WILD WEATHER
Firstly, our thoughts are with all communities and wildlife impacted by the tragic fires and extreme weather events across our Country.

Locally, as the skies start to clear and the strong winds and large seas recede south coast residents and holiday makers will be exploring our beautiful waterways once again.

Migratory and shorebird species are traveling, and some are nesting along our part of the state and may have been affected by this summer storm system. Along with increased wave heights and strong ocean currents, some pelagic seabirds may also face challenges.

🌊STORM FALLOUT🌊
These dangerous conditions and the duration of this system could result in many species coming to shore along our part of the coast.

The COAST Rescue Team would like to remind residents and visitors that if you encounter any seabirds that are washed ashore alive, exhausted or dead on the beach over the next week, please contact our rescue hotline for guidance. Additionally, you may come across a marine turtle or sea snake that has been displaced and is off course.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
🌊 Keep a lookout on our beaches, along the rivers, estuaries and in bay areas.
🌊 Call the COAST Rescue Hotline on 0494 175 944 for support
🌊 Keep an eye on the animal but please avoid approaching or touching it
🌊 Keeping dogs well back and on leash

The COAST Rescue Team are ready for a likely increase in calls about seabirds and possibly marine reptiles.

Your actions in times of wildlife emergencies is a symbol of your support for conservation and wildlife rehabilitation advocacy. THANK YOU all in advance.

📷About this photo: This rare Grey Petrel was found over the weekend at Tomakin NSW by a member of the public.

Australian Geographic BirdlifeBirdLife Australia

14/01/2026

PELICOUNT~ SUMMER 2026 – AN UP DATE!

On behalf of COAST Rescue, a BIG thank you to everyone who took part in our Summer season PeliCount.

We once again had a huge reach. From estuaries to lakes and various coastlines, your observations have created a valuable snapshot and research tool of where pelicans are turning up across the summer.

We truly appreciate your time, your obsevations, your photos, your enthusiasm and your feedback.

We’re still working on analysing the data, comparing winter with summer, and aim to have a summary report available within the next 8 weeks, from here we will start to look at how we can utilise this for the benefit of Pelicans locally.

This is just the beginning. Keep an eye out for updates and details on our Winter Count, coming this July.

10/01/2026

IT'S SHOREBIRD SATURDAY AND OUR FOCUS TODAY IS WATER FOR WILDLIFE
Please remember our native wildlife on these extremely hot days. Many species require water!

Birds in particular need water. You may see them panting, they may have their beaks open too. Or you may see them with their wings fanned out, away from their bodies.

Extreme heat is dangerous and can be deadly to humans and for our native animals. Many are struggling to find water and shelter during the hottest parts of the day. If they are luck to find water, they will look to have a long drink and maybe have a splash around to cool off. Please enjoy watching this behaviour and try not to disturb them.

You can help by placing shallow bowls of fresh water in shaded areas at your place, refreshing them regularly, and keeping any pets well away.

If you see wildlife in distress due to heat, injury, or entanglement, please contact your local wildlife rescue group immediately. Time is critical on these extreme weather days. Even the smallest of actions may help save a life.

SIMPLE ‘WATER FOR WILDLIFE’ SUPPORT TIPS:
• Use shallow dishes so small birds, bees and lizards can drink safely without drowning
• Add stones or sticks to give insects and tiny animals a way to climb out
• Place bowls in the shade to keep water cooler and reduce evaporation
• Refresh water often during heatwaves, to keep it clean and cool
• Set water near shrubs or trees, giving wildlife quick access to cover

06/01/2026

JANUARY IS PEAK SUMMER HOLIDAY SEASON
This time of year, it is always a busy time of year for wildlife rescue groups and ours is no exception. Summer is the peak season for holiday makers and the south coast beaches; rivers and bays offer some of the best holiday destinations in Australia. While we all take advantage of this time of year, our wildlife face some of their biggest threats.

Just yesterday, our crew attended various rescues, 4 being Pelican rescues. One of those was carried over to today as it was a challenging and dangerous situation for both Pelican and rescuer.

HOW WE CAN HELP OUR WILDLIFE.

• Don’t cut the line!
In the unfortunate situation that you hook a shorebird, seabird or sea turtle, please be mindful that these are living beings. Slowly reel the animal in and assess the situation. Call your local wildlife rescue group for the next steps based on your situation. Please don’t cut the line! Help is just a call away.

• Catch a snag!
If you enjoy casting a line, please be mindful of your surroundings. Snagging trees, jetties and overhead wires can be a pain, but what is left behind poses an ongoing threat to wildlife.

• Kids love the great outdoors too!
Unfortunately, our kids are often the ones that snag wildlife while out enjoying our water ways. To help them navigate this, especially if they are out unsupervised, is to educate them on the fact that these things happen and how important it is to call a wildlife rescue group for support.

• Don’t feed our wildlife!
If shorebirds hang about your favourite fishing or picnic spot looking for a free meal, please resist feeding them. They are hunters and we all have a responsibility to keep wildlife wild.

• Clean your station!
If you frequent a boat ramp or fish cleaning station, please be mindful of leaving the area clean. This helps deter wildlife from congregating in the area, which is the best outcome for all.

• Take your rubbish with you.
We all enjoy a picnic by the sea. Please dispose of your rubbish in council bins provided or take it home with you if bins are full! Be mindful, wildlife will take advantage of rubbish left behind. Your rubbish may also end up in our waterways. Please leave the area clean for others to enjoy.

• REPORT. REPORT. REPORT
It isn’t always possible to slowly reel in or contain an injured or entangled animal. But it is still critical for it to be reported. This way, a rescue trained volunteer can start looking for it. Most Seagulls and Pelicans, for example, don’t stray far from their range of hangouts and our team usually always finds them even if it’s days later. So please, report, report, report an incident.

PeliCount Update: results will be out soon.
Until then, we can share that 4 pelicans were reported into COAST Inc. needing to be rescued. All were as a result of fishing line entanglement! Sadly, 1 Pelican had to be euthanised because the line had caused catastrophic injury to the wing. Another one is in care long term to heal from its injuries, another potentially life ending injury.

IF YOU FIND INJURED OR ENTANGLED WILDLIFE: BASIC ACTION PLAN

These simple steps could make a big difference if you spot entangled wildlife:
• Take a few quick photos
• Know your location and GPS if possible
• Call the COAST Rescue Hotline 0431 282 238 (or your closest wildlife rescue group)
• Do not touch the animal
• Do NOT try to disentangle it or cut the line if you see any
• Keep well back and stay calm
• Follow the rescue groups instructions, we are here to HELP.

Your actions in times of wildlife emergencies is a symbol of your support for conservation and wildlife rehabilitation advocacy.
THANK YOU all in advance.

03/01/2026

Not Registered?! No problem!

It’s PeliCount Day – Summer PeliCount 2026 and you can still take part today, even if you didn’t register in advance!

All you need to do is head to a location, count pelicans for 15 minutes, and record:
• Start time
• GPS location
• Type of location (beach, lake, river, etc.)
• Number of pelicans seen
• Juveniles vs adults (only if confident)

📲 Submit your data via the link in the comments of main post
📧 Trouble with the form? Email your count to [email protected]

Please also send any photos you take via FB or email. We'd love to see them!

Didn’t see any pelicans? Submit a ZERO — no pelicans is still valuable data!

You can also do multiple counts, at different locations and times throughout the day.

Every count helps build a clearer picture for pelican conservation.

Happy PeliCounting! 💙

01/01/2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR TEAM, SUPPORTERS & FOLLOWERS!

Only 3 sleeps to go to this Summers PeliCount!

The registration link is in the comments section below.

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+61431282238

Website

https://coastincrescue.square.site/

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