NSW Drone laws: Call for more regulation of drones around animals
A lack of clear laws about flying drones near birdlife is putting iconic sea eagles and ospreys at risk, according to the photographer who snapped this close encounter.
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A lack of clear laws about flying drones near birdlife is putting iconic sea eagles and ospreys at risk, according to an amateur photographer.
Leeanne Lembke, of Toukley, snapped this incredible image of a drone which appears to be hovering directly in the flight path of a white-bellied sea eagle.
Ms Lembke said the stretch of coast between Norah Head Lighthouse and Soldiers Beach had become incredibly popular with drone operators but there were no laws to protect birds.
“I frequently go down to photograph birds or whales and on the Queens Birthday weekend was disturbed by not only the noise of four drones flying around but the fact that one of them flew straight into the path of a white-bellied sea eagle who was heading out to look for food,” Ms Lembke said.
She said vulnerable eastern ospreys nest in the area and feed off the point, while other endangered migratory birds like the little tern also visit the area.
“I would hate the birds to move on to other areas due to being constantly annoyed,” she said.
“There’s been occurrences of the large raptors taking down drones which not only is an expensive mistake for the drone owner, but we have no way of knowing whether the birds have been injured as a result.”
She said there had been many reported injuries to people’s hands from drone blades but “if an eagle’s talon was damaged, it would just fly away” and may no longer be able to hunt.
Many other bird species are territorial, which she said could lead to more clashes as the popularity and affordability of drones continues to explode.
Ms Lembke said some local drone pilots such as Central Coast Drones and Jim Picot respect the surroundings because “you can see it in their work” but most were just rank amateurs with no idea.
“I’ve seen some beautiful drone footage of wildlife, whales and birds but by experienced drone pilots who know what they’re doing,” she said.
“Until there’s some regulation around this, I think people should at least be aware and mindful where and when to fly their drone.”
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) advises recreational operators to avoid annoying wildlife.
However a spokesman said wildlife rules were not under CASA’s authority and instead rested with various state and federal environmental departments.
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage has rules about flying drones in National Parks and above marine mammals, such as whales, but nothing specific about birds.
It comes as CASA is expected to roll out its new registration and accreditation scheme for recreational drone operators later this year.
Under the proposed changes pilots will have to pay about $20 to register their drones and take an online exam.
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