Person seen chasing sea eagle near Don River, Devonport

Authorities are on the hunt for someone who was seen chasing and harassing a vulnerable species of bird with a remote control plane, risking massive fines. WERE YOU IN THE AREA>>

AUTHORITIES are on the hunt for a person who could have fatally injured a baby sea eagle after chasing it with a remote control plane.

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment is appealing to the public for any information regarding a person who was seen flying a remote control plane near a the vulnerable white-bellied sea eagle near Don River in Devonport on Sunday.

The person is liable for up to a $100,000 fine under tough new legislation.

DPIPWE’s policy manager, Andrew Crane said the Investigation and Enforcement Section is undertaking inquiries.

“The deliberate use of a drone or model plane to chase or attack an eagle could have fatal consequences for the bird of prey,” he said.

DPIPWE is on the hunt for someone seen flying a remote control plane near a juvenile white-bellied sea eagle (similar to the one pictured) on Sunday.

“There is plenty of evidence to show that eagles species will interact with drones or model planes and are likely to be injured, often fatally.

“Eagles are territorial and will defend their territory from threats, but they can also be easily spooked by model aircraft as well.”

Tasmania’s threatened species legislation was amended in 2018 after several incidents involving the deliberate killing of eagles.

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Changes included raising the maximum penalty to more than $100,000 and/or one year in jail.

“Based on eyewitness accounts this would appear to be a clear case of someone using a model plane to chase a young white-bellied sea eagle, potentially severely injuring or killing that bird,” Mr Crane said.

“This is a serious offence and we would welcome anyone with more information to come forward.”

Information can be provided anonymously either to DPIPWE’s hotline on 0417 661 234 or to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.