We frequently birdwatch at Farquhar Inlet and Harrington, as they are both extremely important habitats for migratory wading birds.

Our club, along with Manning Great Lakes Birdwatchers, is undertaking systematic surveys of the birds of the estuary, providing important long term data.

Farquhar Inlet is also the site where a new bird species for Australia was discovered, the Aleutian Tern. It is still the only area where this bird has been found in Australia.

In light of this we were very disappointed to read the November 27 article in your paper on the possible permanent opening up of Farquhar Inlet and changes to the inlet at Harrington, without reference to the impact on wading birds.

Both these areas have important habitat for migratory wading birds, many of them critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable and all covered by international agreements. They come to the Manning Estuary from the Northern Hemisphere every year to feed on the mudflats. Any changes to the estuaries would be a trigger under the Federal EPBC Act.

Your article suggests that everyone would support these changes, but bird groups and other environmental groups would not, if it leads to negative impacts on already threatened birds. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is to listen to the scientists. In this case, we need to hear and heed their voices too.