So the Eastern Fish and Game Council, Manager, Rob Pitkethley, says they have a responsibility to keep the Black Swan population down to a manageable size.
What does he call a manageable size? Many reasons were given as to why they need to be culled. The duck shooters of the region are never going to offer any practical solution but a few unbiased comments wouldn't go amiss.
If there were 851 Black Swans in 1980 and 5010 in 2010, what possible purpose is there in slaughtering 200 birds per year? Seems like Fish and Game are not interested in reducing numbers back down to a few hundred. Just get rid of 200 birds annually – what good is that?

The Black Swan population could be controlled at the egg stage but apparently the Fish & Game Council or even our local Council are not interested in that option. DOC would appear to have no opinion at all.
By all means let's control the numbers but with a more humane method – most countries apart from NZ would never allow this slaughter to occur. After reading letters to Editors from duck shooters, hunters and sports people, I realise that nothing will change and in ten years time we will still be holding the annual 'Black Swan Shoot.”
Don't hold your breath regarding the Black Swans – nothing will change. They are magnificent creatures but yes there are far too many of them fouling the harbour.
Thirty seven years ago I wrote to local Councils, Harbour Board and Fishing Clubs and suggested we have a few areas of marine reserves in our harbour. Back then the harbour was bubbling with fish and various sea life - what do people see when they swim today in the harbour? Where are the marine reserves we so badly needed?
All good intentions from many but the problem is not solved nor will be solved with the cruel culling method.

Terry Edwards, Whakamarama.