Joint media release: WA steps up invasive rodent eradication to boost seabird resilience

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
WA Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Hon Jackie Jarvis
WA Minister for the Environment, the Hon Matthew Swinbourn
Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the Hon Murray Watt

Western Australia has reached an encouraging milestone in efforts to protect the State's internationally significant seabird breeding islands from invasive rodents and strengthen their resilience to emerging threats.

• Encouraging results from house mice eradication efforts in Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park 
• Planning underway for Pacific rat eradication on Adele Island in the Kimberley  
• Projects funded through the Australian Government's $270 million nationwide commitment to tackle H5 bird flu

Western Australia has reached an encouraging milestone in efforts to protect the State's internationally significant seabird breeding islands from invasive rodents and strengthen their resilience to emerging threats.

As Western Australia strengthens its preparedness for the threat of H5 bird flu, reducing the pressure invasive house mice and rats place on breeding seabirds and island ecosystems has never been more important.

This work forms part of the Australian Government's $270 million commitment to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and response capability to H5 bird flu.

In May 2026, the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) undertook a mouse eradication operation on Beacon and Gun Islands in the Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park, using drone-delivered bait in accordance with international best practice.

These islands provide important nesting habitat for at-risk seabirds such as the white-faced storm petrel, brown booby, and lesser frigatebird. The operation was carefully timed to coincide with the seasonal dry period, after summer seabird nesting activity had concluded.

Monitoring has detected no mice on Beacon Island in the three months since the operation commenced, providing early indications the program has been effective.

On Gun Island, monitoring detected a small number of mice on remote cameras in June and July.

DBCA is undertaking further trials to assess alternative bait options and is planning a targeted mop up operation in spring to remove the remaining mice while numbers remain low.

At the same time, DBCA, in partnership with Monash University, has commenced planning for an island-wide baiting campaign to eradicate invasive Pacific rats from Adele Island in the Kimberley.

Recent fieldwork on Adele Island has included various activities such as non-toxic bait trials, monitoring rat and bait uptake activity, bird, plant, and invertebrate surveys, mapping and weed control, with data collected to help shape the next phase of the project.

Comments attributed to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:

"Australia's offshore islands provide critical habitat for millions of seabirds and protecting them from invasive species is critical to ensuring they can withstand and recover from H5 bird flu.

"The Albanese Labor Government is proud to invest in practical measures that strengthen our preparedness for H5 bird flu while delivering lasting benefits for biodiversity.

"The work underway on Adele Island is part of our government's commitment to protect and restore WA's remarkable island ecosystems."

Comments attributed to WA Minister for the Environment Matthew Swinbourn:

"Western Australia is leading the way in island conservation, building on pioneering work underway on Browse Island since 2025 to protect significant seabird breeding islands and strengthen their resilience to emerging threats.

"Every rodent eradication means less pressure on nesting seabirds, greater breeding success, and helps restore healthier, more resilient ecosystems.  

"The early results from Beacon Island are encouraging and reflect the dedication and innovation of the teams working in some of the State's most remote environments."

Comments attributed to Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins: 

"These projects are helping reduce pressures on vulnerable seabird populations while improving the resilience of important breeding habitats to emerging threats.

"Our government's $270 million commitment to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and response capability to H5 bird flu is supporting practical action on the ground, delivering lasting benefits for both biodiversity and biosecurity.

"Effective biosecurity relies on strong partnerships, and it's excellent to see governments, researchers, and conservation experts working together."

Comments attributed to WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"The Cook Government has been preparing for the potential arrival of bird flu, with surveillance, testing, and response activities continuing across the State.

"Our focus is on protecting Western Australia's unique wildlife and supporting our poultry industry, while making sure we are ready to respond quickly to any further detections.

"We will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth, industry, and wildlife experts to ensure our response is informed by the latest evidence and circumstances on the ground."