The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is seeking information in relation to two separate incidents involving hooded plover nests at KiIlarney Beach.

The future of the hooded plovers at Killarney Beach has made national headlines as part of the debate as to whether race horses should be allowed to train on the beach.

Killarney Beach is home to a population of hooded plovers who nest on the beach. 

DELWP wildlife officers received a report of the alleged theft of eggs on Friday from a nest site on the beach. 

In a separate incident, officers were notified on Saturday that ropes marking a nest area had been interfered with.

DELWP wildlife officer Nathan MacDonald said taking the eggs of hooded plovers can carry a fine of up to $37,370 and two years in jail while the penalty for the interference or destruction of nest sites is a fine of up to $7780.

“These small birds, which are listed as threatened in Victoria, lay eggs on the sand where they typically lay two to three eggs,” Mr MacDonald said.

“All nest sites are roped off and signs are in place to warn the public to keep their distance from the area. These fenced areas are designated as wildlife habitat under the Wildlife Act 1975. We encourage anyone who may have seen any activity within these protected areas over the past week to contact DELWP.”

Contact DELWP on 136 186.