Story: Marine conservation

Seabird display

Seabird display

This display at the Canterbury Museum features stuffed gulls and spotted shags. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries most seabirds were unprotected and could be shot. Bird collecting was popular, and species were collected to supply museums. A culture of hunting for sport was also prevalent among British settlers, and some seabirds such as godwits were considered ‘native game’ as they were a challenge to shoot.

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Canterbury Museum
Reference: 3.03_C6

Permission of Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching and Carl Walrond, 'Marine conservation - Seabirds and shorebirds', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5810/seabird-display (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching and Carl Walrond, published 12 Jun 2006, updated 1 Sep 2015