Visitors and residents of the Limestone Coast are urged to take the lead this summer and help protect shorebirds along the coast.

Take the lead is an initiative of the Our Coorong | Our Coast project supported by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, through funding from the Federal Government’s National Landcare Program which aims to restore and protect the habitat of beach nesting and migratory shorebirds throughout the Coorong and Limestone Coast.

Our Coorong | Our Coast project coordinator Robbie Andrew said by keeping dogs on leads while visiting beaches people were helping protect shorebirds from predators.

“Keeping your dog on a lead when visiting our beaches this summer is an action we can all take to support these vulnerable shorebirds from inquisitive dogs,” he said.

“Shorebird eggs are extremely hard to see on the sand and therefore can easily be damaged.

“By keeping your dog on a lead you will help protect our feathered friends while they feed, nest and rest during this season.”

Mr Andrew said the Limestone Coast Landscape Board was distributing dog leads to the public this month.

“While keeping your dog on a lead is important, there are other ways you can protect shorebirds this summer,” he said.

“For example by keeping an eye out for informative signs that indicate shorebirds are in the area.

“Keeping away from these areas reduces disturbance to the birds.

“Walking on the water’s edge away from the soft sand also helps to protect shorebird eggs that are very hard to see.