Y10 student Pearl Harris' red-billed gull art will be seen throughout Dunedin soon.

Pearl Harris' artwork has been chosen to become part of the 'Don't Feed the Gulls' campaign.

The Marine Studies Centre in Portobello are looking to educate the public about how to best support the red-billed gull, a local native bird. Although they seem to be numerous, the red-billed gull is actually experiencing a rapid decline in numbers nationwide and has been listed as a vulnerable species. To help support our local colony and reduce any unpleasant interactions between the gulls and the urban populous, the 'Don't Feed the Gulls' campaign has been established. 

Pearl's art will be essential in reminding people that feeding the gulls will not only reduce the health of this species but also encourage them to leave their natural habitat and thereby become a local nuisance rather than a local treasure. No doubt, Pearl has helped to create an environment that should allow our red-billed gulls to thrive.