Rena debris could affect endangered birdlife

4:54 am on 16 January 2012

An environmental group says debris from the Rena reportedly reaching the Volkner Rocks Marine Reserve, 55km north of Whakatane, could affect endangered birdlife.

The Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society of New Zealand says many species of seabirds feed in the area, including black petrels and the flesh-footed shearwater.

Bay of Plenty spokesperson Al Fleming says an albatross has died after gorging on milk powder from the wreck and it fears that sort of thing may happen again.

Mr Fleming says the life and safety of these birds is likely to be threatened by the debris if small particles are ingested.