One newspaper article is quoted, relying on a report from what is likely to be a biased party. The location (Mercury Island) is neither a National Park, nor is it shown as a bird sanctuary or as a Restricted Area on local charts.
I suspect that the pilot's side of the issue may shed a significantly different light on the incident. Until we hear from him, or a report from an independent authority, I suggest the dramatic knee jerk reactions be tempered with a bit of common-sense and patience.