Animal activists have taken aim at the Rottnest Island Authority over its New Year’s Eve fireworks.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has written to the RIA urging it to use so-called “silent fireworks” in its New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The group says the loud bangs from traditional fireworks can be terrifying for quokkas and other native animals.

“We find that the noise is a really big issue for making animals flee or making animals panic,” PETA’s Emily Rice said.

While not completely silent — they use less explosive material and don’t create bangs as loud as traditional displays.

The RIA says since the first fireworks in 2015 quokka behaviour has been monitored and they’ve shown no signs of distress.

Quokkas continue to feed and display normal behaviours during these events.

“All fireworks have noise,” said Rob Cardile will be running this year’s display.

He says the fireworks will be launched from barges 600m out in Thomson Bay.

The activity on the island from the music and people would have more noise impact than the fireworks.