North Marine Bioregional Plan Bioregional...

The North Marine Bioregional Plan

Bioregional Profile

The N

orth

Marin

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nal Plan

Bio

region

al Profi

le

A Description of the Ecosystems, Conservation Values and Uses of the North Marine Region

Sourcing: This publication and background documents are available online at <www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/publications/north>. CD copies of this publication are available from:Community Information UnitAustralian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the ArtsEmail: [email protected]: 1800 803 772

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State Library Ref:The North Marine Bioregional Plan: Bioregional Profile

ISBN: 978-0-642-55415-4

Copyright: © Commonwealth of Australia 2008

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth, available from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to:The DirectorMarine Bioregional Planning – NorthMarine and Biodiversity DivisionDepartment of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the ArtsGPO Box 787Canberra 2601 ACT

Photo credits:

Cover sunset: Alicja Mosbauer – Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Front inserts: narrow sawfish – Stirling Peverell, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries; Australian snubfin dolphin – Guido J. Parra, University of Queensland; brown boobies – David Drynan, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Back inserts: flatback turtle – Tim Harvey; heart urchin – Commonwealth of Australia; reef – Australian Customs Service and the Department of the Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts. Inside cover: green turtle – Robert Thorn, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

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Ministerial ForewordAs an �sland cont�nent, Austral�a �s respons�ble for around 60 000

k�lometres of coastl�ne and around 15 m�ll�on square k�lometres of ocean,

an area almost tw�ce the s�ze of our cont�nental land mass and one of

the b�ggest Exclus�ve Econom�c Zones of any country. The Austral�an

people are known around the world for our connect�ons w�th the ocean.

Austral�a’s mar�ne systems encompass the trop�cal seas of the north

to the Antarct�c �ce-shelves of the south. The extraord�nary natural

d�vers�ty and b�olog�cal r�chness of our oceans means that Austral�ans

are s�gn�ficant global stewards of mar�ne b�od�vers�ty.

Our nat�onal record �n mar�ne conservat�on �s a m�xed one. We have certa�nly led the world �n protect�on of coral reef

systems and �n our protect�on of �con�c mar�ne an�mals such as whales, turtles and sea b�rds. Our mar�ne protected area

network, cover�ng some 88 m�ll�on hectares, �s among the largest �n the world. Our performance �n other areas, such as

halt�ng the decl�ne �n ecolog�cally �mportant fish stocks and tak�ng early act�on to address the cumulat�ve �mpacts of

human act�v�t�es, �nclud�ng those onshore, has not been as effect�ve.

The Government �s comm�tted to protect�ng the b�olog�cal d�vers�ty �n the oceans we manage and address�ng the �ssues

of ecolog�cally susta�nable use of ocean resources. Th�s w�ll benefit all Austral�ans, both now and �n the future. We have

the opportun�ty to make a d�fference r�ght now and lead the world �n our approach to mar�ne conservat�on. In so do�ng,

we w�ll also be one of the first countr�es to del�ver a nat�onally representat�ve network of mar�ne protected areas by the

�nternat�onally agreed goal of 2012.

L�m�ted �nformat�on about Austral�a’s mar�ne b�od�vers�ty, espec�ally for the spec�es and ecosystems of the more remote

and deeper areas, has been a barr�er to develop�ng a strateg�c approach to susta�nable management of our oceans. Our

lack of knowledge has also made �t d�fficult to develop an effect�ve response to both the large and small scale �mpacts of

change �n ocean ecosystems, such as those result�ng from global warm�ng.

Mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng helps us to better understand and protect our mar�ne env�ronment, conserve b�od�vers�ty

and del�ver greater certa�nty to dec�s�on-makers and the w�der commun�ty about Austral�a’s mar�ne conservat�on

pr�or�t�es. It also ass�sts �ndustr�es that rely on the oceans natural resources, collect�vely worth b�ll�ons of dollars each

year to the Austral�an economy, to better plan and manage the�r act�v�t�es.

The natural world carr�es profoundly strong cultural connect�ons for Ind�genous commun�t�es and sea country �s an

�ntegral part of th�s world for coastal and �slander commun�t�es. We w�ll be work�ng w�th Abor�g�nal people and Torres

Stra�t Islanders to ensure the�r v�ews and conservat�on goals are �ncorporated �n the plann�ng process.

Th�s North Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Profile br�ngs together, for the first t�me, the best ava�lable �nformat�on for the North Mar�ne

Reg�on. It consol�dates our knowledge of the un�que shallow bas�n and shelf commun�t�es and hab�tats of the Arafura and

eastern T�mor seas, �nclud�ng the area’s natural features and values and the ways �n wh�ch we use and enjoy them.

The North B�oreg�onal Profile �s the start�ng po�nt for develop�ng a Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan for the Reg�on, wh�ch I w�ll

be releas�ng �n early 2010. It �s one of four Plans that together w�ll �dent�fy the conservat�on values of our oceans and the

act�ons we need to take to protect them, �nclud�ng the areas we w�ll look to �nclude �n the nat�onal mar�ne protected area

network. No-where else �n the world �s mar�ne conservat�on plann�ng be�ng undertaken at th�s scale and �n th�s t�meframe.

W�th the ass�stance and �nvolvement of all stakeholders, I bel�eve that b�oreg�onal plann�ng can set a new standard �n

mar�ne plann�ng and management for Austral�a and the world.

Peter Garrett

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts

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ContentsMinisterial Foreword �� i

Preface �� ix

Executive Summary �� 1

The env�ronment of the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Conservat�on values of the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Mar�ne Protected Areas �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Human act�v�t�es and the mar�ne env�ronment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Next steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 1 Introduction �� 7

1.1 The B�oreg�onal Profile of the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1.2 Support�ng �nformat�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

1.3 Flagsh�p spec�es of the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Key references and further read�ng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Chapter 2 The Marine Environment of the North Marine Region �� 17

2.1 The prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons of the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

2.1.1 T�mor Trans�t�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

2.1.2 Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

2.1.3 Northern Shelf Prov�nce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

2.1.4 Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40


Chapter 3 Conservation Values of the North Marine Region �� 51

3.1 Key ecolog�cal features of the mar�ne env�ronment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

3.2 Nat�onally protected spec�es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

3.2.1 Protected spec�es �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

3.3 Protected places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

3.3.1 Mar�ne Protected Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

3.3.2 H�stor�c sh�pwrecks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

3.4 Cons�derat�on of pressures on reg�onal conservat�on values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69


Chapter 4 Establishing New Marine Protected Areas in the North Marine Region �� 73

4.1 Goals and pr�nc�ples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

4.1.1 The goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

4.1.2 Gu�d�ng pr�nc�ples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

4.2 Reg�onal spec�ficat�ons for �dent�fy�ng representat�ve Mar�ne Protected Areas �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . 78

4.2.1 Meet�ng the nat�onal goals �n the North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

4.2.2 Apply�ng the nat�onal pr�nc�ples �n the North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

4.3 Process for establ�sh�ng new Commonwealth mar�ne reserves �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Key references and further read�ng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Chapter 5 Human Activities and the North Marine Region �� 89

5.1 The human d�mens�on: an overv�ew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

5.2 Ind�genous act�v�t�es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

5.3 Sectoral mar�ne act�v�t�es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

5.3.1 Recreat�onal and charter fish�ng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

5.3.2 Commerc�al fish�ng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

5.3.3 Mar�ne-based tour�sm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

5.3.4 Ports and sh�pp�ng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

5.3.5 Border protect�on act�v�t�es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

5.3.6 Offshore o�l, gas and m�neral explorat�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

5.3.7 Aquaculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

5.3.8 Sea dump�ng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

5.3.9 Submerged p�pel�nes and submar�ne telecommun�cat�on cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

5.3.10 Mar�ne b�oprospect�ng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

5.3.11 Land-based act�v�t�es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119


Chapter 6 Developing a North Marine Bioregional Plan: Next Steps �� 125

Appendix A International Conventions and Agreements on the Marine Environment �� 129

Internat�onal agreements regulat�ng mar�t�me act�v�t�es to protect the mar�ne env�ronment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Reg�onal F�sher�es Management Organ�sat�ons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Other fisher�es arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Internat�onal agreements des�gned to conserve b�od�vers�ty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Appendix B An Overview of the Legislative Framework for Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation in Commonwealth Waters �� 135

The EPBC Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Referral, assessment and approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Protect�ng mar�ne b�od�vers�ty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Commonwealth mar�ne reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

F�sher�es assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

H�stor�c Sh�pwrecks Act 1976 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Env�ronment Protect�on (Sea Dump�ng) Act 1981 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

F�sher�es Management Act 1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Sea Installat�ons Act 1987 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Nat�ve T�tle Act 1993 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Appendix C Nationally Protected Species in the North Marine Region �� 143

Appendix D North Marine Region Protected Species Group Report Cards �� 171

D1 North Mar�ne Reg�on Protected Spec�es Group Report Card – Cart�lag�nous fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

General �nformat�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Nat�onally protected spec�es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Ecology of protected sharks and sawfish �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Important areas for sharks and sawfish �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Known �nteract�ons, threats and m�t�gat�on measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173


D2 North Mar�ne Reg�on Protected Spec�es Group Report Card – Bony F�sh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

General �nformat�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

Nat�onally protected spec�es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

Ecology of protected spec�es �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

Important areas for protected bony fish �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179



D3 North Mar�ne Reg�on Protected Spec�es Group Report Card – Mar�ne Turtles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180




Important areas for mar�ne turtles �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184



v

D4 North Mar�ne Reg�on Protected Spec�es Group Report Card – Seasnakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189




Important areas for seasnakes �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190



D5 North Mar�ne Reg�on Protected Spec�es Group Report Card – Crocod�les . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191




Important areas for saltwater crocod�les �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Known �nteract�ons and threats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192


D6 North Mar�ne Reg�on Protected Spec�es Group Report Card – B�rds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194



Ecology of protected b�rd spec�es �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Important areas for b�rds �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200



D7 North Mar�ne Reg�on Protected Spec�es Group Report Card – Dugongs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206




Important areas for dugongs �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Known �nteract�ons and threats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207


D8 North Mar�ne Reg�on Protected Spec�es Group Report Card – Cetaceans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209



Ecology of protected cetaceans �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Important areas for cetaceans �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Known �nteract�ons, threats and m�t�gat�on measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211


Abbreviations and Acronyms �� 217

Glossary �� 218

v�

FiguresF�gure 1.1 Austral�a’s Mar�ne Reg�ons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

F�gure 1.2 The North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

F�gure 2.1 Austral�a’s mar�t�me zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

F�gure 2.2 Major ocean currents �n northern Austral�an waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

F�gure 2.3 Seasonal w�nd vectors at 10 m above sea level �n the wet season (January) and the dry season (July) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

F�gure 2.4 Run-off from catchments of the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

F�gure 2.5 Annual chlorophyll var�at�on �n waters of the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

F�gure 2.6 Prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons of the North Mar�ne Reg�on (IMCRA v.4.0) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

F�gure 2.7 The T�mor Trans�t�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

F�gure 2.8 The Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

F�gure 2.9 S�mpl�fied d�agram of b�olog�cal product�v�ty �n the mar�ne env�ronment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

F�gure 2.10 S�mpl�fied d�agram of troph�c relat�onsh�ps of the Van D�emen R�se . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

F�gure 2.11 The Northern Shelf Prov�nce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

F�gure 2.12 Connect�on between estuar�ne and mar�ne phase �n the prawn l�fe cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

F�gure 2.13 Coastal and offshore �nteract�ons of the mar�ne turtle l�fe-cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

F�gure 2.14 S�mpl�fied d�agram of troph�c relat�onsh�ps �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

F�gure 2.15 The Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

F�gure 3.1 Key ecolog�cal features of the Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

F�gure 3.2 Locat�on of �mportant s�tes �n coastal waters and on land adjacent to the North Mar�ne Reg�on for b�rd, mar�ne turtle, dugong, dolph�nand crocod�le spec�es l�sted as threatened or m�gratory under the EPBC Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

F�gure 4.1 Proport�on of prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons protected by ex�st�ng Mar�ne Protected Areas and other spat�al measures for mar�ne or coastal conservat�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

F�gure 4.2 Range of water depths across the Reg�on and approx�mate extent of the coastal boundary layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

F�gure 5.1 Populat�on dens�ty and major ports �n areas adjacent to the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

F�gure 5.2 Average annual populat�on growth rate �n areas adjacent to the Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

F�gure 5.3 Ind�genous land management arrangements adjacent to the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

F�gure 5.4 Nat�ve t�tle �n and adjacent to the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

F�gure 5.5 Ind�genous language groups adjacent to the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

F�gure 5.6 Declared Ind�genous Protected Areas adjacent to the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

F�gure 5.7 Est�mated recreat�onal fish�ng catch w�th�n the North Mar�ne Reg�on (2001) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

F�gure 5.8 Comb�ned catch of all fisher�es �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on (2000 to 2002) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

F�gure 5.9 F�sh�ng sector employment �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

F�gure 5.10 Sh�pp�ng movements throughout the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

F�gure 5.11 Defence tra�n�ng areas of the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

F�gure 5.12 O�l and gas act�v�t�es �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

F�gure A I Mar�t�me zones for management arrangements under UNCLOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Separate large format maps also ava�lable �n the pocket at the back of th�s B�oreg�onal Profile:

Geomorph�c (seafloor) features of the North Mar�ne Reg�on

Key ecolog�cal features of the North Mar�ne Reg�on

v��

Tables and BoxesTable 2.1 Important ecolog�cal features and areas of the T�mor Trans�t�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Table 2.2 Important ecolog�cal features and areas of the Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Table 2.3 Important ecolog�cal features and areas of the Northern Shelf Prov�nce (See also chapter 3.1 and append�x D) . . . . . . 39

Table 2.4 Key ecolog�cal features and other �mportant areas of the Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Table 3.1 Key ecolog�cal features of the Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Table 3.2 Number of protected spec�es known to occur �n the Reg�on by broad taxonom�c group (as of February 2008) . . . . . . . 59

Table 3.3 Important coastal s�tes adjacent to the North Mar�ne Reg�on for b�rd, mar�ne turtle, dugong, dolph�n and crocod�le spec�es l�sted as threatened or m�gratory under the EPBC Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Box 3.1 Cl�mate change �mpacts on mar�ne l�fe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Box 4.1 Categor�es ass�gned under the EPBC Act for Mar�ne Protected Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Table 4.1 Prov�nc�al b�oreg�on depth �nformat�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Table 4.2 Seafloor features w�th a s�ngle occurrence w�th�n the Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Table 4.3 Prov�nc�al b�oreg�on seafloor features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Table 4.4 Ex�st�ng spat�al management arrangements �n the Reg�on and adjacent coastal areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Box 5.1 Ind�genous Sea Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Box 5.2 A network of Ind�genous commun�ty-based management act�v�ty across northern Austral�a’s mar�ne env�ronment . . . . 96

Box 5.3 The Northern Prawn F�shery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Table 5.1 Commonwealth fisher�es and State/Terr�tory fisher�es �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on w�th an export component . . . . . 101

Table 5.2 Queensland fisher�es l�censed to operate �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Table 5.3 Northern Terr�tory fisher�es l�censed to operate �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Box 5.4 Operat�on Breakwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Box 5.5 Mar�ne debr�s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Box 5.6 Invas�ve mar�ne spec�es . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Table 5.4 Offshore bas�ns �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Box B I The Commonwealth Mar�ne Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Table C I Protected spec�es known to occur �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Table C II Protected spec�es that may �nfrequently occur �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Table D I Elasmobranch spec�es l�sted as threatened or m�gratory under the EPBC Act that are known to occur �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Table D II Mar�ne turtles l�sted as threatened or m�gratory under the EPBC Act that are known to occur �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

Table D III B�rd spec�es l�sted as threatened or m�gratory under the EPBC Act that are known to occur �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Table D IV Cetaceans l�sted as threatened or m�gratory under the EPBC Act that are known to occur �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

v��

Brown booby adult and ch�ck. Photo: Dav�d Drynan, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

�x

Preface

Mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng �s the Austral�an

Government’s world-lead�ng approach to protect�ng

Austral�a’s mar�ne env�ronment. Mar�ne b�oreg�onal

plann�ng �s underp�nned by the pr�nc�ples of ecolog�cally

susta�nable development and takes an ecosystem

approach �n manag�ng Austral�a’s mar�ne b�od�vers�ty

and env�ronment.

Th�s B�oreg�onal Profile has been prepared by the

Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and

the Arts as the first step �n the development of a Mar�ne

B�oreg�onal Plan for Austral�a’s North Mar�ne Reg�on. It

establ�shes the �nformat�on base upon wh�ch the North

Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan w�ll be further developed. In

part�cular, �t focuses on the natural assets of the North

Mar�ne Reg�on, descr�bes �ts ecolog�cal character�st�cs,

outl�nes �ts conservat�on values and expla�ns how new

mar�ne protected areas w�ll be �dent�fied. Add�t�onally,

�t prov�des a broad descr�pt�on of the human act�v�t�es

that take place �n the Reg�on.

The B�oreg�onal Profile complements �nformat�on

ava�lable on the Department’s webs�te

<www.env�ronment.gov.au>. The reports that

underp�n th�s Profile are an �mportant step �n bu�ld�ng

our �nformat�on base for th�s poorly known mar�ne

reg�on. These reports are ava�lable on the �nternet at

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/north>.

Wh�le every attempt has been made to gather the best

ava�lable �nformat�on and prov�de a comprehens�ve

p�cture of the North Mar�ne Reg�on, there w�ll certa�nly

be other �nformat�on sources ava�lable that w�ll be

helpful �n the next stages of the plann�ng process. The


the Arts welcomes any contr�but�on from the publ�c

about �nformat�on and data that may be relevant to

develop�ng a B�oreg�onal Plan for the North Mar�ne

Reg�on.

Add�t�onal �nformat�on, as well as any quest�ons or

comments you m�ght have concern�ng th�s document,

can be d�rected to:

mbp.north@env�ronment.gov.au

Or ma�l to:

The D�rector

Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plann�ng – North

Mar�ne D�v�s�on

Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts

GPO Box 787

Canberra 2601 ACT

A glossary has been developed to ass�st w�th

techn�cal term�nology used �n the B�oreg�onal Profile.

The glossary �s located on page 218.

Separate large-format maps of the geomorph�c and

key ecolog�cal features of the Reg�on can be found �n

the envelope �ns�de the back cover.

Dugongs. Photo: Lochman Transparenc�es.

1

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Th�s B�oreg�onal Profile �s the first step �n the

development of a Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan for Austral�a’s

North Mar�ne Reg�on. Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plans w�ll

prov�de strateg�c gu�dance for Government dec�s�on-

makers and mar�ne users by:

descr�b�ng each Mar�ne Reg�on’s ecolog�cal processes

and conservat�on values, �nclud�ng mapp�ng s�tes of

�mportance for protected spec�es and commun�t�es;

�dent�fy�ng reg�onal pr�or�t�es for act�on, based on

an assessment of threats to conservat�on values

and long-term pol�cy goals; and

develop�ng strateg�c gu�dance for proponents

and dec�s�on-makers. For example, by prov�d�ng

a reg�onal context for nat�onal gu�del�nes to help

proponents w�th�n a Reg�on to cons�der whether

the�r act�on m�ght result �n a s�gn�ficant �mpact on

matters of nat�onal env�ronmental s�gn�ficance.

Informat�on on mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng and the

North Mar�ne Reg�on B�oreg�onal Profile can be found �n

chapter 1.

Mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng �s also the process

through wh�ch the Austral�an Government �dent�fies

areas w�th�n Commonwealth waters for �nclus�on

�n the Nat�onal Representat�ve System of Mar�ne

Protected Areas. The gu�del�nes the Government

�s us�ng to develop the Nat�onal Representat�ve

System of Mar�ne Protected Areas have been agreed

w�th the States and the Northern Terr�tory, and are

summar�sed �n chapter 4. They can be found onl�ne at

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/mpa>.

The Reg�on compr�ses the Commonwealth waters from

the Gulf of Carpentar�a, Arafura Sea and the T�mor Sea

as far west as the Northern Terr�tory–Western Austral�an

border. It covers some 715 000 km2 of trop�cal waters.

Austral�a’s most extens�ve areas of cont�nental shelf

are found �n the Reg�on, extend�ng to the boundary of

Austral�a’s mar�ne jur�sd�ct�on �n the east, and to the

edge of the T�mor Depress�on �n the west. The plann�ng

reg�on �ncludes only those areas across the cont�nental

shelf where Austral�a has water column and seabed

jur�sd�ct�on.

Th�s B�oreg�onal Profile descr�bes the env�ronmental and

soc�o-econom�c character�st�cs of the Reg�on.

•

•

•

The environment of the North Marine Region

The Reg�on �s character�sed by shallow-water trop�cal

mar�ne ecosystems. Wh�le endem�sm �s not part�cularly

h�gh by Austral�an standards, the Reg�on �s home to

globally s�gn�ficant populat�ons of �nternat�onally

threatened spec�es.

The Reg�on �s dom�nated by monsoonal cl�mat�c patterns

character�sed by a pronounced wet season between

December and March and generally dry cond�t�ons for the

rema�nder of the year. The monsoonal weather pattern

�s a major dr�ver of �mportant ecolog�cal processes

�n the mar�ne env�ronment, part�cularly �n the Gulf of

Carpentar�a. The �nterplay between predom�nantly

dry south-east trade w�nds from May to October and

mo�ster north-westerl�es over the wet season (December

to March) contr�butes to the slow, clockw�se movement

of water �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a. Trop�cal cyclones are

a dom�nant feature �n the wet season.

The large �nflux of freshwater run-off dur�ng the

wet season contr�butes to h�gher levels of b�olog�cal

product�v�ty �n parts of the Gulf of Carpentar�a than

most other parts of the Reg�on. Generally, �n common

w�th other parts of the Austral�an cont�nental shelf,

waters �n the Reg�on are low �n nutr�ents. There are no

major upwell�ngs of nutr�ent-r�ch deep water w�th�n the

Reg�on. Water temperatures �n the Reg�on are among

the h�ghest �n Austral�an waters and are h�gh by global

standards.

The Integrated Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of

Australia Version 4.0 (IMCRA V. 4.0) �s an ecosystem-

based class�ficat�on of Austral�a’s mar�ne and

coastal env�ronments that was developed through

the collaborat�ve efforts of State, Terr�tory and

Commonwealth mar�ne management and research

agenc�es. The IMCRA prov�des a reg�onal framework

for plann�ng resource development and b�od�vers�ty

conservat�on. Prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons were class�fied based

on fish, benth�c (seabed) hab�tat and oceanograph�c

data at a scale that �s useful for reg�onal conservat�on

plann�ng and management.

2

IMCRA V. 4.0 �dent�fies four prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons �n the

Reg�on. These are:

The Timor Transition (area 24 037 km2; max. depth

360 m). Th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on extends offshore from

the Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on and Northern Shelf

Prov�nce to the edge of the Exclus�ve Econom�c Zone.

The Indones�an Throughflow �nfluences oceanograph�c

and b�olog�cal processes by dr�v�ng cooler ocean�c

water through the canyons of the Arafura Fan and the

Arafura Depress�on. Pelag�c (open water) spec�es are

prom�nent, yet l�ttle �s known of the benth�c (seabed)

commun�t�es that �nhab�t th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on. The

T�mor Trans�t�on has also been a s�te for o�l and gas

explorat�on.

The Northwest Shelf Transition (area 305 463 km2;

max. depth 290 m). Th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on straddles

the North and North-west Mar�ne Reg�ons, extend�ng

from the T�w� Islands �n the Northern Terr�tory to

Cape Leveque �n Western Austral�a. The Indones�an

Throughflow �nfluences currents and �s respons�ble

for br�ng�ng cooler ocean�c water from the deep T�mor

Trough and contr�but�ng to transport and d�spersal

of pelag�c organ�sms. Coastal outflows contr�bute to

reg�onal b�olog�cal product�v�ty. The carbonate banks

of the Van D�emen R�se are d�st�nctly d�fferent �n

morphology and character to other parts of the Reg�on,

and prov�de hab�tat for a w�de range of benth�c and

coral commun�t�es. The Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on �s

�mportant for commerc�al fisher�es operat�ons, defence,

and o�l and gas explorat�on.

The Northern Shelf Province (area 556 763 km2; max.

depth 160 m). Th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on extends over

the cont�nental shelf from Melv�lle Island to West Cape

York. Internal currents dr�ve a net clockw�se movement

of the nutr�ent-r�ch coastal water mass, contr�but�ng

to the h�gh b�olog�cal d�vers�ty of the coastal �slands.

Important breed�ng, nest�ng and forag�ng s�tes for a

number of mar�ne turtles and seab�rds are located �n

the Gulf of Carpentar�a and along the Arnhem Land

coast. Commerc�al fisher�es are act�ve, target�ng

prawns, mackerel, sharks and snapper. The Northern

Shelf Prov�nce �s also �mportant for recreat�onal fish�ng,

defence operat�ons and future o�l and gas resources.

The Northeast Shelf Transition (area 97 860 km2; max.

depth 45 m). Th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on extends from

the north-eastern corner of the Gulf of Carpentar�a to

the Torres Stra�t. T�dal currents from the Torres Stra�t

�nfluence seabed. L�m�ted �nformat�on on b�olog�cal

commun�t�es �s ava�lable; however, the sandy substrates

and small reefs are l�kely to support benth�c mar�ne

commun�t�es, reef-dwell�ng and pelag�c spec�es. The

Torres Stra�t acts as a m�gratory corr�dor for mar�ne

spec�es, w�th mar�ne turtles m�grat�ng through the

Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on to forag�ng and breed�ng

grounds �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a and beyond.

A descr�pt�on of each of the prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons �s

g�ven �n chapter 2.

Conservation values of the North Marine Region

Conservat�on values of the Reg�on �nclude protected

spec�es and protected places, as well as a number of

key ecolog�cal features �n the Commonwealth mar�ne

env�ronment �dent�fied as part of th�s plann�ng process.

A total of 115 spec�es that are known to occur �n the

Reg�on are protected under the Environment Protection

and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), as e�ther

threatened, m�gratory, cetacean or l�sted mar�ne spec�es.

Of these, 11 spec�es are l�sted as threatened, �nclud�ng

one cr�t�cally endangered, three endangered and seven

vulnerable spec�es.

Th�s B�oreg�onal Profile �dent�fies a number of key

ecolog�cal features that are of conservat�on value

because of the role they play �n the mar�ne env�ronment

of the Reg�on. They are g�ven th�s value on the bas�s

that they are:

a spec�es, group of spec�es or a commun�ty w�th a

reg�onally �mportant ecolog�cal role (e.g. a predator,

prey that affects a large b�omass or number of

other mar�ne spec�es); or

a spec�es, group of spec�es or a commun�ty that �s

nat�onally or reg�onally �mportant for b�od�vers�ty;

or

an area or hab�tat that �s nat�onally or reg�onally

�mportant for:

a) enhanced or h�gh b�olog�cal product�v�ty

(such as pred�ctable upwell�ngs),

b) aggregat�ons of mar�ne l�fe (such as feed�ng,

rest�ng, breed�ng or nursery areas),

c) b�od�vers�ty and endem�sm; or

•

•

•

•

a un�que seafloor feature w�th known or presumed

ecolog�cal propert�es of reg�onal s�gn�ficance.

3

Executive Summary

Key ecolog�cal features of the Reg�on �nclude:

Reg�onally s�gn�ficant geomorph�c features:

Bonaparte Bas�n (un�que seafloor feature; �mportant

ecolog�cal system);

carbonate terrace and bank system of the Van

D�emen R�se (un�que seafloor feature; �mportant

ecolog�cal role; h�gh b�od�vers�ty; feed�ng

aggregat�ons);

shelf break and slope of the Arafura Shelf (un�que

seafloor feature; enhanced b�olog�cal product�v�ty);

canyons of the Arafura Depress�on (un�que seafloor

feature; �mportant for b�od�vers�ty and endem�sm;

enhanced b�olog�cal product�v�ty; feed�ng

aggregat�ons);

Gulf of Carpentar�a Bas�n (un�que seafloor feature;

�mportant ecolog�cal role; feed�ng and breed�ng

aggregat�ons); and

plateaux and saddle north-west of the Wellesley

Islands (un�que seafloor feature).

N�ne reg�onally �mportant commun�t�es and hab�tats:

area of shelf and terrace west of the Torres Stra�t

(�mportant for b�od�vers�ty; aggregat�ons of mar�ne

l�fe);

soft sed�ment benth�c hab�tats (�mportant

ecolog�cal role; aggregat�ons of mar�ne l�fe);

seagrass meadows (enhanced benth�c product�v�ty;

�mportant ecolog�cal role; feed�ng and nursery

aggregat�ons);

coral commun�t�es (�mportant ecolog�cal role; h�gh

b�od�vers�ty);

carbonate banks and reefs (�mportant ecolog�cal

role; �mportant for b�od�vers�ty);

p�nnacles of the Bonaparte Bas�n (un�que seafloor

feature; feed�ng aggregat�ons);

submerged coral reefs of the Gulf of Carpentar�a

(un�que seafloor feature; �mportant for b�od�vers�ty;

aggregat�ons of mar�ne l�fe);

deep channels and canyons, e.g. the Mal�ta Shelf

Valley (un�que seafloor feature; �mportant for

b�od�vers�ty and endem�sm); and

coastal and shelf waters offshore from s�gn�ficant

b�rd, mar�ne turtle and dugong breed�ng, feed�ng,

nursery and aggregat�on s�tes (aggregat�ons of

mar�ne l�fe).

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

There are no l�sted her�tage s�tes w�th�n the Reg�on.

Wh�le there are thought to be approx�mately 500

h�stor�c sh�pwrecks �n the Reg�on or �n adjacent coastal

waters, the prec�se locat�ons of those presumed to occur

�n Commonwealth waters are unknown.

A descr�pt�on of the conservat�on values and key

ecolog�cal features �s g�ven �n chapter 3.

Marine Protected Areas in the North Marine Region

There are no ex�st�ng mar�ne reserves �n the

Commonwealth waters of the Reg�on.

New Mar�ne Protected Areas w�ll be establ�shed to

meet nat�onal gu�del�nes under wh�ch all Austral�an

governments are develop�ng a comprehens�ve, adequate

and representat�ve reserve system. The Austral�an

Government’s goals for establ�sh�ng the Mar�ne Protected

Area network are descr�bed �n chapter 4, along w�th

the�r appl�cat�on to the Reg�on and an outl�ne of the

pr�nc�ples that w�ll gu�de the �dent�ficat�on, select�on,

des�gn and zon�ng of representat�ve Mar�ne Protected

Areas. Cons�derat�on of the soc�o-econom�c �mpl�cat�ons

of potent�al Mar�ne Protected Areas w�ll �nform the

Government’s dec�s�on about a final reg�onal Mar�ne

Protected Area network.

Human activities and the marine environment

The Reg�on �s the only part of Austral�a’s Exclus�ve

Econom�c Zone that �s �n close prox�m�ty to the land

masses of ne�ghbour�ng countr�es. It has developed �nto

an �mportant corr�dor for trade and commun�cat�on

act�v�t�es between the south Pac�fic and the north-

eastern Ind�an Ocean. Today, the Reg�on supports a range

of human uses and act�v�t�es.

The Reg�on has been a focus for coastal Ind�genous

commun�t�es for many thousands of years. Archaeolog�cal

ev�dence suggests that northern Austral�a was one of

the first areas of Ind�genous occupat�on �n the country.

Ind�genous coastal commun�t�es cont�nue to ma�nta�n

spec�al l�nks w�th the�r sea country through occupat�on,

resource ut�l�sat�on, and cultural pract�ces (�nclud�ng

stor�es, dance, management pract�ces and ceremon�es).

Ind�genous commun�t�es own the major�ty of land

adjacent to the Reg�on.

4

Accord�ng to records of early Ch�nese nav�gators,

explorat�on of northern Austral�a dates back to AD 1420.

Europeans first landed on Austral�a’s northern shores �n

1605 and trade �n the Reg�on’s mar�ne resources dates

back to the early 1700s, when coastal Ind�genous

commun�t�es and the Makassans traded trepang (sea

cucumber) and other resources.

Today the major mar�ne �ndustr�es �nclude commerc�al

and recreat�onal fish�ng, sh�pp�ng, petroleum explorat�on

and product�on, defence act�v�t�es and aquaculture.

F�fteen fisher�es are l�censed to operate w�th�n the

Reg�on. The Northern Prawn F�shery �s the largest �n

terms of catch and econom�c value. Other �mportant

fisher�es �nclude the offshore net fisher�es (wh�ch target

shark and mackerel), and l�ne fisher�es (wh�ch target

Span�sh mackerel, snapper and groper). The Reg�on �s

also �mportant for the recreat�onal and charter fish�ng

�t supports.

The Reg�on’s sea routes are some of Austral�a’s bus�est.

Ports adjacent to the Reg�on are v�tal to the Queensland

and Northern Terr�tory export �ndustr�es. Due to the

remoteness of the coastl�ne adjacent to the Reg�on,

they also play an �mportant role �n supply�ng goods and

serv�ces to coastal commun�t�es.

The north-west part of the Reg�on �s cons�dered h�ghly

prospect�ve for econom�cally v�able o�l and gas depos�ts

and explorat�ons to date have found some world-class

gas d�scover�es.

Chapter 5 descr�bes human act�v�t�es �n and adjacent to

the Reg�on.

Next steps

Th�s B�oreg�onal Profile w�ll gu�de development of a Draft

Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan for the Reg�on. The Draft Plan

w�ll be released for a per�od of formal publ�c comment,

as requ�red under the EPBC Act. Conservat�on measures

and potent�al �mpl�cat�ons for people and �ndustr�es w�ll

be cons�dered and resolved through a process �nvolv�ng

consultat�on w�th stakeholders and the w�der publ�c.

A final Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan w�ll then be developed

for cons�derat�on and approval by the M�n�ster for the

Env�ronment, Her�tage and the Arts. Once final�sed, the

M�n�ster w�ll be gu�ded by the Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan

�n all dec�s�ons made under the EPBC Act for wh�ch the

Plan has relevance.

Although mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng �s an

Austral�an Government programme undertaken under

Commonwealth leg�slat�on, the plann�ng process occurs

�n consultat�on w�th State and Terr�tory governments.

Th�s consultat�on �s �mportant because the governments

of the Northern Terr�tory and Queensland are also

undertak�ng plann�ng and Mar�ne Protected Area

development processes �n State and Terr�tory waters.

Chapter 6 descr�bes the next steps �n the mar�ne

b�oreg�onal plann�ng process for the North Mar�ne

Reg�on.

Naut�lus �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: Max Rees and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Mar�ne Sc�ence.

5

Introduction

Subadult bludger (Carangoides gymnostethus) at 50 m depth �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: M�ke Cappo and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence.

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Soft corals at 242 m depth �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: Max Rees and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence.

7

Introduction

Chapter 1 Introduction

Mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng �s des�gned to better

protect mar�ne env�ronments, conserve b�od�vers�ty and

del�ver certa�nty to resource users and dec�s�on makers.

The M�n�ster for the Env�ronment, Her�tage and the Arts

must have regard to a Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan when

mak�ng dec�s�ons under the Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) for wh�ch the

Plan has relevance.

Mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng �s also the process

through wh�ch the Austral�an Government �dent�fies

areas w�th�n Commonwealth waters for �nclus�on


Protected Areas. The gu�del�nes the Government �s

us�ng to develop the Nat�onal Representat�ve System

of Mar�ne Protected Areas have been agreed w�th the

States and the Northern Terr�tory governments. See

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/mpa/publ�cat�ons/

nrsmpa-gu�del�nes.html>.

Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plans gu�de government dec�s�on-

makers and mar�ne users by:

descr�b�ng each Mar�ne Reg�on’s conservat�on

values, �nclud�ng mapp�ng s�tes of �mportance for

protected spec�es, protected commun�t�es and

ecolog�cal processes;

�dent�fy�ng reg�onal pr�or�t�es for act�on, based on

the threats to conservat�on values and long-term

pol�cy goals; and

develop�ng strateg�c gu�dance for proponents

and dec�s�on-makers. For example, by prov�d�ng

a reg�onal context for nat�onal gu�del�nes to help

proponents w�th�n a Mar�ne Reg�on to cons�der

whether the�r act�on m�ght result �n a s�gn�ficant

�mpact (see Append�x B). Plans may also �nclude

gu�dance on the type of �nformat�on that should be

�ncluded w�th referrals under the EPBC Act or the

mon�tor�ng requ�rements that may be requ�red for

certa�n act�v�t�es or locat�ons w�th�n a Reg�on.

There are five Mar�ne Reg�ons for plann�ng, as shown �n

figure 1.1.

•

•

•

Figure 1.1 Australia’s Marine Regions

8

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1.1 The Bioregional Profile of the North Marine Region

The North Mar�ne Reg�on encompasses Commonwealth

waters from the western s�de of Cape York to the

Northern Terr�tory–Western Austral�an border (figure

1.2). It covers about 715 000 km2 of ocean and also

�ncludes the a�rspace above the water and the seabed

below. The Mar�ne Reg�on �ncludes only those areas

across the cont�nental shelf where Austral�a has water

column and seabed jur�sd�ct�on. The Reg�on �s descr�bed

�n more deta�l �n chapter 2.

In th�s B�oreg�onal Profile, the terms the Region and the

North Marine Region are used �nterchangeably to refer to

the Commonwealth waters defined above.

The object�ves of the North B�oreg�onal Profile are to

descr�be:

• the ecolog�cal and b�ophys�cal features and

character�st�cs of the Reg�on – �nclud�ng major

ecosystems, mar�ne spec�es, commun�t�es and

places already spec�fically protected under

leg�slat�on, and those �dent�fied through the

plann�ng process as key ecolog�cal features;

• the cons�derat�ons and �nformat�on that w�ll

gu�de the �dent�ficat�on of Mar�ne Protected

Areas; and

• human act�v�t�es �n the Reg�on.

Figure 1.2 The North Marine Region

(Note: the seaward boundary dep�cted for the Reg�on does not necessar�ly show the full extent of Austral�an jur�sd�ct�on

and �s w�thout prejud�ce to Austral�a’s mar�t�me cla�ms)

9

Introduction

In add�t�on to th�s �ntroduct�on, the North B�oreg�onal

Profile �ncludes five chapters and four append�ces:

Chapter 2 – The Marine Environment of the North

Marine Region descr�bes the b�ophys�cal and ecolog�cal

character�st�cs of the Reg�on, w�th part�cular focus on

ecosystem structure and funct�on�ng.

Chapter 3 – Conservation Values of the North Marine Region

summar�ses and descr�bes the b�od�vers�ty and her�tage

features of the Reg�on.

Chapter 4 – Establishing New Marine Protected Areas

in the North Marine Region �ntroduces the goals and

pr�nc�ples the Austral�an Government �s us�ng to

establ�sh the Commonwealth component of the Nat�onal

Representat�ve System of Mar�ne Protected Areas and

expla�ns the�r appl�cat�on to the Reg�on.

Chapter 5 – Human Activities and the North Marine

Region outl�nes the human act�v�t�es that take place

�n the Reg�on. It also prov�des a short overv�ew of

the populat�on and the h�stor�cal development of the

Northern Terr�tory and Queensland econom�es adjacent

to the Reg�on.

Chapter 6 – Developing a North Marine Bioregional Plan:

Next Steps descr�bes the stages of mar�ne b�oreg�onal

plann�ng beyond the B�oreg�onal Profile and

opportun�t�es for stakeholder part�c�pat�on.

Appendix A – International Conventions and Agreements on

the Marine Environment descr�bes Austral�a’s �nternat�onal

comm�tments to manage the mar�ne env�ronment.

Appendix B – An Overview of the Legislative Framework

for Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

in Commonwealth Waters expla�ns Austral�a’s nat�onal

leg�slat�on for manag�ng �ts mar�ne areas.

Appendix C – Nationally Protected Species in the North

Marine Region l�sts all the spec�es known to occur and

those wh�ch may occur �n the Reg�on that are protected

under the EPBC Act.

Appendix D – North Marine Region Protected Species

Group Report Cards prov�des deta�led �nformat�on about

spec�es protected under the EPBC Act. Report Cards on

spec�es groups outl�ne the�r ecology, areas of part�cular

�mportance, �nteract�ons w�th human act�v�t�es, threats

to the�r surv�val, and m�t�gat�on measures currently

be�ng used.

Cat shark (Atelomycterus sp.) �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: Max Rees and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence.

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1.2 Supporting information

A number of reports were comm�ss�oned to support

the development of th�s B�oreg�onal Profile. These

reports consol�date ava�lable �nformat�on and prov�de

further deta�ls on the natural env�ronment and human

uses of the Reg�on. The reports are ava�lable onl�ne at


Key references used �n th�s B�oreg�onal Profile �nclude:

The North Marine Region Marine Bioregional Plan: Information

and Analysis for the Regional Profile – a l�terature rev�ew,

analys�s and web-based comp�lat�on of �nformat�on

and data perta�n�ng to the env�ronment, b�ology and

ecosystems of the Reg�on, prepared by CSIRO Mar�ne

and Atmospher�c Research �n 2007.

Description of Key Species Groups in the Northern Planning

Area – prepared by a consort�um of sc�ent�fic experts and

comp�led by the Nat�onal Oceans Office �n 2004, wh�ch

descr�bes the key mar�ne spec�es groups of the central

and eastern parts of the Reg�on and rev�ews the�r status,

hab�tat, d�str�but�on and reg�onal s�gn�ficance, and

�dent�fies threats and �nformat�on gaps.

Geomorphology and Sedimentology of the Northern

Marine Planning Area of Australia: Review and Synthesis

of Relevant Literature in Support of Regional Marine

Planning – prepared by Geosc�ence Austral�a �n 2004 to

summar�se all ava�lable �nformat�on on the geology and

sed�mentology of the central and eastern parts of the

Reg�on. Geosc�ence Austral�a �s currently work�ng on a

supplement to th�s report that w�ll descr�be the geology

and sed�mentology of the rema�nder of the North

Mar�ne Reg�on.

Snapshot of the Northern Planning Area – an overv�ew of

the central and eastern parts of the Reg�on prepared by

the Nat�onal Oceans Office �n 2003.

Socio-economic Overview of the North Marine Region

– a l�terature rev�ew comp�led for the Austral�an

Government �n 2006 by the Queensland Government

Office of Econom�c and Stat�st�cal Research.

Literature Review of Relevant Socio-economic Information

Available for the Northern Planning Area – prepared by

CSIRO Susta�nable Ecosystems �n 2006 to summar�se

ava�lable soc�o-econom�c knowledge for the Reg�on.

Living on Saltwater Country. Review of Literature about

Aboriginal Rights, Use, Management and Interests in Northern

Australian Marine Environments – comm�ss�oned by the

Nat�onal Oceans Office �n 2004.

Complete references for each of these reports can be

found �n ‘Key References and Further Read�ngs’ at the

end of th�s chapter.

Mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng has a strong focus on

understand�ng the natural env�ronment. A sc�ent�fic

workshop was held �n Apr�l 2007 to br�ng together

mar�ne sc�ent�sts w�th spec�fic exper�ence and expert�se

�n the Reg�on. The workshop took stock of current

knowledge and theory relat�ng to the ecosystems �n

the Reg�on, to ensure that th�s B�oreg�onal Profile and

the next steps �n the plann�ng process draw on the best

ava�lable �nformat�on, w�th a clear understand�ng of

the uncerta�nt�es �n the reg�onal �nformat�on base. The

outcomes of the workshop Characterisation of the Marine

Environment of the North Marine Region are ava�lable onl�ne

at <www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/north>.

Th�s B�oreg�onal Profile �s �ntended to help stakeholders

and the publ�c to part�c�pate �n the development of the

North Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan. The Department of the

Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts welcomes

contr�but�ons from the publ�c about �nformat�on that

may be relevant to b�oreg�onal plann�ng w�th�n the

North Mar�ne Reg�on. The Department w�ll consult

stakeholders on the contents of th�s Profile and expla�n

subsequent steps �n the plann�ng process.

11

Introduction

1.3 Flagship species of the North Marine Region

Flagsh�p spec�es are char�smat�c, d�st�nct�ve or un�que

spec�es that have been chosen to represent a Mar�ne

Reg�on for educat�on purposes and to ra�se awareness

about the mar�ne env�ronment and mar�ne conservat�on

matters. Flagsh�p spec�es may be common and

character�st�c of the ecosystems of a Reg�on, or they

may be rare and threatened but un�quely assoc�ated

w�th a Reg�on.

The �dent�ficat�on of flagsh�p spec�es �s not based

on leg�slat�on. It does not �mply or ascr�be spec�al

conservat�on status, or a change to the conservat�on

status or assoc�ated prov�s�ons of those spec�es that are

protected under the EPBC Act.

The flagsh�p spec�es �dent�fied to represent the

North Mar�ne Reg�on on the bas�s of the�r d�st�nct�ve

assoc�at�on w�th the Reg�on and �ts hab�tats are the:

Flatback turtle – a vulnerable mar�ne turtle that only

nests on the beaches and �slands of northern Austral�a;

Australian snubfin dolphin – new to sc�ence, th�s �s

one of the rarest sea mammals on earth. It �s l�kely to be

endem�c to northern trop�cal Austral�an waters;

Narrow sawfish – th�s char�smat�c an�mal �s �nstantly

recogn�sable by �ts d�st�nct�ve saw-l�ke snout. The

narrow sawfish �s the most abundant sawfish spec�es

found �n the Reg�on;

Brown booby – th�s �s the seab�rd most frequently

observed soar�ng above the ocean of the Reg�on; and

Heart urchin – a benth�c an�mal that plays a very

�mportant role �n nutr�ent recycl�ng and �s extremely

abundant �n the soft sed�ment seabed commun�t�es that

character�se the Reg�on.

Further �nformat�on on the flagsh�p spec�es that are also

protected spec�es can be found �n append�x D.

Flatback turtle – The flatback turtle (Natator depressus)

gets �ts name from �ts relat�vely flat, smooth shell. The

shells of adult flatback turtles can measure up to 1 m

long, are w�de w�th turned-up edges, are yellow-grey or

ol�ve-grey �n colour w�th a pale yellow unders�de, and

are covered by a th�n fleshy sk�n.

The flatback turtle �s l�sted as vulnerable, and as a

m�gratory and mar�ne spec�es under the EPBC Act. These

turtles are un�que �n many ways �nclud�ng the�r cho�ce

of hab�tat. Although they do occur �n open seas, they

prefer �nshore waters and bays where they feed on

prey �n shallow, soft-bottomed seabed hab�tats. They

are carn�vorous, feed�ng mostly on soft-bod�ed prey

such as sea cucumbers, soft corals, jellyfish, molluscs

and prawns. Feed�ng grounds extend across northern

Austral�a to the Indones�an arch�pelago and the Papua

New Gu�nea coast. Flatbacks have the smallest m�gratory

range of any mar�ne turtle spec�es, though they can

m�grate up to 1300 km.

All recorded nest�ng beaches for flatback turtles occur

�n Austral�a. Flatback turtles nest on trop�cal beaches

and offshore �slands �n Queensland, the Northern

Terr�tory and Western Austral�a. The�r restr�cted range

means that the flatback turtle �s vulnerable to hab�tat

loss, espec�ally at breed�ng s�tes. Many an�mals, both

nat�ve and �ntroduced, prey on mar�ne turtle eggs and

hatchl�ngs. In part�cular feral p�gs are respons�ble for

h�gh levels of flatback turtle nest predat�on on Cape York

Pen�nsula. Other threats to eggs and hatchl�ngs �nclude

veh�cles dr�v�ng over nests, l�ght pollut�on and other

human d�sturbance of nest�ng beaches. Threats to adult

turtles �nclude be�ng caught as by-catch �n commerc�al

fish�ng operat�ons, entanglement �n derel�ct fish�ng nets

and �ngest�on of mar�ne debr�s.

Flatback turtle. Photo: T�m Harvey.

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Australian snubfin dolphin – The Austral�an snubfin

dolph�n (Orcaella heinsohni) was only recently recogn�sed

and sc�ent�fically descr�bed �n 2005 as a spec�es d�st�nct

from the Irrawaddy dolph�n (Orcaella brevirostris), wh�ch

�s a rare dolph�n predom�nantly found �n South-East

As�an estuar�es.

Austral�an snubfin dolph�n. Photo: Gu�do J. Parra, Un�vers�ty of Queensland.

The Austral�an snubfin dolph�n, cons�dered to be one

of the rarest sea mammals on earth, �s l�kely to be

endem�c to northern Austral�an waters but may extend

across the Sahul Shelf �nto Papua New Gu�nean waters.

They feed on fish, cephalopods (squ�d and octopus) and

crustaceans taken from the seafloor and open water

hab�tats. The spec�es prefers shallow, nearshore coastal

waters but has been observed �n deeper areas several

k�lometres offshore.

The Austral�an snubfin dolph�n �s l�sted as a cetacean

and as a m�gratory spec�es under the EPBC Act, and �s

also l�sted under the Convention on International Trade in

Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 1973 (CITES)

(Append�x I) and Convention on the Conservation of

Migratory Species of Wild Animals 1979 (CMS) (Append�x II).

The Internat�onal Un�on for the Conservat�on of Nature

(IUCN) 2007 Red List of Threatened Species recogn�ses the

Austral�an snubfin dolph�n as data defic�ent.

Austral�an snubfin dolph�ns are suscept�ble to many

human act�v�t�es �nclud�ng fish�ng, coastal development,

mar�ne pollut�on, harassment and loss or degradat�on of

hab�tat.

Narrow sawfish – Sawfish are h�ghly mod�fied rays that

have a body s�m�lar to that of a shark, but w�th g�ll sl�ts

located ventrally on the head l�ke other rays. The�r most

d�st�nct�ve feature �s the extended rostrum (the saw)

w�th lateral teeth that house electroreceptors that they

use to detect movements of small fish and crustaceans

�n murky water and mud. The saw can be used to slash

at and d�sable fast-mov�ng prey, or as a rake to d�g up

bur�ed prey.

The narrow sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata), somet�mes

called the kn�fetooth sawfish, grows to a length of 3.5–

4 m. It �s a bentho-pelag�c spec�es found at depths of

30 m or more �n both coastal and offshore shelf waters

of the Indo–Pac�fic reg�on. The narrow sawfish �s the

most abundant sawfish spec�es �n the North Mar�ne

Reg�on, w�th a w�de d�str�but�on through the Gulf of

Carpentar�a. L�ttle �s known about the�r d�str�but�on

beyond the Gulf.

Immature narrow sawfish caught by recreat�onal angler. Photo: St�rl�ng Peverell, Queensland Department of Pr�mary Industr�es and F�sher�es.

The narrow sawfish �s not currently l�sted under the

EPBC Act. However, �t �s l�sted on the IUCN Red List of

Threatened Species and was recently (�n June 2007) l�sted

under CITES (Append�x I).

Sawfish are long-l�ved, they mature late, breed

�nterm�ttently, have long gestat�on per�ods, and

g�ve b�rth to l�ve and relat�vely large offspr�ng.

Th�s l�fe h�story makes them part�cularly vulnerable

to overfish�ng. Sawfish of all s�zes are suscept�ble

to acc�dental capture �n fish�ng nets and may be

reta�ned (both legally and �llegally) by commerc�al and

recreat�onal fishers. Internat�onal trade �n the�r saw as

a souven�r or med�c�ne, loss of hab�tat and the�r h�gh

suscept�b�l�ty to capture by fishers have contr�buted to

the global decl�ne of all sawfish spec�es.

Brown Booby – Th�s large trop�cal seab�rd of the

gannet fam�ly (Sul�dae) �s regularly observed all year

round along the coasts and �slands of the Northern

Terr�tory and Queensland, and �s numerous and

w�despread �n the offshore waters of the Gulf of

Carpentar�a. Brown boob�es (Sula leucogaster) are clumsy

�n takeoff and land�ng but they are powerful and ag�le

�n fl�ght.

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Introduction

Brown boob�es feed by d�v�ng �nto the ocean to capture

small pelag�c (open water) fish and squ�d or by sk�mm�ng

the surface for fish, and w�ll often follow fish�ng boats

to scavenge on trawl d�scards. The brown booby prefers

to nest on offshore �slands, sand cays and atolls. W�th�n

northern Austral�a, breed�ng �s restr�cted to a few large

colon�es �n the Wellesley Islands.

Threats to brown boob�es �nclude predat�on of eggs,

ch�cks and adult b�rds by humans, rats and other b�rds

(e.g. s�lver gulls and buff-banded ra�ls). As d�v�ng b�rds,

they are suscept�ble to o�l sp�lls.

Brown booby juven�le (left) and adult. Photo: Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

The brown booby �s l�sted as a m�gratory and mar�ne

spec�es under the EPBC Act, and under the b�lateral

m�gratory b�rd agreements, Agreement between the

Government of Australia and the Government of the People’s

Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and

their Environment 1986 (CAMBA), Agreement between the

Government of Australia and the Government of Japan for

the Protection of Migratory Birds in Danger of Extinction and

their Environment 1974 (JAMBA) and Agreement between the

Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of

Korea on the Protection of Migratory Birds 2007 (ROKAMBA).

Heart urch�n. Photo: Commonwealth of Austral�a.

Heart urchin – Heart urch�n �s the name g�ven to any

ech�no�d mar�ne �nvertebrate of the order Spatango�dea.

The rather frag�le, oval or heart-shaped test (�nternal

skeleton) w�th four porous spaces called petalo�ds �s

often seen washed up on beaches. The body of l�v�ng

heart urch�ns �s covered w�th fine, short sp�nes and tube

feet (tubercules) wh�ch are used for movement and to

gather detr�tus when feed�ng �n the upper 3–4 cm of

sed�ment on the seafloor.

Heart urch�ns are character�st�c fauna of soft sed�ment

mar�ne env�ronments throughout the world. They

dom�nate megabenth�c commun�t�es (groups of larger

seabed an�mals) mak�ng up over 60 per cent of the

b�omass of the Gulf of Carpentar�a, and are also a very

common component of the �nfauna (an�mals that l�ve

�n burrows or bury under the sed�ments of the seabed).

Maretia planulata and sand dollars (Laganum spec�es) are

espec�ally common �n the Reg�on.

Heart urch�ns, along w�th other benth�c �nvertebrates

such as molluscs, crustaceans and polychaete worms,

play a very �mportant role �n nutr�ent cycl�ng and

b�oturbat�on (d�sturb�ng the sed�ments on the seabed).

They st�mulate the release of nutr�ents from seafloor

sed�ments, and support the growth of phytobenthos

(m�croscop�c algae �n the sed�ments) and phytoplankton

(m�croscop�c plants and algae �n the water column),

wh�ch together form the base of the mar�ne food web.

Sed�ments on the cont�nental shelf, where heart urch�ns

are w�dely d�str�buted, contr�bute around one-th�rd to

half of all the nutr�ents to the overly�ng ocean waters.

Heart urch�n (Lovenia elongata) test. Photo: Sm�th et al. 2005, Natural H�story Museum, UK.

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Key references and further read�ng

Austral�an and New Zealand Env�ronment and

Conservat�on Counc�l, Task Force on Mar�ne

Protected Areas 1998, Guidelines for Establishing

the National Representative System of Marine

Protected Areas, Env�ronment Austral�a, Canberra,


nrsmpa-gu�del�nes.html>, accessed Apr�l 08.

Department of the Env�ronment and Her�tage,

2006, A Gu�de to the Integrated Mar�ne and Coastal

Reg�onal�sat�on of Austral�a Vers�on 4.0, Commonwealth

of Austral�a, Canberra, <www.env�ronment.gov.au/

coasts/mpa/�mcra>, accessed September 07.

Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage

and the Arts, draft, Characterisation of the Marine

Environment of the North Marine Region: Outcomes of an

Expert Workshop convened in Darwin, Northern Territory,

2-3 April 2007, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra,

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/north>,

scheduled for access at th�s web address June 2008.

Gre�ner, R., Herr, A. and Larson, S., 2006, Literature

Review of Relevant Socio-economic Information Available for

the Northern Planning Area, CSIRO Susta�nable Ecosystems,

Townsv�lle, Queensland.

Heap, A., Dan�ell, J., Mazen, D., Harr�s, P., Sbaffi, L.,

Fellows, M. and Passlow, V., 2004, Geomorphology and

Sedimentology of the Northern Marine Planning Area of

Australia: Review and Synthesis of Relevant Literature in

Support of Regional Marine Planning, Record 2004/11,

Geosc�ence Austral�a, Canberra.

Nat�onal Oceans Office, 2003, Snapshot of the Northern

Planning Area, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Hobart.

Nat�onal Oceans Office, 2004a, Descr�pt�on of Key Spec�es

Groups �n the Northern Plann�ng Area, Commonwealth

of Austral�a, Hobart, <www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/

mbp/publ�cat�ons/north/n-key-spec�es.html>, accessed

September 07.

Nat�onal Oceans Office, 2004b, Living on Saltwater Country.

Review of Literature about Aboriginal Rights, Use, Management

and Interests in Northern Australian Marine Environments,

Commonwealth of Austral�a, Hobart.

Queensland Government Office of Econom�c and

Stat�st�cal Research, 2006, Socio-economic Overview of the

North Marine Region, prepared for the Nat�onal Oceans

Office, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Hobart.

Rochester, W.A., Moeseneder, C.H., M�ller, M.J., M�lton,

D.A., Fry, G.C., Gr�ffiths, S.P., P�llans, R.D., Rothl�sberg,

P.C., Bustamante, R.H. and Butler, A.J., 2007, The

North Marine Region Marine Bioregional Plan: Information

and Analysis for the Regional Profile, CSIRO Mar�ne and

Atmospher�c Research, Cleveland.

Legislation

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

1999 (Cth), <www.env�ronment.gov.au/epbc/about>,

accessed May 07.

Map Data

Figure 1��1 Australia’s Marine Regions

Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts (2004): Collaborat�ve Austral�an Protected Areas Database – CAPAD

Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts (2006): Commonwealth Mar�ne Plann�ng Reg�ons

Geosc�ence Austral�a (1998): Austral�a, TOPO-2.5M Topograph�c Data - Coast and State Borders

Geosc�ence Austral�a (2005): Austral�an Bathymetry and Topography

Geosc�ence Austral�a (2006): Austral�an Mar�t�me Boundar�es (AMB) v2.0

Project�on: Geograph�cs, Datum: GDA94

Produced by the Env�ronmental Resources Informat�on Network (ERIN)

Austral�an Government Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts

COPYRIGHT Commonwealth of Austral�a, 2008

15

Introduction

Figure 1��2 The North Marine Region

Austral�an Bureau of Stat�st�cs (1991): Austral�a, Populated Places


ESRI Austral�a Pty Ltd (Canberra) (1992): ARCWORLD World Dataset – 1:3 m�ll�on


Geosc�ence Austral�a (2004): Gazetteer of Austral�a







Cape Arnhem, Arnhem Land, Northern Terr�tory. Photo: Ilse K�essl�ng, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

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Rob�nson’s sea bream (Gymnocranius grandoculis) at 62 m depth �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: M�ke Cappo and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence.

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The Marine Environment

Chapter 2 The Marine Environment of the North Marine Region

The North Mar�ne Reg�on �ncludes all Commonwealth

waters from the western s�de of Cape York to the

Northern Terr�tory–Western Austral�an border, and

covers an area of some 715 000 km2 of the Gulf of

Carpentar�a, Arafura and T�mor seas. The Reg�on �s

bounded �nshore by the outer l�m�t of State waters

(wh�ch �s generally around three naut�cal m�les from the

terr�tor�al sea basel�ne1) and offshore by the outer l�m�t

of the Austral�an Exclus�ve Econom�c Zone (see figure

2.1 for a descr�pt�on of mar�t�me zones). The Reg�on also

�ncludes the a�r space above �ts waters.

The Reg�on �s adjacent to, but does not cover the

State and Terr�tory waters of the Northern Terr�tory

and Queensland. Th�s chapter �s focused pr�mar�ly

on descr�b�ng features and ecolog�cal processes �n

Commonwealth waters. However, �n some �nstances,

features and ecolog�cal processes occurr�ng �n State and

Terr�tory waters are �dent�fied, because:

they are �mportant to spec�es l�sted as threatened

or m�gratory under the Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) wh�chEPBC Act) wh�ch

are nat�onally protected as matters of nat�onal

env�ronmental s�gn�ficance (see chapter 3 and

append�x B for further �nformat�on on matters of

nat�onal env�ronmental s�gn�ficance); or

1 Wh�le the terr�tor�al sea basel�ne �s usually at the low water mark, the basel�ne extends across the open�ngs of bays (e.g. Van D�emen Gulf) and r�vers, and extends around some coastal �slands.

•

there �s connect�v�ty between features and

ecolog�cal processes that l�nk State waters and the

Commonwealth mar�ne area of the Reg�on.

The major�ty of the Reg�on encompasses waters over the

cont�nental shelf w�th water depths generally less than

70 m, although water depths range from approx�mately

10 m to a max�mum known depth of 357 m.

From a global perspect�ve, the Reg�on �s part of a vast

spec�es-r�ch b�ogeograph�c zone stretch�ng from the

western Pac�fic to the east coast of Afr�ca. Apart from

small stretches of deep ocean �n the Arafura and T�mor

seas, there are thought to be few phys�cal barr�ers to the

d�spersal of spec�es throughout the Reg�on. The major�ty

of spec�es endem�c to the Reg�on (found nowhere else

�n the world) lack a long-l�ved pelag�c (open sea) larval

stage that enables them to cross tracts of deep water.

Sea levels across the Reg�on have per�od�cally osc�llated

dur�ng recent geolog�cal t�mes. Around 20 000 years ago

much of the Gulf of Carpentar�a was a shallow brack�sh

lake. Present ocean levels became relat�vely stable only

�n the last 6000 years. As a consequence, the Reg�on �s

a relat�vely new mar�ne env�ronment and many spec�es

may st�ll be colon�s�ng �t. Other factors that �nfluence

the ecosystems �n the Reg�on �nclude the shallowness of

the waters across the cont�nental shelf and the strong

�nfluence of seasons �n the Reg�on. Ecosystems w�th�n

the Gulf of Carpentar�a are �nfluenced by the sem�-

enclosed nature of the Gulf waters and the seasonal

changes �n vert�cal m�x�ng of central and coastal waters.

These character�st�cs are d�scussed �n more deta�l �n the

follow�ng subsect�ons.

•

Figure 2.1 Australia’s maritime zones

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Geomorphology of the Region

Most of the Reg�on’s seabed cons�sts of a shallow mar�ne

cont�nental shelf, formed less than 18 000 years ago as

a result of sea level r�se. The Reg�on conta�ns ma�nly flat

terra�n w�th waters �ncreas�ng �n depth only gradually

by about one metre every k�lometre, creat�ng a shallow

coastal zone up to 20 km w�de along much of the coast.

The Reg�on �s d�v�ded between three geomorph�c

prov�nces: Gulf of Carpentar�a, Arafura Shelf and Sahul

Shelf. Geomorph�c prov�nces are defined by s�m�lar�t�es

�n the structure and format�ons of the seabed, as

opposed to prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons, wh�ch are defined

us�ng b�olog�cal �nformat�on as well as �nformat�on about

ocean geomorphology and processes. The cont�nental

shelf �s cont�nuous between Austral�a and New Gu�nea,

and formed a br�dge of land between the two land

masses dur�ng the last �ce age when sea levels were

lower. The relat�ve scarc�ty of ocean floor features �n

the east of the Reg�on contrasts w�th the more complex

patterns of banks and valleys �n the west and the slopes

and canyons �n the north. In the west, extens�ve palaeo-

r�ver channels up to 150 km long, 5 km w�de and 240 m

deep, connect the present day Joseph Bonaparte Gulf

ocean bas�n w�th the old shorel�ne at the edge of the

shelf.

Oceanography and other ecological drivers

The Reg�on �s �nfluenced pr�mar�ly by t�dal flows and less

by ocean currents. The net t�dal flows that occur over

t�me dr�ve longer-term transport patterns through the

Reg�on.

The movement of t�dal waters across the northern

Austral�an mar�ne env�ronment �s very complex,

because of the barr�er of �slands and submerged reefs

�n the Torres Stra�t that h�nder t�dal energy enter�ng

the Reg�on from the Coral Sea. T�dal currents mov�ng

eastwards and westwards through the Torres Stra�t

�nfluence the north-east area of the Reg�on, though net

flows are small. Ocean c�rculat�on modell�ng suggests

that a net westward flow of water through Torres Stra�t

occurs �n the dry season (dr�ven by the south-east trade

w�nds generally between Apr�l and November), and a

net eastward flow occurs �n the wet season (dr�ven by

north-west monsoon w�nds generally between December

and March). The shape of the Gulf of Carpentar�a also

s�gn�ficantly retards the sem�d�urnal (half-da�ly) pattern

of t�des, w�th retardat�on �ncreas�ng towards the south.

The t�dal retardat�on �s so strong �n the southern Gulf

area that the Wellesley Islands generally exper�ence only

one t�dal cycle per day (one h�gh t�de, one low t�de),

wh�le at Gove Harbour �n the north-western corner of

the Gulf there are two h�gh t�des and two low t�des each

day.

Currents that do have some �nfluence �n the Reg�on

�nclude the Indones�an Throughflow, the South Equator�al

Current and the Gulf of Carpentar�a Gyre (figure 2.2).

The Indones�an Throughflow br�ngs warm water of lower

sal�n�ty from the trop�cal western Pac�fic Ocean between

the Indones�an �slands to the Indo–Austral�an bas�n �n

the north-west of the Reg�on. An eastward offshoot of

the Indones�an Throughflow also �nfluences the Reg�on

dur�ng the wet season. The waters from th�s offshoot

accumulate �n the Gulf and then seep back westwards

across northern Austral�a at the end of the wet season.

The comb�ned �nfluence of the Indones�an Throughflow

and seasonal w�nd patterns �n turn affects the mean sea

level of the Reg�on, contr�but�ng to a seasonal var�at�on

of 0.45–1.0 m. Th�s var�at�on �s part�cularly pronounced

�n the southern Gulf of Carpentar�a where large areas of

salt flats are �nundated up to 80 t�mes between October

and March, but are not �nundated at all dur�ng the

rema�nder of the year.

Grouper (Cephalopholis sonnerati) at 90 m depth, Cornea Seep, T�mor Sea. Photo: Max Rees and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence.

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The �nfluence of the South Equator�al Current �n the

Reg�on �s marg�nal, though the strength of �ts �nfluence

var�es w�th the season. The movement of waters

assoc�ated w�th the Current �s l�kely to affect the west

of the Reg�on around the T�mor Trench where the waters

move westward �nto the Ind�an Ocean. Surface currents

move westward dur�ng the dry season but have no

part�cular d�rect�on dur�ng the wet season.

The Gulf of Carpentar�a �s a large depos�t�onal bas�n.

Water c�rculat�on w�th�n the Gulf of Carpentar�a �s

dom�nated by a pr�mar�ly clockw�se gyre that c�rculates

around �ts coastal marg�ns. Th�s clockw�se gyre �s dr�ven

by net t�dal flows and water flow�ng �n to the Gulf from

the east and flow�ng out to the west. Th�s pattern of

c�rculat�on results �n two d�st�nct water masses w�th�n

the Gulf of Carpentar�a: the coastal more eutroph�c (h�gh

�n nutr�ents) mass and the central more ol�gotroph�c

(low �n nutr�ents) mass. These water masses are

hydrolog�cally and b�olog�cally �ndependent; they have

d�fferent sal�n�ty, temperature and turb�d�ty, and they

support two d�st�nct ecolog�cal zones.

Currents w�th�n the Reg�on vary w�th�n and between

years. The var�at�on w�th�n years �s caused by factors

such as seasonal w�nds, water dens�ty (�nfluenced by

temperature and sal�n�ty) and atmospher�c pressure.

Seasonal d�fferences �n the w�nd reg�me dr�ve a more

complex pattern of currents and edd�es that �n turn

�nfluence the b�ology of the Gulf. There are a number

of observed b�olog�cal d�fferences between the eastern

and western s�des of the Gulf, and there are seasonal

d�fferences between the central and coastal Gulf waters.

For example, strong dry season trade w�nds result �n

well-m�xed waters �n the central Gulf. Dur�ng the wet

season, the monsoon w�nds tend to be weaker and

less cons�stent, so that the central Gulf waters become

strat�fied because of h�gher surface water temperatures,

creat�ng a well-m�xed layer of surface waters and a cooler

bottom layer of well-m�xed waters. In contrast, coastal

Gulf waters rema�n well m�xed throughout the year.

Var�at�on between years �s largely �nfluenced by cl�mate

var�ab�l�ty caused by the El N�ño Southern Osc�llat�on.

The Reg�on has a trop�cal monsoonal cl�mate, w�th

h�gh temperatures, heavy seasonal (though var�able)

ra�nfall and cyclones, alternated w�th extended ra�n-

free per�ods. From October to March monsoon w�nds are

mostly northerly or north-westerly and vary �n �ntens�ty.

From Apr�l to September south-easterly trade w�nds

predom�nate, be�ng both stronger and more cons�stent

than the monsoonal w�nds (figure 2.3). Ra�nfall �s largely

generated by monsoonal thunderstorms and trop�cal

cyclones and �s therefore h�ghly seasonal, fall�ng mostly

between December and March.

Figure 2.2 Major ocean currents in northern Australian waters

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Figure 2.3 Seasonal wind vectors at 10 m above sea level in the wet season (January) and the dry season (July)

Source: Rothl�sberg et al. 2005

Cyclones affect most of the Reg�on, w�th a frequency of

one cyclone every 1–2 years, mostly between December

and Apr�l. Trop�cal cyclones form ma�nly from low-

pressure systems w�th�n the monsoon trough. Over half

of the cyclones generated �n the Reg�on move e�ther

south-west or south-east �nto adjo�n�ng areas. The

h�ghest concentrat�on of cyclone days occurs near the

north-west of the Gulf of Carpentar�a near Nhulunbuy.

Cyclones are a s�gn�ficant cause of seabed d�sturbance,

sed�ment movement and storm surges. They break down

strat�fied layers of water that form �n deeper offshore

waters dur�ng the wet season and measurably d�srupt

benth�c (seabed) spec�es �n shallower waters (e.g. less

than 30 m).

The catchments across northern Austral�a rece�ve around

half of the ra�n that falls on the Austral�an cont�nent.

There �s a lat�tud�nal grad�ent �n annual ra�nfall across

the Reg�on, w�th the southern Gulf of Carpentar�a

rece�v�ng h�gher ra�nfalls than northern areas of the

Reg�on. Year-to-year var�at�on �n ra�nfall, and result�ng

r�ver flows, �s h�gh because of the El N�ño Southern

Osc�llat�on and the errat�c behav�our of cyclones. La

N�ña events are more l�kely to be assoc�ated w�th above

average ra�nfall and an earl�er start to the northern

monsoon season �n trop�cal Austral�a. Evaporat�on rates

�n the Reg�on are extremely h�gh, exceed�ng ra�nfall �n

most months of the year.

Tabletop and staghorn corals, Acropora spec�es. Photo: Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne Park Author�ty.

21


A d�st�ngu�sh�ng feature of the coastl�ne adjacent to

the Reg�on �s �ts large number of unregulated r�vers.

Northern Austral�a �s one of the few areas of Austral�a

(and the world) where most r�vers rema�n unaltered

by damm�ng and/or abstract�on (removal of water)

and catchment mod�ficat�on, and the �nfluence of r�ver

outflows on the mar�ne env�ronment �s s�gn�ficant. The

dra�nage bas�n for the Gulf of Carpentar�a alone �s very

large, measur�ng around 1 200 000 km² w�th a total

annual run-off of 64 km³ (figure 2.4). Some 25 per cent

of average annual run-off �n Austral�a �s generated �n

r�ver bas�ns that flow �nto the Gulf, compared w�th 10

per cent �n coastal New South Wales and V�ctor�an r�ver

bas�ns and s�x per cent �n the Murray-Darl�ng Bas�n.

These large r�ver outflows carry nutr�ents and detr�tus

(debr�s) from the land, wh�ch comb�ne w�th sed�ments

and part�culate organ�c matter resuspended by the t�des

and rema�n trapped w�th�n a coastal boundary that

extends to a depth of around 20 m (or up to 45 naut�cal

m�les) around the Reg�on. The coastal waters w�th�n th�s

zone generally do not m�x w�th adjacent offshore waters,

and seasonal currents can transport suspended mater�al

for large d�stances along the coastl�ne. The coastal

boundary layer also supports d�st�nctly d�fferent and

more product�ve phytoplankton�c commun�t�es (made

up of small, often m�croscop�c, free-float�ng plants) than

offshore waters, where nutr�ents are der�ved pr�mar�ly

from the ocean and atmosphere. F�gure 2.5 shows the

approx�mate extent of the coastal boundary layer along

w�th chlorophyll concentrat�ons �n the wet and dry

seasons.

Commun�t�es of phytoplankton �n coastal waters bloom

and decay �n response to seasonal changes �n water

flows, resuspens�on of sed�ments by cyclones, strong

t�dal currents, monsoon w�nds and w�nd-generated

waves. Th�s results �n a ‘ra�n’ of part�culate matter that

prov�des food for zooplankton (small, often m�croscop�c,

free-float�ng an�mals), filter feed�ng organ�sms (e.g.

br�ttle stars, sea cucumbers and fan worms), crustaceans

(e.g. prawns and crabs), and larger benth�c detr�t�vores.

Figure 2.4 Run-off from catchments of the North Marine Region

Source: BRS 2007

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Figure 2.5 Annual chlorophyll variation in waters of the North Marine Region

(a) Apr�l (b) October.

a

b

23


Biodiversity in the North Marine Region

The Reg�on �s known for �ts h�gh d�vers�ty of trop�cal

spec�es but relat�vely low endem�sm (�.e. spec�es that

are found nowhere else �n the world) �n contrast w�th

the relat�vely �solated southern Austral�an mar�ne fauna,

wh�ch have h�gh spec�es endem�sm.

The phytoplankton of the Reg�on are h�ghly d�verse

(about 200 spec�es) and are dom�nated by large, trop�cal

d�atom flora (s�ngle-celled algae) on the cont�nental

shelf, wh�ch are d�st�nctly d�fferent �n abundance and

d�vers�ty from the ocean�c d�noflagellate flora (s�ngle-

celled algae w�th two wh�p-l�ke appendages called

flagella) of the adjacent Coral Sea and Ind�an Ocean.

The trop�cal nanoplankton of the Reg�on (d�atoms,

d�noflagellates and prymnes�ophytes that range �n

s�ze from 2–20 μm) have greater s�m�lar�ty �n spec�es

compos�t�on to those �n subtrop�cal and temperate

Austral�an waters. Inshore reg�ons are dom�nated by

the d�atoms Odontella, Skeletonema and D�tylum and

the d�noflagellate Protoper�d�n�um. Offshore waters

are dom�nated by the cyanobacter�um Tr�chodesm�um

and the d�atoms Rh�zosolen�a and Thalassonema.

Deeper offshore waters (more than 50 m �n depth) are

dom�nated by the d�noflagellates D�nophys�s, Cerat�um,

Prorocentrum and Ceratocorys. Copepod an�mals

(zooplankton) of the Reg�on are a d�verse group of small

crustaceans. They are character�st�c of warm shallow

coastal waters w�th around 88 of the 102 spec�es

�dent�fied w�th�n the Reg�on common to South-East

As�a.

The plants and an�mals of the coral reef systems of the

Reg�on are typ�cal of ocean�c reefs �n the Indo–West

Pac�fic reg�on, w�th some endem�sm present �n the

northern areas. Coral, �nvertebrates and fish are h�ghly

d�verse, wh�le fish such as snappers, emperors and

groupers are common h�gher order predators of coral

and rocky reef hab�tats. Non-reef coral commun�t�es can

also be extens�ve and d�verse.

There are some fish spec�es groups �nhab�t�ng the

Reg�on (part�cularly groups assoc�ated w�th commerc�al

act�v�t�es) about wh�ch there �s cons�derable �nformat�on

ava�lable. For example, demersal fish �nclud�ng trevall�es,

g�ant queenfish, barramund�, grunters, emperors,

snappers, blue salmon, k�ng threadfin, black jewfish and

groupers have been extens�vely stud�ed. Less �s known

about pelag�c fish spec�es �n the Reg�on, although a

total of 61 pelag�c fish spec�es from 16 fam�l�es have

been recorded. Of these, s�x spec�es – namely longta�l

tuna (Thunnus tonggol), grey mackerel (Scomberomorus

semifasciatus), Span�sh mackerel (Scomberomorus

commerson), mackerel tuna (Euthynnus affinis), black

pomfret (Parastromateus niger) and spotted mackerel

(Scomberomorus munroi) – are the most abundant �n

trawl catches, contr�but�ng around 90 per cent to

overall catches �n the Reg�on. F�sher�es trawl data show

that at least 460 teleost (boned) and 56 elasmobranch

(cart�lag�nous) spec�es are found �n the coastal areas of

the Reg�on. Although the ecolog�cal role of coastal fish

�s not well understood, they are l�kely to be ecolog�cally

�mportant as they are amongst the most abundant

predatory spec�es �n coastal waters.

The Gulf of Carpentar�a �s the most �ntens�vely

sampled part of the Reg�on, espec�ally for seagrasses,

�nvertebrates and demersal fish. There are strong

taxonom�c affin�t�es between seagrass spec�es found

�n the Gulf of Carpentar�a and those found throughout

the Indo–West Pac�fic area. Between 11 and 13 spec�es

of seagrass (or around 20 per cent of all known seagrass

spec�es) are found �n the Gulf, pr�mar�ly �n coastal waters

adjacent to the Reg�on, wh�ch support the greatest

d�vers�ty of seagrass commun�t�es found throughout the

trop�cal Indo–West Pac�fic.

On the soft sed�ments of the Gulf of Carpentar�a,

the d�vers�ty of megabenth�c �nvertebrates (large

backboneless an�mals l�v�ng on the seabed) �s moderately

h�gh, though sed�ment gra�n s�ze, water depths and

poss�bly levels of d�ssolved oxygen are s�gn�ficant

phys�cal factors affect�ng the�r d�str�but�on and

abundance. Character�st�c groups �nclude ech�no�ds (e.g.

heart urch�ns, sand dollars), sponges, sol�tary corals,

polychaetes, crustaceans (e.g. decapods, amph�pods,

tana�ds, ostracods and cumaceans), molluscs (espec�ally

b�valves), bryozoans, sea cucumbers and sea squ�rts.

Abundance �s typ�cal for a trop�cal shelf reg�on.

Abundance and d�vers�ty are h�ghest �n the sand�er

sed�ments of the east and south-east areas of the Gulf,

w�th a predom�nance of scavengers and depos�t feeders

rather than suspens�on feeders and herb�vores. To the

north-west, the Wessel Islands �n part�cular are known

for h�gh b�od�vers�ty of corals and fish, and are l�kely to

conta�n around 70 per cent of the coral spec�es found

on the Great Barr�er Reef, based on coral records of the

Arnhem Land coast. The Wessel Islands are also known

for a h�gh level of endem�sm compared to the rest of the

Reg�on and form a d�st�nct b�ogeograph�cal boundary for

sponge taxa.

Around 136 mangrove-l�ned estuar�es have been

�dent�fied �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a �n coastal waters

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and land adjacent to the Reg�on, w�th spec�es r�chness

greatest on the western s�de of the Cape York Pen�nsula

and along the northern coast of Arnhem Land.

Approx�mately 31 of northern Austral�a’s 47 spec�es of

mangrove are found �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Mangroves prov�de �mportant nest�ng s�tes, feed�ng s�tes

and stag�ng po�nts for seab�rds, waterb�rds, waders and

m�gratory b�rds. Some of the largest waterb�rd breed�ng

colon�es �n Austral�a are on �slands and mangrove

coastl�ne adjacent to the Reg�on along the east coast of

the Northern Terr�tory.

The Reg�on �s of global s�gn�ficance for breed�ng and/

or feed�ng grounds for a number of protected, rare and

endangered mar�ne an�mals. S�x of the world’s seven

spec�es of mar�ne turtles are found �n the Reg�on and all

are l�sted as endangered or vulnerable under the EPBC

Act. The breed�ng populat�ons of green turtle (Chelonia

mydas), hawksb�ll turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and

flatback turtle (Natator depressus) are globally s�gn�ficant.

Dugong (Dugong dugon) populat�ons throughout the

Reg�on are globally s�gn�ficant, and the Reg�on supports

28 of the 35 known Austral�an seasnake spec�es.

2.1 The provincial bioregions of the North Marine Region

The Integrated Mar�ne and Coastal Reg�onal�sat�on

of Austral�a (IMCRA v.4.0) �dent�fies four prov�nc�al

b�oreg�ons �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on (see figure

2.6). Th�s reg�onal�sat�on represents the d�str�but�on

patterns of mar�ne l�fe �n the Reg�on at a broad scale.

The prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons descr�bed �n th�s B�oreg�onal

Profile are:

the T�mor Trans�t�on

the Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on

the Northern Shelf Prov�nce

the Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on

Each prov�nc�al b�oreg�on �s descr�bed below �n terms of

the character�st�cs of �ts mar�ne env�ronment, �nclud�ng

�ts phys�cal structure, b�olog�cal commun�t�es and

ecolog�cal processes.

•

•

•

•

Figure 2.6 Provincial bioregions of the North Marine Region (IMCRA v.4.0)

25


2.1.1 T�mor Trans�t�on

Figure 2.7 The Timor Transition

The T�mor Trans�t�on extends offshore from the

Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on and Northern Shelf Prov�nce

to the edge of the Exclus�ve Econom�c Zone and �s the

only b�oreg�on �n the Reg�on that does not l�e on the

cont�nental shelf (figure 2.7). The T�mor Trans�t�on

covers an area of 24 037 km2 and �s completely

conta�ned w�th�n the Reg�on. The prov�nc�al b�oreg�on

�s character�sed by cont�nental slope, canyons, r�dges,

terraces and the Arafura Depress�on. In general, l�ttle �s

known about the b�ology of th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on.

Geomorphology

The T�mor Trans�t�on compr�ses shelf terrace and

slope that extends �nto waters 200–300 m deep �n

the Arafura Depress�on. The prov�nc�al b�oreg�on �s

extens�vely d�ssected �nto a ser�es of canyons around

80–100 m deep and 20 km w�de. These canyons

represent a drowned r�ver system that ex�sted dur�ng the

Ple�stocene era (and poss�bly earl�er). Sed�ments w�th�n

the T�mor Trans�t�on are ma�nly calc�um carbonate r�ch,

although sed�ment type var�es from sandy substrate, to

soft muddy sed�ments and hard rocky substrate.

Oceanography

The T�mor Trans�t�on �s pr�mar�ly �nfluenced by

oceanograph�c processes assoc�ated w�th t�des. There

�s some �nfluence from the Indones�an Throughflow

�n th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on. However, t�des dom�nate

the mob�l�sat�on of seabed sed�ments �n deeper waters

and channels of the Arafura Depress�on. Cooler ocean�c

waters are dr�ven up onto the shelf and the s�ll area to

the north of the Wessel Islands. The pr�mary dr�vers of

b�olog�cal product�v�ty w�th�n th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on

are thus l�kely to be assoc�ated w�th these deep water

upwell�ngs at the canyon heads �n comb�nat�on w�th

surface c�rculat�on dr�ven by north-west monsoon w�nds.

Biological communities

Pelag�c spec�es are prom�nent �n the open water

env�ronment of the T�mor Trans�t�on and many of the

pelag�c fish spec�es that �nhab�t the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on

also have pelag�c larval stages. Pelag�c spec�es found

w�th�n the troughs of th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on �nclude

snaggle-teeth fish, hatchet fish and lantern fish. The

shelf-edge/slope �s bel�eved to support d�st�nct benth�c

commun�t�es assoc�ated w�th cooler water upwell�ngs, as

well as whale sharks and an unusual array of threadfin

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fish spec�es (Polynem�dae). D�st�nct genet�c stocks of

red snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus) are also found �n

the canyons and channels of the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on,

and un�que fish assemblages have been found on the

Lynedoch Bank wh�ch l�es on the western boundary of

the T�mor Trans�t�on. Mar�ne turtles have been reported

to feed �n the deeper canyon waters and sol�tary, cold

water corals have been located �n canyons and troughs

at depths of around 200 m. Rel�ct reefs occur next to

dra�nage channels of the outer slope, probably at s�tes of

local upwell�ngs of cooler, nutr�ent r�ch water from the

T�mor Sea.

Records show that at least 284 demersal fish spec�es

(those l�v�ng on or near the seabed) are found �n th�s

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on. However, few data are ava�lable

for the cont�nental slope �n the T�mor Trans�t�on. Th�s

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on merges w�th the slopes of T�mor

and eastern Indones�a and �t �s l�kely there �s overlap

w�th Indones�an and New Gu�nea fauna, although th�s

has not been fully establ�shed.

Ecosystem processes

Ecosystem processes operat�ng w�th�n th�s prov�nc�al

b�oreg�on are largely unknown. The Indones�an

Throughflow br�ngs warm waters from the western

Pac�fic Ocean through the Indones�an Seas �nto the

T�mor and Arafura Seas. Th�s current �nfluences pelag�c

d�spersal of nutr�ents and spec�es, and b�olog�cal

product�v�ty, wh�ch dr�ves long-term patterns of

transport and d�spersal of larvae, juven�le and m�grat�ng

adult organ�sms across the Reg�on.

Table 2.1 Important ecological features and areas of the Timor Transition

Feature or area Rationale

Arafura Shelf break and slope

Important ecolog�cal feature – un�que seafloor feature that enhances b�olog�cal product�v�ty on edge of shelf and attracts feed�ng aggregat�ons of pelag�c mar�ne organ�sms �nclud�ng mar�ne turtles, whale sharks, predatory fish and sharks.

Canyons of the Arafura Depress�on

Important ecolog�cal feature – the canyons are assoc�ated w�th upwell�ngs of deep ocean water, enhance product�v�ty of the area, conta�n coral commun�t�es and attract aggregat�ons of mar�ne l�fe �nclud�ng large predatory fish, whale sharks, sawfish and mar�ne turtles.

Carbonate banks and reefs of the T�mor Trans�t�on

Important ecolog�cal feature – supports non-coral and coral commun�t�es and benth�c �nvertebrate commun�t�es assoc�ated w�th hard substrate of deep reefs and canyon walls.

Oph�uro�ds (br�ttle stars or film stars) �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: Max Rees and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence.

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2.1.2 Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on

Figure 2.8 The Northwest Shelf Transition

The Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on straddles the North and

North-west Mar�ne Reg�ons extend�ng from the T�w�

Islands �n the Northern Terr�tory to Cape Leveque �n

Western Austral�a (figure 2.8). Forty-two per cent of the

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on occurs �n the Reg�on. The Northwest

Shelf Trans�t�on conta�ns complex geomorphology and �s

character�sed by coastal areas, the shelf and bas�ns �n

the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, and by banks, shoals, terraces

and reefs d�ssected by valleys on the Van D�emen R�se.

The Indones�an Throughflow has an �nfluence on the

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on, br�ng�ng warmer ol�gotroph�c

water of lower sal�n�ty and nutr�ent-levels from the

trop�cal western Pac�fic. The South Equator�al Current

has a lesser �nfluence w�th�n the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on.

Spec�es compos�t�on �s known to be more l�ke that of

the Indo–West Pac�fic than that of eastern Austral�a,

although there �s generally l�ttle �nformat�on ava�lable

on non-commerc�al fish and �nvertebrate spec�es �n the

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on.

The Van D�emen R�se �s a s�gn�ficant feature of the

ocean floor �n the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on and part of a

un�que system of carbonate banks that are shared w�th

the adjacent North-west Mar�ne Reg�on. The banks are a

hotspot for b�od�vers�ty, prov�d�ng a vast substrate that

supports d�verse trop�cal reef ecosystems.

Geomorphology

The Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on �s character�sed by

complex geomorphology. Geomorph�c features �nclude

shelves (e.g. Sahul Shelf and Arafura Shelf), shoals (e.g.

Fl�nders–Evans Shoals), banks (e.g. Van D�emen R�se),

terraces, bas�ns (e.g. Bonaparte Bas�n) and valleys (e.g.

Bonaparte Depress�on and Mal�ta Shelf Valley wh�ch

prov�des a s�gn�ficant connect�on between the Joseph

Bonaparte Gulf and the T�mor Trough). Closer to the

coast are patch, fr�ng�ng and rocky reefs.

The Bonaparte Bas�n (bounded by the Londonderry R�se,

Sahul Shelf and Van D�emen R�se) �s a muddy, relat�vely

turb�d bas�n w�th a depth of around 70 m, reach�ng

depths of 155 m �n the Mal�ta Shelf Valley. The muddy

sed�ments w�th�n the bas�n are anc�ent compared w�th

the coastal sed�ments adjacent to the bas�n and the�r

compos�t�on �nd�cates format�on �s pr�mar�ly der�ved

from mater�al formed �n the pelag�c env�ronment, rather

than terr�genous (land-based) or�g�ns.

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Numerous l�mestone p�nnacles up to tens of k�lometres

�n length and w�dth l�e w�th�n the Bonaparte Bas�n.

Some of these p�nnacles r�se 50 m h�gh above the

seafloor �nto the euphot�c zone (the depth to wh�ch

suffic�ent l�ght for photosynthes�s penetrates �nto

the ocean), wh�ch here �s around 10–15 m below the

sea surface. The p�nnacles are l�kely to be remnants of

calcareous reefs and coastal depos�ts that have eroded

over t�me.

The carbonate banks that form the Van D�emen R�se

and the Sahul Shelf are thought to be d�rectly related to

hydrocarbon seepage from the Bonaparte Bas�n, where

the Austral�an and Euras�an crustal plates are coll�d�ng.

These banks are bel�eved to have been formed dur�ng

the Pl�ocene per�od (5.2–1.64 m�ll�on years ago) and

were later shaped �nto the�r current form by eros�on of

the exposed shelf dur�ng per�ods of low sea level. The

b�olog�cal carbonate commun�t�es supported by these

hydrocarbon seeps prov�ded a substrate for reef-bu�ld�ng

organ�sms. The carbonate depos�ts they left beh�nd

support modern reefs that have been able to keep pace

w�th the r�se �n sea level from �ts l�kely max�mum depth

below current day sea level, approx�mately 18 000 years

ago.

Palaeo-r�ver channels up to 150 km long, 5 km w�de

and 240 m deep between the carbonate banks form

pathways for ocean currents and t�dal flows that funnel

cooler ocean�c waters up onto the Van D�emen R�se. The

outer shelf banks are bel�eved to be drowned carbonate

format�ons that once formed a str�ng of �slands seaward

of the anc�ent (now drowned) coastl�ne.

Oceanography

The Indones�an Throughflow br�ngs warmer ol�gotroph�c

water of lower sal�n�ty and nutr�ent-levels �nto the

Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on from the trop�cal western

Pac�fic Ocean. Local�sed upwell�ngs of cooler water

occur �n the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on as a result of �nternal

t�des, shelf waves that travel along the seafloor from

the cont�nental slope to the shelf, and topograph�c

effects. The �nfluence and extent of the upwell�ngs �n

the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on are mostly unknown. Waters

are relat�vely clear offshore and the euphot�c zone

can extend down to 100 m across the shelf. Pr�mary

b�olog�cal product�v�ty �s thought to be l�m�ted by

nutr�ent ava�lab�l�ty and the �nfluence of w�nds and

t�des �n mob�l�s�ng benth�c depos�ts.

The Joseph Bonaparte Gulf �s subject to the h�ghest t�dal

range �n the Reg�on (up to 7–8 m). Strong t�dal currents,

monsoon w�nds, cyclones and w�nd-generated waves �n

much of the coastal waters of the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on

st�mulate m�x�ng and sed�ment movement �n shallower

waters to depths of 20–30 m.


B�ogeograph�cally, the Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on �s

a trans�t�onal zone between the east and the west of

Austral�a, yet �ts affin�t�es l�e ma�nly w�th the Ind�an

Ocean. Mar�ne plant and an�mal groups are more l�ke

those of west coast Austral�an an�mal and plant l�fe than

that of the east coast of Austral�a.

Cetaceans are not frequently s�ghted �n th�s prov�nc�al

b�oreg�on, yet of the 9 spec�es of cetaceans known to

regularly occur �n the Reg�on and w�th�n the Northwest

Shelf prov�nc�al b�oreg�on, only three spec�es are l�sted as

m�gratory under the EPBC Act (all of wh�ch are dolph�n

spec�es: Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�n, Austral�an

snubfin dolph�n and spotted bottlenose dolph�n). It may

be that the shelf acts as a barr�er to some m�gratory

spec�es.

W�th�n the coastal and shelf areas of the Northwest

Shelf Trans�t�on, benth�c algae and seagrass commun�t�es

are confined to the �ntert�dal area adjacent to the

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on, w�th h�gh turb�d�ty restr�ct�ng

l�ght penetrat�on �n the coastal shelf areas to waters

up to depths of 20 m. Two dolph�n spec�es that may be

endem�c to Austral�a, the Austral�an snubfin dolph�n and

Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�n, occur �n coastal areas

and r�ver mouths of the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. Dugongs

and mar�ne turtles move through coastal Nud�branch (Flabellina iodinea). Photo: Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne Park Author�ty.

29


waters to feed�ng and nest�ng grounds adjacent to the

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on. Coastl�ne and �slands adjacent

to the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on, �nclud�ng Melv�lle Island

and Bathurst Island support one of the h�ghest

concentrat�ons of nest�ng flatback turtles �n the world.

Healthy offshore populat�ons of crustaceans (�nclud�ng

prawns) are �nd�cators of �nshore b�olog�cal product�v�ty,

but the d�rect l�nkages between these spec�es and

mar�ne systems are poorly understood. Ind�an banana

prawns (red-legged banana prawn, Fenneropenaeus indicus)

are pr�mar�ly caught �n the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. By-

catch from the prawn fishery conta�ns a h�gh level

of demersal fish. F�fteen spec�es of seasnake are also

known to occur �n the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on, �nclud�ng

the elegant seasnake, ol�ve-headed seasnake, Stokes’

seasnake and Dubo�s’ seasnake.

There �s a pauc�ty of data ava�lable on the b�ology �n the

Bonaparte Bas�n. Benth�c an�mal groups are �nfluenced

by depth and the gra�n s�ze of the surface sed�ments.

Some bacter�al product�on may occur but depos�t feeders

are l�kely to dom�nate the bas�n env�ronment. Sw�mm�ng

crabs (Charybdis callianassa) are abundant �n the bas�n

muds and may be the dom�nant first order consumers

of detr�tus. These crabs may also be �mportant prey for

predatory pelag�c fish spec�es found �n the v�c�n�ty of

prawn fisher�es �n the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on.

The carbonate p�nnacles �n th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on

�nclude complex hard substrate env�ronments and

prov�de a very d�fferent hab�tat to adjacent muddy bas�n

sed�ments. These p�nnacles are known to offer refug�a

for a range of spec�es and may support phototroph�c

organ�sms (that obta�n energy from sunl�ght) where

they extend �nto euphot�c surface waters.

The Van D�emen R�se �s d�st�nctly d�fferent �n

morphology and character from other parts of the

Reg�on and prov�des hab�tats for a w�de range of mar�ne

commun�t�es (figure 2.10). In a deta�led study, Heyward

et al. (1997) descr�be the coral reef commun�t�es that

are supported by the banks and shoals of the T�mor

Sea adjacent to th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on. Algal beds of

Hal�meda spec�es are l�kely to be a dom�nant b�olog�cal

component of the banks, s�m�lar to banks found �n

the North-west Mar�ne Reg�on. The Hal�meda banks

susta�n a range of �nvertebrate commun�t�es �nclud�ng

sponges, soft corals, hard corals, bryozoans, asc�d�ans

and other sess�le filter feeders. Foram�n�fera (s�ngle-

celled plankton�c an�mals w�th a perforated chalky

shell) are a common component of the benth�c fauna.

Pelag�c l�ne fisher�es (mackerel) are l�nked to local�sed

plankton�c food webs at upwell�ng s�tes at the heads

of channels and �nd�cate �mportant troph�c l�nkages

w�th nutr�ents from local�sed upwell�ngs. Red snapper

(Lutjanus erythropterus) are l�kely to be assoc�ated w�th

complex hab�tats amongst banks and channels. Hard

substrate sed�ments assoc�ated w�th deep channels are

l�kely to support sponges, soft corals and other sess�le

filter feeders s�m�lar to those spec�es found beyond the

Reg�on. The Van D�emen R�se �s also cons�dered to be an

�mportant shark hab�tat and forag�ng ol�ve r�dley turtles

have been observed at the banks and shoals.

Adjacent to the Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on (w�th�n the

North-west Mar�ne Reg�on), the shoals conta�n spec�es

such as polychaete worms, crustaceans, br�ttle stars,

gob��d fish, b�valves and s�punculans. It �s l�kely that

s�m�lar spec�es would be found �n the Reg�on around the

banks and shoals of the eastern areas of the Northwest

Shelf Trans�t�on.

Figure 2.9 Simplified diagram of biological productivity in the marine environment

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Figure 2.10 Sim

plified diagram of trophic relationships of the Van Diem

en Rise

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Ecosystem processes

The abundance and b�omass of pr�mary consumers

(e.g. crustaceans and molluscs) �n the Northwest

Shelf Trans�t�on �s very h�gh compared w�th the rest

of the North Mar�ne Reg�on (figure 2.9). Terrestr�al

�nputs of freshwater, sed�ments and nutr�ents from

ne�ghbour�ng catchments adjacent to the prov�nc�al

b�oreg�on contr�bute to b�olog�cal product�v�ty �n

coastal waters. M�crob�al commun�t�es assoc�ated w�th

h�gh concentrat�ons of nutr�ents dom�nate ecolog�cal

dynam�cs �n coastal waters, although h�gh turb�d�ty

assoc�ated w�th h�gh t�dal flows l�m�ts l�ght penetrat�on

to susta�n benth�c product�on. There �s l�ttle transfer of

nutr�ents from coastal waters to ocean�c waters, and the

bas�n and deeper shelf product�v�ty are l�kely to be more

dependent on �nternal nutr�ent cycl�ng and upwell�ngs

of product�ve ocean�c waters.

In offshore parts of the Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on l�ght

penetrat�on through relat�vely clear, shallow waters

st�mulates h�gh levels of benth�c pr�mary product�on

(macroalgae). Un�que benth�c m�crob�al commun�t�es

assoc�ated w�th hydrocarbon seeps, where gases

�nclud�ng methane are release from the seabed below

the surface sed�ments, are also found �n the deeper

waters. Ep�benth�c commun�t�es such as sponges found

�n channels are l�kely to support first and second order

consumers.

Table 2.2 Important ecological features and areas of the Northwest Shelf Transition


Bonaparte Bas�n Important ecolog�cal feature – contr�butes to benth�c product�v�ty and supports d�verse mar�ne faunal assemblages.

Carbonate terrace and banks system of the Van D�emen R�se

Important ecolog�cal feature – contr�butes to reg�onally enhanced benth�c pr�mary product�v�ty. Supports faunal assemblages, non-coral and coral commun�t�es assoc�ated w�th hard substrates of the banks and canyon walls.Important area for protected spec�es: • ol�ve r�dley turtle (feed�ng).

Submerged reefs of the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf

Important ecolog�cal feature – prov�des complex hab�tat for sess�le benth�c fauna, syngnath�ds, fish refug�a, and feed�ng and breed�ng hab�tats for seasnakes, predatory fish and sharks.

P�nnacles of the Bonaparte Bas�n

Important ecolog�cal feature – hard substrates that support sess�le benth�c �nvertebrates, phototroph�c organ�sms, and prov�des refug�a for fish.

Mal�ta Shelf Valley Important ecolog�cal feature – supports d�st�nct b�olog�cal commun�t�es and poss�ble m�gratory routes between ocean systems (espec�ally for cetaceans).

Melv�lle Island Commonwealth and Terr�tory waters adjacent to Melv�lle Island are an �mportant ecolog�cal feature – these waters conta�n complex hab�tats and local�sed freshwater upwell�ngs wh�ch support s�gn�ficant feed�ng aggregat�ons for mar�ne l�fe.Important area for protected spec�es: • ol�ve r�dley turtle (nest�ng).

Bathurst Island Commonwealth and Terr�tory waters adjacent to Bathurst Island are an �mportant ecolog�cal feature – these waters conta�n complex hab�tats and local�sed freshwater upwell�ngs wh�ch support s�gn�ficant feed�ng aggregat�ons for mar�ne l�fe.

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2.1.3 Northern Shelf Prov�nce

Figure 2.11 The Northern Shelf Province

The Northern Shelf Prov�nce extends over the

cont�nental shelf from the eastern shore of Melv�lle

Island to West Cape York and �s the largest of all the

shelf prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons �n the Reg�on (figure 2.11).

It compr�ses the Gulf of Carpentar�a �n the east and

the south-western Arafura Sea �n the west, and covers

an area of 556 350 km2. The prov�nc�al b�oreg�on �s

pr�nc�pally character�sed by relat�vely featureless sandy

and muddy cont�nental shelf and bas�n, turb�d coastal

waters, and submerged patch or barr�er reefs around

30–50 m water depth. Offshore features of the Arafura

Shelf �nclude canyons, terraces and the Arafura S�ll.

Internal currents are the major �nfluence on water

movements �n the Northern Shelf Prov�nce. T�dal

ranges are constant across the Northern Shelf Prov�nce

although t�dal energy �s stronger �n the Arafura Shelf,

where �t mob�l�ses and transports sed�ments w�th�n

coastal waters. The Indones�an Throughflow from the

west �nfluences the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on dur�ng the

north-west monsoon and waters enter�ng the prov�nc�al

b�oreg�on v�a Torres Stra�t have a m�nor �nfluence from

the east.

Of all the prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons of the Reg�on, the

Northern Shelf Prov�nce �s the best sampled for demersal

fish and �nvertebrates. Most data are assoc�ated w�th

sc�ent�fic stud�es and sampl�ng of prawns and fish

trawl�ng. Local�sed upwell�ngs offshore, around �slands

and offshore reefs, are also known to be hotspots for

mar�ne b�od�vers�ty �n the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on.

Geomorphology

The topography and geomorphology of the Northern

Shelf Prov�nce are s�mpler than those of the Northwest

Shelf Trans�t�on, part�cularly offshore, where there are

large expanses of relat�vely featureless sandy and muddy

sed�ments. The central bas�n of the Gulf of Carpentar�a

�s character�sed by gently slop�ng soft sed�ments and

waters vary �n depth from around 45–80 m. Sed�ment

types d�ffer across the bas�n w�th shelf sandy muds (less

than 50 per cent sand) on the western s�de, shelf muddy

sands (50–80 per cent sand) on the eastern s�de, and

rel�ct sands and muddy sands dom�nat�ng the seafloor of

the southern bas�n.

The Arafura Shelf �s also shallow, pr�mar�ly 50–80 m

deep, stretch�ng up to 350 km w�de and character�sed

by cont�nental shelf, canyons, terraces, the Arafura S�ll

and the Arafura Depress�on. The present morphology

of the shelf �s largely the result of eros�onal processes

33


that occurred dur�ng lower sea levels. Sed�ments of

the seabed are generally made up of a relat�vely h�gh

proport�on of carbonate gra�ns, although sed�ments

become progress�vely coarser �n texture and h�gher �n

carbonate concentrat�on as they become more d�stant

from shore and terr�genous sources. The carbonate

sed�ments of the outer shelf and upper slope of the

Arafura Shelf are a m�x of terr�genous clays from r�vers

�n Indones�an West Papua.

Submerged patch and barr�er reefs form a broken marg�n

around the per�meter of the Gulf bas�n �n water depths

of 30–50 m. Submerged reefs are also found along the

�nner shelf. Reefs vary �n d�stance from the coastl�ne

depend�ng on the slope of the seabed, but are closest

to the coast along the western r�m of the Gulf (north of

Groote Eylandt), and furthest offshore �n the south of

the Gulf.

Oceanography

The Gulf of Carpentar�a �s the largest sem�-enclosed

body of water �n Austral�a. C�rculat�on �s dom�nated by a

net clockw�se t�dal res�dual current that revolves around

a t�dal amph�drome (a po�nt �n the sea where there �s

no change �n t�dal he�ght because factors caus�ng t�des

to change cancel each other out) located to the north-

west of the bas�n centre. Seasonal d�fferences �n w�nd

reg�mes dr�ve a complex pattern of currents and edd�es

that s�gn�ficantly �nfluence the b�ology of the eastern

and western s�des of the Gulf.

The coastal water mass c�rculat�ng around the per�meter

of the Gulf extends to about 15 m depth �n the east and

30 m depth �n the west. Estuar�ne and floodpla�n water

flow�ng �nto the Gulf contr�butes heavy nutr�ent loads

to coastal waters, and the nature of the coastal water

mass �s such that �t prevents nutr�ents der�ved from

terrestr�al areas from enter�ng offshore waters. The

clockw�se movement of the nutr�ent-r�ch coastal water

mass �s also bel�eved to feed outwell�ngs (transport of

nutr�ents and detr�tus of terrestr�al or�g�n) �nto the

southern-most reg�on of the Gulf, contr�but�ng to the

very h�gh b�olog�cal d�vers�ty of the Wellesley Islands

reg�on.

T�dal ranges across the Northern Shelf Prov�nce are

mesot�dal (mean spr�ng t�dal range between 2–4 m).

T�dal energy �s generally lower �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a

than along the Arafura Shelf or �n the Northwest Shelf

Trans�t�on. Across the Arafura Shelf, t�dal currents move

w�th h�gher veloc�ty and dom�nate the mob�l�sat�on

of sed�ments compared w�th shallower coastal waters

where waves exert more �nfluence on sed�ment transport

and m�x�ng. Cyclones also have a dramat�c but local�sed

�nfluence on nutr�ent mob�l�sat�on and sed�ment

transport across the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on, but part�cularly

�n coastal waters.


The an�mals that �nhab�t coastal waters of the Northern

Shelf Prov�nce are very d�fferent to those �nhab�t�ng

offshore waters, although most stud�es of benth�c

hab�tats �n the Gulf have been focused on fisher�es-

related act�v�t�es and �n waters greater than 20 m depth.

As a consequence, there �s l�ttle �nformat�on ava�lable on

benth�c subt�dal hab�tats from the coastl�ne out to a

depth of 20 m (wh�ch can extend out to 20 km from the

coast �n many areas). One study of sed�ment benthos

adjacent to the B�ng Bong barge-load�ng s�te (Northern

Terr�tory) found 452 spec�es. Another study recorded

684 taxa of �nfaunal benth�c �nvertebrates (backboneless

an�mals l�v�ng w�th�n the sed�ments on the seabed) �n

grab samples taken from depths greater than 20 m. Two

d�st�nct benth�c commun�t�es were also recorded at

these depths:

one commun�ty �nhab�t�ng sandy sed�ments of

coastal waters (10–20 km offshore) less than 30 m

deep dom�nated by sess�le filter feed�ng spec�es

(e.g. sponges, b�valve molluscs and asc�d�ans); and

one commun�ty �nhab�t�ng the mudd�er sed�ments

of the central Gulf and conta�n�ng benth�c

scavengers and depos�t feeders, �nclud�ng

moderately abundant and d�verse commun�t�es

of �nfauna and mob�le ep�fauna dom�nated by

polychaete worms, crustaceans, molluscs and

ech�noderms (notably br�ttle stars and heart urch�ns

– Metalia spec�es).

Abundance and spec�es dens�ty are h�gher �n coastal

waters as a result of �ncreased b�olog�cal product�v�ty

assoc�ated w�th outflows of freshwater, nutr�ents and

sed�ments from r�vers and catchments w�th�n the Gulf

of Carpentar�a. Th�s �s greatest �n the eastern and south-

eastern marg�ns of the Gulf, where greater r�ver �nflows

and larger catchments occur. In contrast, the deeper

waters of the central Gulf have lower product�v�ty

than the coastal marg�n and rely on �nternal nutr�ent

recycl�ng. Ev�dence of �ncreased b�od�vers�ty and

product�v�ty �n the v�c�n�ty of the Arafura S�ll �s poss�bly

to the result of local�sed upwell�ngs.

Coastl�nes adjacent to the Northern Shelf Prov�nce

are dom�nated by mangroves, seagrasses and salt

•

•

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marshes wh�ch prov�de s�gn�ficant hab�tats for an

array of commerc�al and non-commerc�al spec�es found

further offshore. For example, larval prawns move from

offshore waters (where spawn�ng occurs) �nto shallow

coastal waters where juven�les develop (figure 2.12).

Banana prawns (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis) tend to

favour mangrove hab�tats and the areas of h�ghest

concentrat�on of mangroves around the coastl�ne (such

as around Karumba) are correspond�ngly the areas where

the greatest catch of banana prawns occur. Other prawn

spec�es, notably juven�le t�ger prawns, (Penaeus esculentus

and Penaeus semisulcatus), wh�ch compr�se around 50 per

cent of total prawn catch �n the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on,

tend to favour seagrass hab�tats.

Seagrass meadows are also the nursery grounds for many

other commerc�al crustacean and fish spec�es, play�ng a

v�tal role �n cycl�ng nutr�ents and contr�but�ng generally

to the d�vers�ty and abundance of organ�sms �n Gulf

coastal waters.

The extens�ve salt marsh and saltpan env�ronments

of the Gulf coastl�ne adjacent to the prov�nc�al

b�oreg�on are largely confined to upper �ntert�dal and

suprat�dal flats. Around 3800 km2 or more than 16 per

cent of Austral�a’s total area of salt marsh �s found �n

the Gulf. Salt marshes and saltpans are also bel�eved

to have �mportant l�nks w�th the product�v�ty of

prawn populat�ons, although these l�nks are not well

understood.

Top predators that spend t�me w�th�n the estuar�ne

waters adjacent to the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on and coastal

waters of the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on �nclude sharks (e.g.

bull shark and blackt�p shark), sawfish, and dolph�ns

(e.g. bottlenose, Austral�an snubfin, and Indo-Pac�fic

humpback). Substrate feeders, such as threadfins and

jewfish, belong to a d�st�nct group of small predators

and are also present w�th�n the Van D�emen Gulf.

M�gratory spec�es such as dugongs, mar�ne turtles,

and seab�rds also rely on the coastal product�v�ty of

�nshore waters, as well as seagrass beds and other

�ntert�dal and estuar�ne hab�tats. Dugong populat�ons

rely on seagrasses as the�r pr�mary food source, and are

bel�eved to generally restr�ct the�r movements to tens

of k�lometres from shallow t�dal and subt�dal seagrass

meadows. However, a number of dugongs have also

been reported �n deeper water further offshore (up to

58 km from the north Queensland coast �n water up

to 37 m deep), reflect�ng the d�str�but�on of deeper

seagrass spec�es. A recent survey of dugongs �n the

Gulf of Carpentar�a s�ghted 140 dugongs further than

three naut�cal m�les from the coast (H. Marsh, 2008,

pers. comm.). H�gh concentrat�ons of dugongs �n the

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on correspond to h�gher b�omass and

the presence of seagrass meadows along the Northern

Terr�tory s�de of the Gulf. In part�cular, the S�r Edward

Pellew Group �n the western Gulf supports the largest

populat�on of dugongs �n and adjacent to the Reg�on.

Figure 2.12 Connection between estuarine and marine phase in the prawn life cycle

Source: CSIRO Mar�ne and Atmospher�c Research 2005 <www.cmar.cs�ro.au/news/med�a/arch�ve/05releases/24jun05-

bgmod.html>.

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In the Queensland port�on of the Gulf, around 108 km2

of seagrass (or 70 per cent of all seagrasses found �n

Queensland’s Gulf waters) are found near the Wellesley

Islands. Dugongs are known to travel long d�stances

across northern Austral�an waters and beyond, and the

seagrasses of the Gulf of Carpentar�a prov�de �mportant

feed�ng and stag�ng po�nts.

The Northern Shelf Prov�nce also encompasses �mportant

breed�ng and feed�ng areas, as well as m�gratory and

d�spersal pathways for mar�ne turtles. All spec�es of

mar�ne turtles found �n Austral�a are l�sted as threatened

spec�es under the EPBC Act w�th the loggerhead turtle

l�sted as endangered and the other five spec�es l�sted as

vulnerable. S�x of the seven spec�es of mar�ne turtles �n

the world are found �n the Northern Shelf Prov�nce w�th

breed�ng s�tes along the coastal marg�ns adjacent to the

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on recorded for four spec�es: green

turtle, hawksb�ll turtle, ol�ve r�dley turtle and flatback

turtle. In part�cular, the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on �s notable

for support�ng a d�st�nct genet�c breed�ng stock of green

turtles and a number of the few recorded nest�ng s�tes

for ol�ve r�dley turtles �n Austral�a. Crab Island (56 km

from the t�p of Cape York Pen�nsula) supports the largest

known breed�ng aggregat�on of flatback turtles �n the

world. Mar�ne turtles feed both �n coastal waters and

deeper offshore env�ronments (figure 2.13), and they

regularly m�grate hundreds to thousands of k�lometres

between nest�ng and forag�ng grounds w�th�n and

beyond the Reg�on. An except�on to th�s �s the Gulf

of Carpentar�a green turtle stock, whose nest�ng and

feed�ng grounds are largely confined w�th�n the Gulf of

Carpentar�a.

The Gulf of Carpentar�a �s recogn�sed as an extremely

�mportant area for shoreb�rds and waterb�rds,

correspond�ng to the h�ghly product�ve coastal

env�ronments of the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on. In part�cular,

extens�ve mudflats, along the Gulf coastl�ne adjacent to

the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on, prov�de a d�st�nct hab�tat for a

d�verse and abundant array of spec�es �nclud�ng molluscs,

crustaceans, polychaete worms and ech�noderms wh�ch

�n turn support thousands of res�dent and m�gratory

shoreb�rds and waterb�rds. More than 270 spec�es from

169 genera of seab�rds and waders have been recorded

�n the Gulf and est�mates suggest that the southern Gulf

Pla�ns alone may at t�mes support up to one th�rd of

Austral�a’s wad�ng b�rd populat�on.

Aer�al surveys of north-eastern Austral�a from Ca�rns to

M�l�ng�mb� �n Arnhem Land conducted between 1981 and

1984 recorded more than 250 000 m�gratory wad�ng

b�rds �n the wet season and up to 60 000 �n the dry

season. The major�ty of these b�rds were counted �n the

south-eastern Gulf from Nassau R�ver to Gore Po�nt where

157 000 m�gratory waders were recorded �n the wet

season. Twenty-two spec�es of waders found �n the

Figure 2.13 Coastal and offshore interactions of the marine turtle life-cycle

Source: Adapted from Lanyon et al. (1989).

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southern Gulf of Carpentar�a are l�sted under the

Agreement between the Government of Australia and the

Government of Japan for the Protection of Migratory Birds in

Danger of Extinction and their Environment 1974 (JAMBA),

31 spec�es are l�sted under the Agreement between the

Government of Australia and the Government of the People’s

Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and

their Environment 1986 (CAMBA) and 32 spec�es are l�sted

under the Agreement between the Government of Australia and

the Government of the Rebublic of Korea – on the Protection of

Migratory Birds 2007 (ROKAMBA).

The Gulf of Carpentar�a �s bel�eved to support at least

19 and poss�bly up to 26 of the 35 known spec�es of

Austral�an seasnakes, �nclud�ng elegant seasnake, ornate

seasnake, ol�ve-headed seasnake and Stokes’ seasnake.

Seasnakes have been recorded �n large groups on the

surface of the Gulf �n the v�c�n�ty of Blue Mud Bay,

between the coast and Groote Eylandt, around the

Wellesley Islands and off the coast of We�pa. Most l�ve �n

waters of less than 15 m depth although they can also be

found at depths of up to 100 m. L�m�ted b�olog�cal data

has been publ�shed on seasnake populat�ons that �nhab�t

soft-bottom env�ronments �n trop�cal Austral�a and there

�s also l�m�ted data on d�str�but�on or abundance of

these spec�es outs�de of fish trawl areas. The major�ty of

�nformat�on on seasnake d�str�but�on �n th�s prov�nc�al

b�oreg�on �s assoc�ated w�th data collected from prawn

trawl by-catch.

There �s a clear d�st�nct�on between the demersal fish

assemblages �n the bas�n and those found �n coastal

waters. Offshore, the Gulf of Carpentar�a bas�n supports

a r�ch assemblage of pelag�c fish spec�es �nclud�ng

Shr�mp, scamp� and br�ttlestars �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: Max Rees and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence.

37


plankt�vorous and school�ng fish (e.g. anchov�es and

herr�ng) wh�ch are an �mportant food source for

top predators such as sharks, mackerel and demersal

fish such as snapper. Reef fish such as coral trout, red

emperor and sweet l�p are common �n the north-east of

the Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Hotspots of b�od�vers�ty are found around �slands

of the Gulf of Carpentar�a and the Arafura Shelf. For

example, the Wellesley Islands and the�r surround�ng

waters prov�de �mportant breed�ng and feed�ng areas

for seab�rds. North Bount�ful Island supports the largest

documented colony of crested terns (Sterna bergii) �n

Austral�a and poss�bly �n the world, w�th 13 000 to

15 000 breed�ng pa�rs counted �n 1991. Roseate terns

(Sterna dougallii), brown boob�es (Sula leucogaster), lesser

fr�gateb�rds (Fregata ariel) and streaked shearwaters

(Puffinus leucogaster) are also common though many

spec�es may be short-term v�s�tors.

The Wessel Islands adjacent to the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on

are a l�ttle d�fferent from other �sland groups found

adjacent to the Northern Shelf Prov�nce as a number of

endem�c mar�ne spec�es are found there, and they form

a d�st�nct b�ogeograph�cal boundary for sponge taxa

between eastern and western Austral�a. Spec�es d�vers�ty

around the �sland group �s bel�eved to be h�gh, ow�ng to

the w�de range of hab�tats found there, �nclud�ng coral

reefs. In part�cular, the fish are d�verse, although prawns,

polychaete worms and molluscs tend to be typ�cal

of the Reg�on. R�ver dolph�ns (bottlenose, Austral�an

snubfin, Indo-Pac�fic humpback), sharks, and breed�ng

populat�ons of three spec�es of mar�ne turtle (flatback,

green and ol�ve r�dley) are also found �n abundance

around the Wessel Islands.

The Arafura Shelf supports the eastern-most geograph�c

l�m�ts of a number of Indones�an coral spec�es, and

a h�gh d�vers�ty of coral spec�es found �n eastern

Austral�a and Western Austral�a are also found �n th�s

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on. The coral reefs and reef marg�ns

of the Northern Shelf Prov�nce are �nhab�ted by typ�cal

northern Austral�an coral reef fauna �nclud�ng octocorals,

sponges, asc�d�ans, gorgon�ans, anemones, bryozoans,

cr�no�ds and reef fish. Submerged reefs also prov�de

breed�ng and aggregat�on areas for many fish spec�es

�nclud�ng mackerel, mangrove jack and snappers, and

offer refug�a for seasnakes and top predator spec�es

such as sharks. Macroalgae are generally sparse �n th�s

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on, however phytoplankton blooms

have been observed around reefs. These blooms may

occur at local�sed m�cro-upwell�ngs of nutr�ents dr�ven

by w�nd and t�dal edd�es.

Ecosystem processes

B�olog�cal product�v�ty and troph�c relat�onsh�ps �n

the coastal waters of the Northern Shelf Prov�nce are

�nfluenced by �nflows of freshwater, sed�ments, detr�tus

and other nutr�ents from land and the resuspens�on

of fine seabed sed�ments, w�th hotspots occurr�ng

�n reg�ons of h�gh t�dal stress (figure 2.14). Further

offshore, b�olog�cal product�v�ty �s strongly �nfluenced

by seasonal processes. Dur�ng the wet season the

water column becomes strat�fied, result�ng �n the

development of a layer of h�gh chlorophyll concentrat�on

(product�v�ty) at around 40 m depth. In the dry season,

south-east trade w�nds are cons�stent and promote

strong m�x�ng of the waters w�th�n the Gulf bas�n to

depths of around 70 m. Dur�ng th�s t�me, nutr�ents

generated from benth�c m�crob�al processes become

resuspended and m�x h�gh �nto the euphot�c zone

result�ng �n pr�mary product�v�ty throughout the water

column. Based on stud�es of carbon �sotope rat�os �n

juven�le and adult prawns, �t �s known that there �s l�ttle

transfer of carbon, n�trogen or other nutr�ents between

coastal waters and offshore waters.

Benth�c m�cro-organ�sms and depos�t feeders play a

major role �n the recycl�ng of nutr�ents w�th�n the Gulf.

Nutr�ents are also �mported by m�gratory mar�ne spec�es

such as seab�rds and mar�ne turtles. The potent�al

for nutr�ent transfer by prawns and other small and

abundant mob�le organ�sms �s not known.

The Arafura Shelf �s d�st�nct from the Gulf of Carpentar�a

and the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf (Northwest Shelf

Trans�t�on) �n that �t does not rece�ve the h�gh volumes

of freshwater, sed�ments or nutr�ents from land that the

other areas rece�ve. Instead, b�olog�cal product�v�ty �s

largely der�ved from nutr�ent-r�ch upwell�ngs of cooler

water, edd�es and currents, prov�d�ng a food source for

schools of pelag�c fish. The Indones�an Throughflow also

contr�butes to the transport and d�spersal of pelag�c

organ�sms �n the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on.

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Figure 2.14 Sim

plified diagram of trophic relationships in the Gulf of Carpentaria

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Table 2.3 Important ecological features and areas of the Northern Shelf Province (See also chapter 3.1 and appendix D)


Canyons of the Arafura Depress�on

Important ecolog�cal feature – the canyons channel deep ocean waters enhanc�ng product�v�ty and attract�ng aggregat�ons of mar�ne l�fe such as large predatory fish, whale sharks, sawfish and mar�ne turtles.

Gulf of Carpentar�a Bas�n Important ecolog�cal feature – the largest ep�cont�nental sea �n the world. Supports character�st�cs assemblages of �nfauna and ep�fauna �n assoc�ated soft sed�ments.

Plateau and saddle off the coast of the Wellesley Islands

Important ecolog�cal feature – poss�bly a rel�ct bryomol reef, wh�ch supports a th�n veneer of Holocene coral.

Submerged reefs of the Gulf of Carpentar�a

Important ecolog�cal feature – prov�des complex hab�tat for sess�le benth�c fauna, fish refug�a, and feed�ng and breed�ng hab�tats for seasnakes, predatory fish and sharks.

Cobourg Pen�nsula and surround�ng �slands

Important area for protected spec�es:• flatback, ol�ve r�dley and leatherback turtles (nest�ng and/or feed�ng; and• Austral�an snubfin dolph�ns (feed�ng).

Wessel Islands Commonwealth and Terr�tory waters adjacent to the �slands are an �mportant ecolog�cal feature – these waters support h�gh product�v�ty, coral commun�t�es and are �mportant feed�ng, rest�ng, breed�ng and nursery areas for mar�ne l�fe.Important area for protected spec�es:• flatback and ol�ve r�dley turtles (nest�ng);• Austral�an snubfin and Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�ns (feed�ng); and• speartooth and northern r�ver shark, although the �mportance of th�s area �s not well understood for these spec�es.

Groote Eylandt, �nclud�ng the waters of Blue Mud Bay

Commonwealth and Terr�tory waters adjacent to the �slands are an �mportant ecolog�cal feature – these waters support h�gh b�olog�cal product�v�ty and are �mportant feed�ng, rest�ng, breed�ng and nursery areas for mar�ne l�fe.Important area for protected spec�es: • green and hawksb�ll turtles (nest�ng);• Austral�an snubfin and Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�ns (res�dent); and• dugongs (feed�ng).

Waters from L�mmen B�ght to S�r Edward Pellew Group

Commonwealth and Terr�tory waters adjacent to the �slands are an �mportant ecolog�cal feature – these waters support h�gh b�olog�cal product�v�ty and are �mportant feed�ng, rest�ng, breed�ng and nursery areas for mar�ne l�fe, �nclud�ng extens�ve seagrass meadows.Important area for protected spec�es: • l�ttle terns, lesser crested terns, black-naped terns and br�dled terns (nest�ng);• green, flatback and ol�ve r�dley turtles (feed�ng); and• dugongs (feed�ng).

S�r Edward Pellew Group Commonwealth and Terr�tory coastal and shelf waters adjacent to the �slands are an �mportant ecolog�cal feature – these waters support h�gh product�v�ty and are �mportant feed�ng, rest�ng, breed�ng and nursery areas for mar�ne l�fe.Important area for protected spec�es:• loggerhead and hawksb�ll turtles (feed�ng), green, flatback and ol�ve r�dley turtles (nest�ng and/or feed�ng);• Austral�an snubfin, Indo-Pac�fic humpback and spotted bottlenose dolph�ns (res�dent); and• dugongs (feed�ng).

Wellesley Islands Commonwealth and State coastal and shelf waters adjacent to the �slands are an �mportant ecolog�cal feature – these waters support h�gh product�v�ty and are �mportant feed�ng, rest�ng, breed�ng and nursery areas for mar�ne l�fe. Important area for protected spec�es: • brown boob�es and lesser fr�gateb�rds (nest�ng), streaked shearwaters (feed�ng);• green and flatback turtles (nest�ng);• spotted bottlenose dolph�ns (res�dent); and• dugongs (feed�ng).

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2.1.4 Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on

Figure 2.15 The Northeast Shelf Transition

The Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on extends from the north-

eastern corner of the Gulf of Carpentar�a to the Torres

Stra�t (figure 2.15). Th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on straddles

both the North and East Mar�ne Reg�ons w�th only seven

per cent of th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on conta�ned w�th�n

the Reg�on. The Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on w�th�n the

Reg�on �s pr�nc�pally marked by cont�nental shelf, shallow

water depths (20–40 m) and h�gh bottom sal�n�ty.

The prov�nc�al b�oreg�on �s �nfluenced by t�dal currents

between the Gulf of Carpentar�a and Torres Stra�t.

L�m�ted �nformat�on �s ava�lable; however, the sandy

substrates and small reefs �n the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on are

l�kely to support mar�ne commun�t�es s�m�lar to offshore

spec�es �n the north-east of the Northern Shelf Prov�nce.

Geomorphology

The Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on conta�ned w�th�n the

Reg�on has few mapped geomorph�c features. Known

features �nclude the cont�nental shelf, two small reefs,

and a terrace at the �nternat�onal boundary of the

Exclus�ve Econom�c Zone. The shelf dom�nates the

port�on of the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on that l�es w�th�n the

Reg�on, cover�ng an area of 6702 km2. Substrate �n th�s

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on ma�nly cons�sts of sandy sed�ments.

W�th�n the Torres Stra�t, a r�ch d�vers�ty of reefs and

sandbanks are found adjacent to the Reg�on w�th�n th�s


Oceanography

W�th�n the Reg�on, t�dal currents mov�ng east and

west through the Torres Stra�t flow through th�s part

of the Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on, though the net flows

are small. Ocean c�rculat�on modell�ng pred�cts a net

westward flow of currents �n the dry season dr�ven by

south-east trade w�nds, and a net eastward flow �n the

wet season dr�ven by monsoon w�nds. Sand waves �n

the western Torres Stra�t act�vely m�grate towards the

west and south-west w�th ampl�tudes of 4–6 m and

wavelengths several hundred metres. These sand waves

may �nfluence the movement of the seabed across the



There �s l�ttle �nformat�on ava�lable on the b�olog�cal

commun�t�es of the Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on. The

prox�m�ty of the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on to the north-

east coast of the Gulf of Carpentar�a, along w�th sandy

substrates, reefs and sea depths �nd�cate that benth�c

and pelag�c spec�es found there should be s�m�lar to

41


those found �n the north-east of the Gulf (Northern

Shelf Prov�nce). Hard substrates around reefs �n the

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on are l�kely to prov�de su�table hab�tat

for d�verse assemblages of benth�c organ�sms and

assoc�ated reef dwell�ng and pelag�c spec�es, �nclud�ng

top order predatory fish such as gropers, snappers and

emperors. The Torres Stra�t acts as a m�gratory corr�dor,

so that spec�es such as mar�ne turtles that are known to

move between breed�ng and feed�ng s�tes �n the Coral

Sea, Torres Stra�t, Gulf of Carpentar�a and beyond are

found �n the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on. Deep water seagrasses

�nclud�ng Halophila spec�es, wh�ch are found at depths of

more than 30 m �n the south-west Torres Stra�t, are also

l�kely to be present �n th�s prov�nc�al b�oreg�on.

Ecosystem processes

L�ttle �s known about ecosystem processes �n the

Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on; however, the d�stance of

the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on from the coast �nd�cates that

b�olog�cal product�v�ty �s l�kely to be dr�ven by nutr�ents

from b�ogen�c sources (created by l�v�ng organ�sms)

rather than of terrestr�al or�g�n. T�dal flows and currents

are l�kely to �nfluence seabed movements and benth�c

compos�t�on �n the prov�nc�al b�oreg�on.

Table 2.4 Key ecological features and other important areas of the Northeast Shelf Transition


Shelf, reef and terrace Important ecolog�cal feature – a un�que seafloor format�on that supports reg�onally s�gn�ficant mar�ne flora and fauna.

Cr�no�d. Photo: Commonwealth of Austral�a.

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N�x, H.A., 1983, ‘General Bathymetry of the Gulf of

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‘Corals’, �n Nat�onal Oceans Office, Description





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Office, Description of Key Species Groups in the Northern




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through Torres Stra�t’, Journal of Physical Oceanography,

18: 1535-1545.

Wolansk�, E. and R�dd, P., 1990, ‘M�x�ng and Trapp�ng

�n Austral�an Coast Water’, �n Cheng, R.T. (ed.), Coastal

and Estuarine Studies, vol. 38, Spr�nger-Verlag, New York,

pp.165-183.

Wolansk�, E., 1993, ‘Water C�rculat�on �n the Gulf of

Carpentar�a’, Journal of Marine Systems, 44::: 444010101---20.20.20.

Timor Transition








Harr�s, P.T., Heap, A.D., Wassenberg, T. and Passlow, V.,

2004, ‘Submerged Coral Reefs �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a,

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Last, P., Lyne, V., Yearsley, G., Gledh�ll, D., Gomon, M.,

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Clarke, J.D.A., Bone, Y., Cann, J.H., Dav�es, M., Macpha�l,

M.K. and Wells, F., 2001, ‘Post-glac�al B�ota from

the Inner Part of Southwest Joseph Bonaparte Gulf’,

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Hanley, J.R., 1996, Timor Sea Benthic Investigation – AC95-

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Lees, B.G. 1992, ‘Recent terr�genous sed�mentat�on �n

Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, Northwestern Austral�a’, Marine

Geology, 103(1-3): 199-213.

O’Br�en, G.W., Glenn, K., Lawrence, G., W�ll�ams, A.K.,

Webster, M., Burns, S. and Cowley, R., 2002, ‘Influence

of Hydrocarbon M�grat�on and Seepage on Benth�c

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42: 225-240.

P�nceratto, E., 1997, ‘Phys�cal Env�ronment’, �n Heyward,

A. P�nceratto, E. and Sm�th, L. (eds), Big Bank Shoals of the

Timor Sea: an Environmental Resource Atlas, BHP Petroleum,

Melbourne, pp.7-12.

Sm�th, L.D. and Heyward, A.J., 1996, Analysis of Timor

Sea Macrobenthos from ROV Video – Permit aC/P16 Area,

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P/L, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence, Damp�er,

Western Austral�a.

Storr, G.M., Sm�th, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E., 1986, Snakes

of Western Australia, Western Austral�an Museum, Perth.

Tonks, M.L., Gr�ffiths, S.P., Heales, D.S., Brewer, D.T.

and Dell, Q., 2008, ‘Spec�es Compos�t�on and Temporal

Var�at�on of Prawn Trawl Bycatch �n the Joseph

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Research, 89: 276-293.

WWF, 2003, Small Cetacean Survey of the Timor Sea,

Australian-Indonesian-Timor Leste Marine Mammal Training

Programme and Demonstration Survey, A F�nal Report

prepared for Env�ronment Austral�a.

Northern Shelf Province

Blaber, S.J.M. and M�lton, D.A., 1994, ‘D�str�but�on of

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Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 45(3):

445-454.

Church, J. A. and Forbes, A.M.G., 1981, ‘Non-l�near Model

of the T�des �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a’, Australian Journal

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Church, J.A. and Forbes, A.M.G., 1983, ‘C�rculat�on �n the

Gulf of Carpentar�a, I. D�rect Observat�ons of Currents

�n the South-east Corner of the Gulf of Carpentar�a’,

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<www.mar�ne.cs�ro.au/med�a/05releases/24jun05-

bgmod.html>, accessed December 07.








Ell�ott, C., 1993, Marine Biota Atlas for the Gulf of

Carpentaria, Prepared for Comalco Alum�n�um Ltd. L�v�ng

Planet Analys�s, Karumba.

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North, Ca�rns.

Forbes, A.M.G. and Church, J.A., 1983, ‘C�rculat�on of the

Gulf of Carpentar�a, II. Res�dual Currents and Mean Sea

Level’, Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research,

34: 11-22.

Fry, G.C., M�lton, D.A. and Wassenberg, T.J., 2001, ‘The

Reproduct�ve B�ology and D�et of Sea Snake Bycatch of

Prawn Trawl�ng �n Northern Austral�a: Character�st�cs

Important for Assess�ng the Impacts on Populat�ons’,

Pacific Conservation Biology, 7: 55-75.

Galloway, R.W., Story, R., Cooper, R. & Yapp, G.A., 1984,

Coastal Lands of Australia. Canberra: CSIRO D�v�s�on of

Water and Land Resources, Natural Resources Ser�es

No.1.

Garnett, S., 1987, ‘Aer�al Surveys of Waders (Aves:

Charadr��formes) Along the Coast of Northeastern

Austral�a’, Australian Wildlife Research, 14: 521-528.

Hanley, J.R., 1993, ‘Survey of Mar�ne Benthos at B�ng

Bong Barge Load�ng S�te and at the Barge/Sh�ps Transfer

S�te North of West Island, Gulf of Carpentar�a’, Marine

Ecology Technical Report 93/5, MIM M�nes, Darw�n.








Canberra.

Jongsma, D., 1974, Marine Geology of the Arafura Sea,

Bureau of M�neral Resources Bullet�n 157, p.73.

Kennett, R., Munungurr�tj, N. and Yunup�ngu, D.,

2004, ‘M�grat�on Patterns of Mar�ne Turtles �n the Gulf

of Carpentar�a, Northern Austral�a: Impl�cat�ons for

Abor�g�nal Management’, Wildlife Research, 31: 241-248.

K�rkman, H., 1997, Seagrasses of Australia, State of the

Env�ronment Techn�cal Paper Ser�es (Estuar�es and the

Sea), Department of the Env�ronment and Her�tage,


Lanyon, J.M., L�mpus, C. J. and Marsh, H., 1989, ‘Dugong

and Turtles – Grazers �n the Seagrass System’, �n Larkum,

A.W.D. , McComb, A.J. and Shepherd, S.A., Biology of

Seagrasses, Elsev�er, New York, pp.610-634.

Long, B.G. and Po�ner, I.R., 1994, ‘Infaunal Benth�c

Commun�ty Structure and Funct�on �n the Gulf of

Carpentar�a, Northern Austral�a’, Australian Journal of


Marsh, H., Eros, C., Corkeron, P. and Breen, B., 1999,

‘A Conservat�on Strategy for Dugongs: Impl�cat�ons

of Austral�an Research’, Marine and Freshwater Research,

50: 979-90.

M�lton, D.A., 2001, ‘Assess�ng the Suscept�b�l�ty to

F�sh�ng of Populat�ons of Rare Trawl Bycatch: Sea Snakes

Caught by Austral�a’s Northern Prawn fishery’, Biological

Conservation, 101: 281-290.

Mor�arty, D.J.W., Roberts, D.G. and Pollard, P.C., 1990,

‘Pr�mary and Bacter�al Product�v�ty of Trop�cal Seagrass

Commun�t�es �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a, Austral�a’, Marine

Ecology Progress Series, 61: 145-157.






Perry, T.W. and Blackman, J.G., 1998, A Review of the

Natural Values of the Wellesley Islands, Unpubl�shed �nternal

report, Queensland Department of Env�ronment and

Her�tage.

Post, A.L., 2006, Physical Surrogates for Benthic Organisms

in the South Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia: Testing and

Application to the Northern Planning Area, Record 2006/09,


R�dd, P., Sandstorm, M.W. and Wolansk�, E., 1988,

‘Outwell�ng from Trop�cal T�dal Salt Flats’, Estuarine,

Coastal and Shelf Science, 26: 243-253.

47


Robertson, A.I. and Along�, D.M., 1995, ‘Mangrove

Systems �n Austral�a: Structure, Funct�on and Status’, In

State of the Marine Environment Report for Australia, Technical

Annex 1: The Marine Environment. Zann L.P. and Ka�lola, P.,

Canberra, Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne Park Author�ty for

the Department of Env�ronment, Sport and Terr�tor�es,

Commonwealth of Austral�a, p��119-133.






S�ncla�r Kn�ght Merz, 1999, Marine Habitat Classification

and Mapping Project. Gulf of Carpentaria, SKM, Br�sbane.

Somers, I.F. and Long, B.G., 1994, ‘Sed�ments and

Hydrology of the Gulf of Carpentar�a’, Australian Journal of


Walker, T.A., 1992, ‘A Record Crested Tern Sterna bergii

Colony and Concentrated Breed�ng by Seab�rds �n the

Gulf of Carpentar�a’, Emu, 92: 152-56.92: 152-56..

Wh�teway, T., Heap, A.D., Luc�eer, V., H�nde, A., Rudd�ck,

R. and Harr�s, P.T., 2007, Seascapes of the Australian Margin

and Adjacent Sea Floor: Methodology and Results, Geosc�ence

Austral�a, Canberra.

Wolansk�, E., 1993, ‘Water C�rculat�on �n the Gulf of

Carpentar�a’, Journal of Marine Systems, 4: 401-20. 4: 401-20.1-20.

Northeast Shelf Transition








Harr�s, P.T., 1988, ‘Large Scale Bedforms as Ind�cators

of Mutually Evas�ve Sand Transport and the Sequent�al

Infill�ng of W�de-mouthed Estuar�es’, Sedimentary Geology,

57: 273-298.








Canberra.





Support of Regional Marine Planning, Record 2004/11,


L�mpus, C. and Chatto, R., 2004, ‘Mar�ne






Sa�nt-Cast, F. and Cond�e, S., 2006, Circulation Modelling

in Torres Strait, Record 2006/18, Geosc�ence Austral�a,

Canberra.

W�ll�ams, A., Begg, G., Marr�ott, R., Garrett,

R., McPherson, G., Sumpton, W., Larson, H.,

Gr�ffiths, S. and Lloyd, J., 2004b, ‘Snappers and

Emperors’, �n Nat�onal Oceans Office, Description





W�ll�ams, A., Begg, G., Pears, R., Garrett, R., Larson, H.

and Gr�ffiths, S., 2004c, ‘Groupers’, �n Nat�onal Oceans

Office, Description of Key Species Groups in the Northern




Wolansk�, E., R�dd, P. and Inoue, M., 1988, ‘Currents

Through Torres Stra�t’, Journal of Physical Oceanography, 18:

1535-1545.

48

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Map Data

Figure 2��2 Major Ocean Currents in Australian Waters

CSIRO 2001

Figure 2��4 Run-off from catchments of the North Marine Region


Bureau of Rural Sc�ences (2007): Water2010


Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts (2006): Integrated Mar�ne and Coastal Reg�onal�sat�on of Austral�a v.4.0 - Prov�nc�al B�oreg�ons









Figure 2��5 Annual chlorophyll variation in waters of the North Marine Region; (a) April (b) October


CSIRO D�v�s�on of Mar�ne Research (2004): Ocean Colour Monthly Means and Var�ances (MODIS) �n the Austral�an Reg�on




Geosc�ence Austral�a (2003): Austral�a, TOPO-2.5M Topograph�c Data – Dra�nage







Figure 2��6 (and figure 4��1) Provincial bioregions of the North Marine Region (IMCRA v��4��0)


Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts (2006):

Commonwealth Mar�ne Plann�ng Reg�ons



Geosc�ence Austral�a (1998): Austral�a, TOPO-2.5M Topograph�c Data – Coast and State Borders

Geosc�ence Austral�a (2003): Austral�a, TOPO-2.5M Topograph�c Data – Dra�nage and Roads








Figure 2��7 The Timor Transition











Figure 2��8 The Northwest Shelf Transition





49



ESRI Austral�a Pty Ltd (Canberra) (2001): ARCWORLD Map of the World 1:20 m�ll�on









Figure 2��11 The Northern Shelf Province














Figure 2��15 The Northeast Shelf Transition













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Yellowstr�pe snapper. Photo: Robert Thorn, Department of the Env�ronment., Water, Her�tage and the Arts

51

Conservation Values

Chapter 3 Conservation Values of the North Marine Region

Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plans w�ll �dent�fy those components

of mar�ne b�od�vers�ty and her�tage that are recogn�sed

as conservat�on values by the Austral�an Government.

Know�ng what the conservat�on values for each Reg�on

are w�ll help �n mak�ng dec�s�ons about proposed

developments and other ongo�ng act�v�t�es.

For the purpose of mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng,

conservat�on values are defined as those elements of the

Reg�on that are e�ther spec�fically protected under the

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

(EPBC Act) or the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 (for further

�nformat�on on the leg�slat�ve framework see append�x

B), or have been �dent�fied through the plann�ng process

as key ecological features �n the Commonwealth

mar�ne env�ronment. Key ecolog�cal features are not

spec�fically protected under the EPBC Act, although the

mar�ne env�ronment as a whole �s a matter of nat�onal

env�ronmental s�gn�ficance under the Act. Key ecolog�cal

features are be�ng �dent�fied as conservat�on values

w�th�n Commonwealth waters to help �nform dec�s�ons

about the mar�ne env�ronment �n any g�ven Mar�ne

Reg�on.

Matters spec�fically protected under Part 13 and

Part 15 of the EPBC Act that are relevant to the

mar�ne env�ronment of the Reg�on are recogn�sed

as conservat�on values. These may �nclude l�sted

threatened, m�gratory and mar�ne spec�es, l�sted

threatened ecolog�cal commun�t�es, cetaceans (whales,

dolph�ns and porpo�ses), World and Nat�onal Her�tage

Places and Commonwealth mar�ne reserves. H�stor�c

sh�pwrecks are also �dent�fied as conservat�on values by

v�rtue of the�r protect�on under the Historic Shipwrecks

Act 1976.

The mar�ne conservat�on values �dent�fied �n th�s sect�on

w�ll be the subject of assessment dur�ng the development

of the Draft North Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan to:

• understand the threats posed by current and

emerg�ng act�v�t�es; and

• prov�de gu�dance for future dec�s�ons under the

EPBC Act on potent�ally s�gn�ficant �mpacts on

l�sted threatened and m�gratory spec�es or the

Commonwealth mar�ne env�ronment of the North

Mar�ne Reg�on.

The nature and locat�on of the conservat�on values

w�ll also be cons�dered �n the establ�shment of Mar�ne

Protected Areas as part of the Nat�onal Representat�ve

System of Mar�ne Protected Areas (see chapter 4).

However, conservat�on values w�ll not automat�cally be

�ncluded �n Commonwealth mar�ne protected areas. In

accordance w�th the Reg�onal Spec�ficat�ons (chapter

4.2), only those mar�ne conservat�on values for wh�ch

spat�al protect�on �s both des�rable and appropr�ate w�ll

be cons�dered �n develop�ng the Mar�ne Protected Area

network for the Reg�on.

Squat lobster �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: Max Rees and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence.

52

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3.1 Key ecological features of the marine environment

Under the EPBC Act, the ‘mar�ne env�ronment’ of the

Commonwealth mar�ne area �s a matter of national

environmental significance (see Part 3, D�v�s�on 1 and

Sect�on 23 of the Act). Th�s means that any act�on that

w�ll have or �s l�kely to have a s�gn�ficant �mpact on the

Commonwealth mar�ne env�ronment must be referred to

the M�n�ster for the Env�ronment, Her�tage and the Arts

for assessment and approval. Nat�onal gu�del�nes have

been developed to help �n determ�n�ng whether act�ons

are l�kely to have a s�gn�ficant �mpact and these can be

found at <www.env�ronment.gov.au/epbc/protect>.

Key ecological features are those features of the

mar�ne env�ronment that are not spec�fically protected

under the EPBC Act, but wh�ch are cons�dered to be

�mportant or un�que character�st�cs of the Reg�on that

are potent�ally deserv�ng of conservat�on, mon�tor�ng

or management. For the purpose of mar�ne b�oreg�onal

plann�ng, key ecolog�cal features of the mar�ne

env�ronment meet one or more of the follow�ng cr�ter�a:

a spec�es, group of spec�es or a commun�ty w�th a

reg�onally �mportant ecolog�cal role (e.g. a predator,

or a prey spec�es that affects a large b�omass or

number of other mar�ne spec�es);

a spec�es, group of spec�es or a commun�ty that �s

nat�onally or reg�onally �mportant for b�od�vers�ty;

an area or hab�tat that �s nat�onally or reg�onally

�mportant for:

a) enhanced or h�gh b�olog�cal

product�v�ty (such as pred�ctable upwell�ngs),

b) aggregat�ons of mar�ne l�fe (such as

feed�ng, rest�ng, breed�ng or nursery areas),

c) b�od�vers�ty and endem�sm; or

a un�que seafloor feature w�th known or presumed

ecolog�cal propert�es of reg�onal s�gn�ficance.

W�th�n the North Mar�ne Reg�on, key ecolog�cal features

have been �dent�fied from the �mportant ecolog�cal

features recogn�sed for each of the prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons

�n chapter 2.1. The Austral�an Government has drawn

on the best ava�lable �nformat�on to select and descr�be

key ecolog�cal features, �nclud�ng adv�ce from sc�ent�sts

and techn�cal experts, and publ�shed and unpubl�shed

l�terature and reports on the Reg�on and adjacent areas.

Important sources of �nformat�on used to �dent�fy key

ecolog�cal features �n the Reg�on �nclude the Description

•

•

•

•

of Key Species Groups in the Northern Planning Area, and The

North Marine Region Marine Bioregional Plan: Information and

Analysis for the Regional Profile reports, comm�ss�oned by

the Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage

and the Arts, as well as Geosc�ence Austral�a’s reports

Geomorphology and Sedimentology of the Northern Marine

Planning Area of Australia and Seascapes of the Australian

Margin and Adjacent Seafloor: Methodology and Results.

A sc�ent�fic workshop was conducted �n Apr�l 2007,

br�ng�ng together mar�ne sc�ent�sts w�th spec�fic

exper�ence and expert�se �n the Reg�on. The workshop

explored what �s currently known about the ecosystems

of the Reg�on, and sc�ent�fic understand�ng of l�kely

�nteract�ons and ecosystem processes. The outcomes of

the workshop and the comm�ss�oned reports ment�oned

above are ava�lable at <www.env�ronment.gov.au/

coasts/mbp/north>.

Table 3.1 �dent�fies key ecolog�cal features �n the Reg�on

determ�ned dur�ng the development of th�s B�oreg�onal

Profile, and summar�ses the rat�onale used to �dent�fy

a spec�fic feature as a conservat�on value �n the Reg�on

(chapter 2 prov�des further context for understand�ng

the role of d�fferent features �n the ecosystem). The

collect�on of further and finer-scale �nformat�on dur�ng

the next stage of the plann�ng process w�ll be used to

�mprove our understand�ng of key ecolog�cal features

�n the Reg�on, and to confirm and refine those features

�dent�fied dur�ng the profil�ng stage of the process. Th�s

�nformat�on w�ll underp�n the analys�s of the threats

that the mar�ne env�ronment may face over the next

10–20 years. The Draft North Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan

w�ll �nclude a refined l�st of key ecolog�cal features.

F�fteen key ecolog�cal features have been �dent�fied �n

the Reg�on. These �nclude seven geomorph�c (seafloor)

features and e�ght reg�onally �mportant commun�t�es or

hab�tats (table 3.1). F�gure 3.1 prov�des locat�on deta�ls

for some of the features �dent�fied �n table 3.1.

53

Conservation Values

Figu

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.1

Ke

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fea

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s of

the

Reg

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Table 3.1 Key ecological features of the Region

Key ecological

features

Provincial

bioregions

(IMCRA v.4.0)

Rationale

REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT GEOMORPHIC FEATURES:

1. Bonaparte Bas�n Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on

Unique seafloor feature; important ecological roleExtens�ve shallow, soft sed�ment ocean bas�ns are a un�que and character�st�c feature of the Reg�on. The Bonaparte Bas�n funct�ons as a relat�vely closed ecosystem, w�th b�olog�cal product�v�ty strongly dependent on �nternal nutr�ent cycl�ng at the seafloor. Hence the dom�nant benth�c (seabed) fauna �ncludes a h�gh proport�on of depos�t feeders and scavengers, e.g. ech�no�ds, molluscs, polychaete worms, prawns, sw�mm�ng crabs and demersal fish (that l�ve close to the seabed), �nclud�ng sharks and rays. There are r�ch pelag�c (open ocean) assemblages of plankt�vorous and school�ng fish that attract h�gher order predators (sharks, mackerels, snappers), and support seab�rds and m�gratory spec�es. Wh�le commun�ty structures and l�fe forms are s�m�lar to those found �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a, there are notable taxonom�c d�fferences between the fauna of these two bas�ns.

2. Carbonate terrace and bank system of the Van D�emen R�se

Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on

Unique seafloor feature; important ecological role; high biodiversity; feeding aggregationsThe Van D�emen R�se supports a complex system of shallow carbonate banks and shoals over a l�mestone terrace, strongly d�ssected by t�dal channels and paleo-r�ver channels (�nclud�ng the over 150 m deep Mal�ta Shelf Valley). Shallow, clear waters prov�de for a deep euphot�c zone (the depth to wh�ch suffic�ent l�ght for photosynthes�s penetrates �nto the ocean), and therefore enhanced benth�c pr�mary product�on, wh�le local�sed upwell�ngs generated by �nteract�ons between the complex topography and t�dal currents encourage phytoplankton product�v�ty and aggregat�ons of fish. The banks, shoals and channels offer a heterogeneous env�ronment of shallow to deep reef, canyon, soft sed�ment and pelag�c hab�tats to a d�verse range of trop�cal spec�es of predom�nantly Western Austral�an affin�ty. Th�s area �s known for ol�ve r�dley turtle forag�ng and as the major offshore shark hab�tat of the Reg�on.

3. Shelf break and slope of the Arafura Shelf

T�mor Trans�t�on Unique seafloor feature; enhanced biological productivityThe topography of the shelf break �nteracts w�th ocean and t�dal currents to l�ft nutr�ent-r�ch deep ocean water onto the edge of the shelf and �nto the euphot�c zone (the depth to wh�ch suffic�ent l�ght for photosynthes�s penetrates �nto the ocean). Upwell�ngs enhance b�olog�cal product�v�ty and are bel�eved to attract feed�ng aggregat�ons of pelag�c mar�ne organ�sms �nto the v�c�n�ty of the shelf break, e.g. plankt�vorous and predatory fish, mar�ne turtles, sharks, and seab�rds. Although l�ttle �s known of the b�ology of the shelf slope benthos, the deeper (100–300 m �n depth), cooler waters prov�de a d�fferent env�ronment to the rema�nder of the Reg�on. A number of submerged l�v�ng coral/Halimeda reefs extend up �nto the euphot�c zone from the shelf slope, prov�d�ng structural hab�tat and focal po�nts for d�vers�ty.

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Conservation Values

Key ecological

features

Provincial

bioregions

(IMCRA v.4.0)

Rationale

4. Canyons of the Arafura Depress�on

Northern Shelf Prov�nce and T�mor Trans�t�on

Unique seafloor feature; important for biodiversity and endemism; enhanced productivity; feeding aggregationsThe canyons at the head of the Arafura Depress�on are bel�eved to be assoc�ated w�th per�od�c upwell�ngs of deep ocean water that enhance b�olog�cal product�v�ty and attract pelag�c aggregat�ons of mar�ne l�fe that may �nclude school�ng fish, large predators, whale sharks and seab�rds. Water depths �n excess of 200 m prov�de deep, cool, und�sturbed hab�tats not found elsewhere w�th�n the Reg�on. The canyons support a d�st�nct genet�c stock of red snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus). Un�que deep water �nvertebrate commun�t�es are thought to �nhab�t the hard substrates of the canyon walls, part�cularly where deep current flows favour abundant filter feeders. The canyon benthos �s l�kely to conta�n h�gh levels of endem�sm as a result of the long res�dence t�mes that populat�ons have had to develop �n th�s und�sturbed, nutr�ent-r�ch env�ronment.

5. Gulf of Carpentar�a bas�n

Northern Shelf Prov�nce

Unique seafloor feature; important ecological role; feeding and breeding aggregationsThe Gulf of Carpentar�a �s un�que �n that �t �s the largest trop�cal ep�cont�nental sea �n the world. The Gulf bas�n funct�ons as a predom�nantly closed ecosystem, w�th b�olog�cal product�v�ty strongly dependent on benth�c nutr�ent cycl�ng and m�x�ng of nutr�ents through the water column. The benthos (the assemblage of organ�sms �nhab�t�ng the seafloor) �s dom�nated by depos�t feeders and scavengers, e.g. ech�no�ds (heart urch�ns and sand dollars), b�valve molluscs, polychaete worms, prawns and demersal fish �nclud�ng sharks and rays. Sponges, sea pens, sol�tary corals and asc�d�ans are common �n areas where the seafloor �s exposed to stronger currents. Dugongs, mar�ne turtles, dolph�ns and large numbers of b�rds m�grate through the bas�n waters to �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant breed�ng, nest�ng and feed�ng s�tes on the Gulf of Carpentar�a coastl�ne. R�ch assemblages of school�ng fish feed on d�verse and abundant plankton, and �n turn attract aggregat�ons of h�gher order and top predators (e.g. sharks, mackerels, snappers, seab�rds, cetaceans, seasnakes).

6. Plateaux and saddle northwest of the Wellesley Islands


Unique seafloor featureThe broad, flat-topped platforms that occur northwest of Morn�ngton Island prov�de hard substrates for the development of extens�ve submerged l�v�ng coral reefs. Local�sed upwell�ngs generated by plateau escarpments enhance product�v�ty �n the area, attract�ng feed�ng aggregat�ons of pelag�c fish and b�rds.

REGIONALLY IMPORTANT COMMUNITIES AND HABITATS:

7. Area of shelf and terrace west of the Torres Stra�t

Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on

Important for biodiversity; aggregations of marine lifeThe shallow, sandy seafloor west of the Torres Stra�t �s exposed to strong currents and a complex t�dal reg�me. The area prov�des a s�gn�ficant m�gratory route for dugongs and mar�ne turtles and �s l�kely to support deep seagrass meadows on wh�ch dugongs and green turtles feed. A m�x�ng zone for waters from the Coral Sea and Indones�a, th�s area of faunal overlap potent�ally supports h�gh mollusc b�od�vers�ty and may be an �mportant area for reef fish and sea cucumbers.

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(IMCRA v.4.0)

Rationale

8. Soft sed�ment benth�c hab�tats

Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on and Northern Shelf Prov�nce

Important ecological role; aggregations of marine lifeThe most character�st�c and extens�ve hab�tats of the Reg�on are soft sed�ments (muds and sands) on relat�vely flat terra�n. These benth�c hab�tats support moderately d�verse but relat�vely h�gh b�omass assemblages of �nfauna (an�mals that l�ve w�th�n the sed�ments, e.g. polychaetes, b�valves, crustaceans) and ep�fauna (an�mals that l�ve on the surface of the sed�ments, e.g. heart urch�ns, br�ttle stars, sea cucumbers) as well as sponges, sea pens, sol�tary corals and asc�d�ans. W�th�n the sed�ments, m�crob�al commun�t�es (espec�ally bacter�a) and depos�t feed�ng an�mals (such as heart urch�ns) break down and recycle the nutr�ents that ‘ra�n’ down from the water column, form�ng the bas�s of the food web for many of the organ�sms that �nhab�t the water column as well as those that l�ve on the seafloor. Assemblages vary w�th sed�ment compos�t�on and the ava�lab�l�ty of hard substrates on wh�ch sess�le �nvertebrates may attach. Prawns, crabs and a w�de range of commerc�ally s�gn�ficant demersal fish (that l�ve close to the seabed, e.g. trevall�es, snappers, emperors and grunters) are dependent on these soft sed�ment hab�tats.

9. Seagrass meadows Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on, Northern Shelf Prov�nce and Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on

Enhanced (benthic) productivity; important ecological role; feeding and nursery aggregationsSeagrasses are h�ghly product�ve mar�ne plants that prov�de shelter, nursery and feed�ng grounds for many spec�es of fish, crabs, prawns, green turtles and dugongs. Seagrass meadows play an �mportant role �n nutr�ent cycl�ng, stab�l�s�ng sed�ments and �n the ma�ntenance of coastal water qual�ty. L�ttle �s known of the extent and d�str�but�on of deeper water seagrasses (notably Halophila spec�es) throughout the Reg�on but they are cons�dered to be �mportant food resource for dugongs.

10. Coral commun�t�es

Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on, Northern Shelf Prov�nce and T�mor Trans�t�on

Important ecological role; high biodiversity Stony (scleract�n�an) corals bu�ld structural hab�tat and prov�de the foundat�on for d�verse commun�t�es of mar�ne flora and fauna. The Reg�on conta�ns extens�ve, pr�st�ne and somet�mes very d�verse coral commun�t�es dom�nated by Fav��ds, but not always assoc�ated w�th reef development. Taxa �nclude eastern and western Austral�an spec�es, common spec�es that are rare elsewhere �n Austral�a, and newly descr�bed, potent�ally endem�c spec�es. Soft corals and corall�morphar�ans are d�verse and abundant throughout the Reg�on, occupy�ng both soft and hard substrates across the shelf.

11. Carbonate banks and reefs

Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on and T�mor Trans�t�on

Important ecological role; important for biodiversityCarbonate banks and reefs are a part�cular feature of the Van D�emen R�se, but they also occur on the outer shelf slope and scattered across the shelf throughout the Reg�on. The outer shelf banks are un�que ecolog�cal features that extend from depths of 200–300 m on the cont�nental shelf slope to w�th�n 20–30 m of the water surface. These banks and reefs are presumed to represent rel�ct coral atolls drowned by rap�d sea level r�se. Two theor�es have been postulated to expla�n the or�g�n of the extens�ve bank system of the Van D�emen R�se: banks may represent drowned platforms; or they may have formed around submar�ne hydrocarbon seeps wh�ch prov�de substrate for the growth of reef- and b�oherm-bu�ld�ng organ�sms, predom�nantly calcareous algae (Halimeda spec�es). Banks and reefs support macroalgae, reef fish and d�verse mar�ne �nvertebrates, notably sponges, soft and stony corals, gorgon�ans, bryozoans, asc�d�ans and other sess�le filter feeders. They offer structural hab�tat that extends from the depths �nto the euphot�c zone w�th�n a relat�vely short d�stance, and therefore prov�de for connect�v�ty and enhanced b�od�vers�ty.

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Conservation Values

Key ecological

features

Provincial

bioregions

(IMCRA v.4.0)

Rationale

12. P�nnacles of the Bonaparte Bas�n


Unique seafloor feature; feeding aggregationsThe l�mestone p�nnacles of the Bonaparte Bas�n offer hard substrates and structural complex�ty that d�ffers dramat�cally from the bas�n env�ronment �n wh�ch they are s�tuated. P�nnacles prov�de hab�tat for sess�le benth�c �nvertebrates and support phototroph�c organ�sms where reef tops extend to w�th�n 20–30 m of the surface. Demersal fish spec�es (e.g. snappers, emperors and gropers) tend to congregate around such structures. The vert�cal walls generate local upwell�ngs of nutr�ent-r�ch water that encourage phytoplankton product�v�ty and attract aggregat�ons of plankt�vorous and predatory fish and seab�rds.

13. Submerged coral reefs of the Gulf of Carpentar�a


Unique seafloor feature; important for biodiversity; aggregations of marine lifeSubmerged l�v�ng coral patch reefs have been descr�bed �n the southern Gulf of Carpentar�a but are presumed to occur more extens�vely around the per�meter of the bas�n �n water depths rang�ng from 30–50 m. Reef structures are rel�ct but support a th�n veneer of l�ve corals �nclud�ng plate corals (Turbinaria spec�es), hard corals (Leptoseris spec�es) and a large proport�on of soft corals. The reefs offer complex hab�tat and refug�a for a d�verse range of typ�cally northern Austral�an coral reef fauna, e.g. reef fish, seasnakes, sponges, asc�d�ans, gorgon�ans and bryozoans. Local�sed upwell�ng effects enhance b�olog�cal product�v�ty around the reefs and attract feed�ng and breed�ng aggregat�ons of fish spec�es �nclud�ng mackerel, mangrove jack, snappers, emperors, gropers and sharks. Submerged coral reefs may offer �mportant refug�a for coral assemblages under future cond�t�ons of cl�mate change.

14. Deep channels and canyons, e.g. the Mal�ta Shelf Valley


Unique seafloor feature; important for biodiversity and endemismL�ttle �s known about the an�mal l�fe of trop�cal deep channels and canyons, but h�gh levels of endem�sm are l�kely �n the benth�c commun�t�es occupy�ng these areas because populat�ons have evolved over long per�ods of t�me �n a relat�vely und�sturbed, nutr�ent-r�ch env�ronment. Deep rocky reef and canyon walls are thought to support un�que sess�le �nvertebrate commun�t�es, �nclud�ng abundant and d�verse filter feeders, and there �s anecdotal ev�dence of greater fish d�vers�ty assoc�ated w�th deep channels and canyons. Canyons potent�ally offer a m�gratory route for deep sw�mm�ng cetaceans mov�ng �n and out of the Bonaparte Bas�n and Gulf of Carpentar�a.

15. Coastal and shelf waters offshore from s�gn�ficant b�rd, mar�ne turtle and dugong breed�ng, feed�ng, nursery and aggregat�on s�tes

Northern Shelf Prov�nce and Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on

Aggregations of marine lifeOffshore �slands and coastal lands adjacent to the Reg�on support a number of recogn�sed s�tes of �nternat�onal or nat�onal conservat�on s�gn�ficance for aggregat�ons of threatened and m�gratory seab�rds, shoreb�rds, mar�ne turtles and dugongs. These s�tes are assoc�ated w�th major estuar�es, coastal bays, �slands or �mportant areas of salt marsh, seagrass, mangrove forest and freshwater wetlands. The Commonwealth waters offshore from these s�tes are an �mportant part of the range of these protected spec�es, part�cularly for those that m�grate across or through the Reg�on. Seab�rds, dugongs and mar�ne turtles feed �n the product�ve coastal boundary layer and shelf waters, and move through these areas to breed�ng, nest�ng and roost�ng s�tes. Rocky substrates assoc�ated w�th �slands support d�verse assemblages of corals, sponges and other sess�le benth�c �nvertebrates, and �nduce local�sed upwell�ngs of b�olog�cally product�ve waters. The boundary where coastal and offshore waters m�x (that occurs around the 20–30 m bathymetry contour) �s also a product�ve area known to attract aggregat�ons of fish and sharks.

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3.2 Nationally protected species

Spec�es l�sted under the EPBC Act are commonly referred

to as ‘protected spec�es’ because �t �s an offence to k�ll,

�njure, take, trade, keep or move a l�sted spec�es w�thout

author�sat�on. Under the EPBC Act, spec�es can be l�sted

as threatened, m�gratory, cetacean or mar�ne.

Threatened species – are those spec�es that have been

�dent�fied as be�ng �n danger of becom�ng ext�nct.

Listed Migratory species – are those spec�es that are

l�sted under:

the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory

Species of Wild Animals 1979 (also known as the

CMS or Bonn Convent�on);

the Agreement between the Government of Australia

and the Government of Japan for the Protection of

Migratory Birds in Danger of Extinction and their

Environment 1974 (JAMBA);

the Agreement between the Government of

Australia and the Government of the People’s

Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory

Birds and their Environment 1986 (CAMBA);


Australia and the Government of the Republic of

Korea on the Protection of Migratory Birds 2007

(ROKAMBA); or

any other �nternat�onal agreement, or

�nstrument made under other �nternat�onal

agreements approved by the M�n�ster for the

Env�ronment, Her�tage and the Arts.

Further �nformat�on on the CMS, JAMBA, CAMBA

and ROKAMBA �s prov�ded �n append�x A.

Cetaceans (�nclud�ng whales, dolph�ns and porpo�ses)

– all spec�es of cetacean are protected under the

EPBC Act to ensure the�r long-term conservat�on.

Listed Marine Species – spec�es belong�ng to taxa that

the Austral�an Government recogn�ses as requ�r�ng

protect�on to ensure the�r long-term conservat�on

(�n accordance w�th Sect�on 248 of the EPBC Act).

L�sted mar�ne spec�es occurr�ng �n the Reg�on

�nclude:

dugongs (fam�ly Dugong�dae);

seasnakes (fam�l�es Hydroph��dae and

Lat�caud�dae);

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

mar�ne turtles (fam�l�es Chelon��dae and

Dermochely�dae);

crocod�les (fam�ly Crocodyl�dae);

seahorses, p�pefish and ghost p�pefish (fam�l�es

Syngnath�dae and Solenostom�dae); and

b�rds (seab�rds, shoreb�rds. waterb�rds and

a number of other coastal or m�gratory b�rds

that occur naturally �n mar�ne env�ronments).

Spec�es can also be l�sted under more than one category.

For �nstance, mar�ne turtles are l�sted as threatened

spec�es, m�gratory spec�es and mar�ne spec�es.

All protected spec�es are also �ncluded under Part 13A

of the EPBC Act wh�ch regulates the �nternat�onal

movement of w�ldl�fe and w�ldl�fe products, �nclud�ng

the:

export of Austral�an nat�ve spec�es other than those

�dent�fied as exempt;

export and �mport of spec�es �ncluded �n the

append�ces to the Convention on International Trade

in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 1973

(CITES); and

�mport of l�ve plants and an�mals that (�f they

became establ�shed �n Austral�a) could adversely

affect nat�ve spec�es or the�r hab�tats.

Under the EPBC Act, spec�es l�sted as ‘threatened’ or

‘m�gratory’, are matters of nat�onal env�ronmental

s�gn�ficance. Spec�es l�sted as ext�nct or conservat�on

dependent are not matters of nat�onal env�ronmental

s�gn�ficance under the EPBC Act. Proposals for act�v�t�es

that w�ll or are l�kely to have a s�gn�ficant �mpact on

matters of nat�onal env�ronmental s�gn�ficance must be

referred to the M�n�ster for the Env�ronment, Her�tage

and the Arts for approval. The requ�rement to refer

proposals for act�ons that w�ll or are l�kely to have a

s�gn�ficant �mpact on matters of nat�onal env�ronmental

s�gn�ficance appl�es to act�v�t�es proposed not only �n

areas managed by the Austral�an Government but also �n

areas managed by the States and Terr�tor�es.

Significant Impact Guidelines – Matters of National

Environmental Significance has been produced to prov�de

adv�ce to proponents on when referrals should be

subm�tted for approval. These gu�del�nes prov�de spec�fic

adv�ce about the k�nds of act�ons l�kely to have a

s�gn�ficant �mpact on threatened and m�gratory spec�es.

The gu�del�nes also prov�de spec�fic adv�ce about the

k�nds of act�ons l�kely to have a s�gn�ficant �mpact on

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

59

Conservation Values

the Commonwealth mar�ne env�ronment. Under these

gu�del�nes for the Commonwealth mar�ne env�ronment,

any act�ons that w�ll, or are l�kely to, “have a substant�al

adverse effect on a populat�on of a mar�ne spec�es or

cetacean �nclud�ng �ts l�fe cycle (e.g. breed�ng, feed�ng,

m�gratory behav�our, l�fe expectancy) and spat�al

d�str�but�on” are �dent�fied as act�ons that should be

referred for approval. These gu�del�nes are ava�lable at

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/epbc/protect>.

Spec�es l�sted under the EPBC Act are also protected

from adverse �nteract�ons w�th commerc�al fish�ng

operat�ons. Under the EPBC Act all fisher�es managed

under Commonwealth leg�slat�on, and State-managed

fisher�es that have an export component, must be

assessed to ensure that they are managed �n an

ecolog�cally susta�nable way. These fishery assessments

are conducted us�ng the Guidelines for the Ecologically

Sustainable Management of Fisheries – 2nd Edition. These

gu�del�nes spec�fy that fisher�es must be conducted �n

a manner that does not threaten by-catch spec�es and

that ‘avo�ds mortal�ty of, or �njur�es to, endangered,

threatened or protected spec�es’.

Further �nformat�on about fisher�es assessments

carr�ed out under the EPBC Act �s ava�lable at

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/fisher�es/

publ�cat�ons/assessments.html>.

The EPBC Act �ncludes other forms of protect�on for

l�sted spec�es to ensure that human act�v�t�es do not

threaten the�r surv�val �n the w�ld (see append�x B for

further �nformat�on and relevant l�nks).

3.2.1 Protected spec�es �n the North

Mar�ne Reg�on

The North Mar�ne Reg�on �s an �mportant area for many

spec�es that are protected under the EPBC Act. Many of

the spec�es l�sted under the EPBC Act are also protected

under State and Terr�tory leg�slat�on. For �nstance,

mar�ne turtles are protected under the EPBC Act as well

as under Queensland and Northern Terr�tory leg�slat�on.

There are 115 spec�es protected under the EPBC Act

that are known to occur �n the Reg�on: 11 spec�es l�sted

as threatened, 53 as m�gratory, 9 as cetaceans and

101 l�sted as mar�ne (table 3.2). In add�t�on, there are

another 105 spec�es that may infrequently occur �n the

Reg�on. Spec�es that may infrequently occur �n the Reg�on

are defined as those:

that are acc�dental v�s�tors to the Reg�on; or

that on the bas�s of ava�lable �nformat�on about

the�r range are cons�dered as spec�es that may

occur �n the Reg�on.

Append�x C l�sts all spec�es protected under the EPBC Act

that are known to occur and all that may infrequently occur

�n the Reg�on. Note that, at the t�me of complet�ng th�s

B�oreg�onal Profile (2008), there are no spec�es known

to have become ext�nct �n the Reg�on.

•

•

Table 3.2 Number of protected species known to occur in the Region by broad taxonomic group (as of February 2008)

Threatened Spec�es

M�gratory Spec�es

Cetaceans(whales and dolph�ns)

Mar�ne Spec�es

Cr�t�cally Endangered

Endangered Vulnerable

Cart�lag�nous F�sh 1 1 3 1 - -

Bony F�sh - - - - - 21

Rept�les - 2 4 7 - 26

B�rds - - - 41 - 53

Mammals - - - 4 9 1

Totals 11 53 9 101

Spec�es can be l�sted under more than one category under the EPBC Act. For �nstance, mar�ne turtles are l�sted as

threatened spec�es, m�gratory spec�es and mar�ne spec�es.

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Protected species group report cards have been

prepared for each of the broad taxonom�c groups

l�sted under the EPBC Act that are known to occur �n

the Reg�on (append�x D). The report cards �dent�fy

the threatened and m�gratory l�sted spec�es that are

known to occur �n the Reg�on, descr�be the�r ecology,

�dent�fy the �mportant areas for them w�th�n the

Reg�on, expla�n what processes and act�v�t�es pose a

threat to the�r cont�nued surv�val, and �dent�fy how

these threats are be�ng m�t�gated. The report cards also

po�nt to relevant references and research for further

read�ng. The report cards are ava�lable on the �nternet

at <www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/north> and

w�ll be updated as new �nformat�on becomes ava�lable.

Protected spec�es group report cards are ava�lable

for cart�lag�nous fish (sharks and sawfish), bony fish

(seahorses, p�pefish and ghost p�pefish), mar�ne turtles,

seasnakes, crocod�les, b�rds (seab�rds, shoreb�rds and

waterb�rds), dugongs and cetaceans (whales and

dolph�ns) occurr�ng �n the Reg�on.

Important areas for spec�es l�sted as ‘threatened’ or

‘m�gratory’ under the EPBC Act (�.e. those protected

spec�es that are matters of nat�onal env�ronmental

s�gn�ficance) have been �dent�fied to ass�st �n

understand�ng the factors that may �mpact on the�r

conservat�on dur�ng development of the Draft North

Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan. There are no areas w�th�n the

North Mar�ne Reg�on that have yet been recogn�sed as

�mportant s�tes for nat�onally protected spec�es. The

coastal lands and State and Terr�tory waters adjacent to

the Reg�on, however, conta�n many areas that are known

to be �mportant for protected spec�es, �nclud�ng s�tes of

�nternat�onal and nat�onal s�gn�ficance for m�gratory

b�rds. It �s h�ghly l�kely that the protected spec�es that

feed, roost or breed along the coast w�ll also ut�l�se or

m�grate across the Commonwealth waters of the Reg�on

that l�e adjacent to these �mportant coastal s�tes. Table

3.3 and figure 3.2 descr�be and map the known breed�ng,

nursery, calv�ng, feed�ng and rest�ng areas, and other

known aggregat�on s�tes adjacent to the Reg�on that

are �mportant to l�sted threatened or m�gratory spec�es.

S�tes of part�cular or spec�al s�gn�ficance for l�sted

mar�ne spec�es that are not threatened or m�gratory

have also been �ncluded �n the table. These areas were

�dent�fied on the bas�s of ava�lable �nformat�on and

expert adv�ce for:

Reptiles: breed�ng and nest�ng s�tes, forag�ng areas

and known aggregat�on areas for mar�ne turtles and

crocod�les;

Birds: breed�ng and colon�al nest�ng s�tes, and

known roost�ng and forag�ng aggregat�on areas for

•

•

seab�rds, shoreb�rds, and m�gratory waterb�rds and

coastal raptors. Note the cr�ter�a for �dent�fy�ng

‘areas of �nternat�onal �mportance for shoreb�rds’

from the Convention on Wetlands of International

Importance (Ramsar Convent�on) 1971 are:

a) s�tes that regularly support 20 000 or more

shoreb�rds, or

b) s�tes that regularly support one per cent or

more of the �nd�v�duals �n a populat�on of one

spec�es or sub-spec�es of shoreb�rds.

The cr�ter�a for �dent�fy�ng ‘areas of nat�onal

�mportance for shoreb�rds �n Austral�a’ (Watk�ns

1993) are:

a) areas where 10 000 or more shoreb�rds have

been recorded; and/or

b) areas where one per cent or more of the

�nd�v�duals of the Austral�an populat�on of a

spec�es or sub-spec�es of shoreb�rd have been

recorded.

Dugongs: feed�ng areas, calv�ng s�tes and rest�ng

areas on m�gratory routes through the Reg�on; and

Cetaceans: feed�ng, aggregat�on and calv�ng areas

where research has been carr�ed out for certa�n

m�gratory spec�es of dolph�n across stud�ed parts of

the Reg�on.

Further �mportant areas may be �dent�fied for spec�es

protected under the EPBC Act dur�ng the next stage

of the plann�ng process, as more deta�led �nformat�on

about the Reg�on and the current and potent�al threats

to protected spec�es becomes known. The Draft North

Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan w�ll �nclude any �mportant areas

that are �dent�fied.

•

•

61

Conservation Values

Table 3.3 Important coastal sites adjacent to the North Marine Region for bird, marine turtle, dugong, dolphin and

crocodile species listed as threatened or migratory under the EPBC Act

Important Area Species and rationale

Joseph Bonaparte Gulf Birds:• area supports s�gn�ficant waterb�rd breed�ng colon�es �nclud�ng the second largest colony �n the Northern Terr�tory, wh�ch �s s�tuated on the Keep R�ver Estuary and �s the only colony to conta�n nest�ng glossy �b�s. Also s�gn�ficant for waterb�rd forag�ng (notably the wetlands between the Keep and V�ctor�a R�ver estuar�es and north of Foss�l Head). Protected m�gratory spec�es of note �nclude wh�te-w�nged tern and great egret; and• s�gn�ficant m�gratory shoreb�rd roosts (e.g. Turtle Po�nt) w�th terek sandp�per, greater and lesser sand plover, ruddy turnstone, sanderl�ng and broad-b�lled sandp�per abundant.Marine turtles:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant flatback turtle nest�ng s�tes (e.g. Turtle Po�nt, New Moon Inlet).

Anson Bay to Fog Bay Birds:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant aggregat�ons of m�gratory shoreb�rds, �nclud�ng great knot, greater sand plover, bar-ta�led godw�t, black-ta�led godw�t, lesser sand plover, l�ttle curlew, wh�mbrel, marsh sandp�per, terek sandp�per, grey plover, red-necked st�nt, common greenshank and broad-b�lled sandp�per;• one of the most �mportant areas �n the Northern Terr�tory for colon�al waterb�rd breed�ng, forag�ng and roost�ng. Great egret and cattle egret, breed colon�ally w�th large numbers of non-m�gratory spec�es. Glossy �b�s, wh�te-w�nged tern and common tern are abundant but do not breed �n the area; and• the Perron Islands conta�n the largest Austral�an pel�can rookery �n the Northern Terr�tory and are s�gn�ficant for roost�ng of wh�te-w�nged, lesser crested and common terns. Lesser fr�gateb�rds and brown boob�es have been recorded �n the area.Marine turtles:• nat�onally s�gn�ficant flatback turtle nest�ng s�tes (e.g. Cape Ford, Nat�ve Po�nt, Po�nt Blaze).Dugongs:• �mportant feed�ng area for dugongs.Dolphins:• area prov�des �mportant feed�ng grounds for Austral�an snubfin dolph�n and Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�n.

Beagle Gulf (Darw�n and Bynoe Harbours, Shoal Bay, Adela�de R�ver)

Birds:• nat�onally s�gn�ficant nest�ng and forag�ng aggregat�ons of waterb�rds �n the coastal wetlands, part�cularly between Lee Po�nt and Tree Po�nt. Protected m�gratory spec�es �nclude wh�te-w�nged tern, lesser crested tern, great egret and eastern reef egret;• s�gn�ficant aggregat�ons of m�gratory shoreb�rds �nclud�ng bar-ta�led godw�t, great knot, red knot, sanderl�ng, grey plover, black-ta�led godw�t, common sandp�per, marsh sandp�per, wh�mbrel, terek sandp�per, grey-ta�led tattler, ruddy turnstone, greater sand plover, lesser sand plover, red-necked st�nt and l�ttle curlew; and• nat�onally s�gn�ficant nest�ng and roost�ng aggregat�ons of seab�rds on offshore �slands (e.g. Bare Sand Island). Protected m�gratory spec�es �nclude lesser crested tern, black-naped tern, l�ttle tern, wh�te-w�nged tern, common tern and eastern reef egret. Lesser fr�gateb�rds and brown boob�es have been recorded �n the area.Marine turtles:• nat�onally s�gn�ficant flatback and ol�ve r�dley turtle nest�ng s�tes (e.g. Bynoe Harbour, Qua�l Island); and• offshore �slands are �mportant for flatback turtle nest�ng and for ol�ve r�dley, green, flatback and hawksb�ll turtle forag�ng.Dolphins:• area supports aggregat�ons of Austral�an snubfin dolph�n and Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�n.

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Bathurst and Melv�lle Islands

Birds:• �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant colon�al nest�ng s�tes for seab�rds. Seagull Island supports one of the largest seab�rd breed�ng colon�es �n the Northern Terr�tory, composed predom�nantly of crested terns. Other protected m�gratory b�rds that breed or aggregate �n the area �nclude l�ttle tern, common tern, osprey, wh�te-bell�ed sea eagle and eastern reef egret. Lesser fr�gateb�rds and brown boob�es have been recorded �n the area; and• nat�onally s�gn�ficant aggregat�ons of m�gratory shoreb�rds, part�cularly along the southern coast of Melv�lle Island. Protected m�gratory spec�es �nclude great knot, red-necked st�nt, greater and lesser sand plover and bar-ta�led godw�t.Marine turtles:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant ol�ve r�dley, flatback, and green turtle nest�ng s�tes (e.g. Cape Van D�emen, Radford Po�nt, Cape Forcroy). One of the most �mportant areas for turtle nest�ng �n northern Austral�a.

Van D�emen Gulf (�nclud�ng Chambers Bay, F�nke Bay, South and East All�gator R�vers, Kakadu Nat�onal Park)

Birds:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant aggregat�ons of m�gratory shoreb�rds. The area supports very large numbers of l�ttle curlew, sharp-ta�led sandp�per, black-ta�led godw�t and wh�mbrel, and abundant populat�ons of marsh sandp�per, common sandp�per, curlew sandp�per, terek sandp�per, lesser sand plover, grey plover, eastern curlew, common greenshank, great knot, red-necked st�nt and broad-b�lled sandp�per; and• one of the most �mportant areas for colon�al waterb�rd breed�ng �n northern Austral�a. The Adela�de R�ver floodpla�n supports the s�ngle largest waterb�rd breed�ng colony �n the Northern Terr�tory. Protected m�gratory b�rds breed�ng or roost�ng along the coast of the Van D�emen Gulf �nclude great egret, cattle egret, common tern, wh�te-w�nged tern, osprey and wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle. Marine turtles:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant flatback and green turtle nest�ng s�tes (e.g. F�eld Island). Crocodiles:• �mportant breed�ng and nest�ng area for saltwater crocod�les (Kakadu Nat�onal Park �nclud�ng the South, East and West All�gator R�vers).

Cobourg Pen�nsula and the Croker Islands (�nclud�ng the Murgenella Creek floodpla�ns)

Birds:• nat�onally s�gn�ficant colon�al nest�ng s�tes for seab�rds (e.g. Sandy Islands, Cowlard Island, New Year Island, Grant Island). Protected seab�rds and other m�gratory b�rds breed�ng �n the area �nclude crested tern, roseate tern, black-naped tern, br�dled tern, l�ttle tern, osprey and wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle. Lesser fr�gateb�rds and brown boob�es have been recorded �n the area; and• the Murgenella Creek floodpla�n supports s�gn�ficant colon�es of waterb�rds and roosts of m�gratory shoreb�rds. There are s�gn�ficant populat�ons of marsh sandp�per, terek sandp�per, lesser sand plover, common tern and ruddy turnstone and breed�ng populat�ons of great egret and eastern reef egret. Other protected m�gratory spec�es abundant �n the area �nclude great knot, sharp-ta�led sandp�per, greater sand plover, red-necked st�nt, black-ta�led and bar-ta�led godw�t, and glossy �b�s. Marine turtles:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant ol�ve r�dley, flatback and leatherback turtle nest�ng s�tes (e.g. Sm�th Po�nt, Danger Po�nt, Morse Island, Mogogout Island, Darch Island, Templer Island, Valenc�a Island). One of the most �mportant areas for turtle nest�ng �n northern Austral�a.Dugongs:• �mportant area for feed�ng, breed�ng and calv�ng aggregat�ons of dugong.Dolphins:• area supports aggregat�ons of Austral�an snubfin dolph�n and Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�n.

Goulburn Islands Birds:• nat�onally s�gn�ficant seab�rd and waterb�rd breed�ng colon�es and aggregat�on s�tes. Protected spec�es �nclude l�ttle tern, black-naped tern, common tern and eastern reef egret. Lesser fr�gateb�rds have been recorded �n the area.Marine turtles:• nat�onally s�gn�ficant flatback turtle nest�ng s�tes (North and South Goulburn Islands).

63

Conservation Values


Castlereagh and Boucaut Bays and M�l�ng�mb� Coast

Birds:• �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant aggregat�ons of m�gratory shoreb�rds, �nclud�ng many s�gn�ficant roosts for some of the largest flocks �n the Northern Terr�tory. Protected m�gratory spec�es �nclude great knot, grey plover, black-ta�led godw�t, bar-ta�led godw�t, greater sand plover and sanderl�ng at Boucaut Bay; bar-ta�led godw�t, red knot, grey-ta�led tattler, marsh and terek sandp�per, eastern curlew, ruddy turnstone and common greenshank at Castlereagh Bay; and bar-ta�led godw�t, grey-ta�led tattler, red-necked st�nt, wh�mbrel and terek sandp�per along the M�ll�ng�mb� coast;• s�gn�ficant roost�ng s�tes for protected seab�rds (e.g. False Po�nt, Crocod�le Island, Yabooma Island) �nclud�ng crested tern, roseate tern, l�ttle tern and br�dled tern; and• osprey, wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle, great egret, cattle egret, glossy �b�s and common tern are also abundant �n the area.

North-west and North-east Crocod�le Islands

Birds:• �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant colon�al nest�ng s�tes for seab�rds �nclud�ng crested tern and br�dled tern.Marine turtles:• �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant flatback and ol�ve r�dley turtle nest�ng s�tes.

Wessel Islands (�nclud�ng Buck�ngham and Arnhem Bays)

Birds:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant aggregat�ons of m�gratory shoreb�rds (e.g. Cunn�ngham Island, Buck�ngham and Arnhem Bays, Elcho Island). S�gn�ficant populat�ons of bar-ta�led godw�t, black-ta�led godw�t, wh�mbrel, eastern curlew, marsh sandp�per, grey-ta�led tattler, ruddy turnstone, great knot, broad-b�lled sandp�per and lesser sand plover aggregate �n the area, wh�le red-necked st�nt, grey plover and red knot are also abundant;• s�gn�ficant colon�al nest�ng and aggregat�on s�tes for seab�rds �nclud�ng crested tern, roseate tern, black-naped tern, br�dled tern and l�ttle tern. Lesser fr�gateb�rds and brown boob�es have been recorded �n the area; and• nat�onally s�gn�ficant waterb�rd breed�ng colon�es (Buck�ngham and Arnhem bays) �nclud�ng great egret, eastern reef egret and glossy �b�s. Osprey and wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle also breed and forage �n the area.Marine turtles:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant flatback and ol�ve r�dley turtle nest�ng s�tes (e.g. Drysdale, Burgunngura, Stevens, Bamaga, Warnaw�, W�gram and Truant Islands).

North-west Gulf of Carpentar�a coast

Birds:• area supports a large number of nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant colon�al nest�ng s�tes and roost�ng aggregat�ons of seab�rds (offshore �slands north of the Gove Pen�nsula, e.g H�gg�nson Islet). Protected seab�rds breed�ng or roost�ng �n the area �nclude crested tern, br�dled tern, l�ttle tern, black-naped tern, Casp�an tern, roseate tern, brown booby and common noddy. Lesser fr�gateb�rds have also been recorded �n the area; and• other protected m�gratory b�rds that breed on and around the Gove Pen�nsula �nclude l�ttle tern, osprey, wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle and eastern reef egret.Marine turtles: • nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant flatback, hawksb�ll and ol�ve r�dley turtle nest�ng s�tes are present along much of the coastl�ne; and• �mportant forag�ng area for flatback and green turtles.

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Blue Mud Bay Birds:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant forag�ng aggregat�ons of m�gratory shoreb�rds and waterb�rds. Protected m�gratory spec�es �nclude black-ta�led godw�t, bar-ta�led godw�t, great knot, red-necked st�nt, red knot, lesser sand plover, l�ttle curlew, curlew sandp�per, red-necked st�nt, marsh sandp�per, black-w�nged st�lt, wh�mbrel, eastern curlew, broad-b�lled sandp�per, ruddy turnstone, grey-ta�led tattler, great egret and glossy �b�s; and• s�gn�ficant seab�rd breed�ng colon�es (e.g. small offshore �slets near N�col Island) �nclud�ng br�dled tern, l�ttle tern, black-naped tern, roseate tern and Casp�an tern. Osprey and wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle are also abundant �n the area, Marine turtles:• nat�onally s�gn�ficant green and flatback turtle nest�ng s�tes (e.g. Isle Woodah, N�col Island, Morgan Island); and• �mportant forag�ng area for flatback, ol�ve r�dley and green turtles.Dugongs: • �mportant area for feed�ng, breed�ng and calv�ng aggregat�ons of dugongs (northern half of Blue Mud Bay).

Groote Eylandt and surrounds

Birds:• nat�onally s�gn�ficant colon�al nest�ng s�tes and roost�ng aggregat�ons of seab�rds (part�cularly the offshore �slands of the eastern coast). Protected seab�rds and other m�gratory b�rds �n the area �nclude crested tern, roseate tern, black-naped tern, l�ttle tern, br�dled tern, common tern, osprey, wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle and eastern reef egret. Lesser fr�gateb�rds and brown boob�es have been recorded �n the area.Marine turtles:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant hawksb�ll, green and flatback turtle nest�ng s�tes (e.g. Hawk Island, Lane Island, Ungwar�ba Po�nt to Cape Beatr�ce, Hawknest Island, Bustard Island). The most �mportant area �n the Northern Terr�tory for hawksb�ll turtle nest�ng; and• �mportant forag�ng area for turtles (notably ol�ve r�dley, flatback and hawksb�ll turtles).Dugongs: • �mportant area for feed�ng, breed�ng and calv�ng aggregat�ons of dugongs.Dolphins:• area supports a res�dent populat�on of Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�ns.

L�mmen B�ght Birds:• nat�onally s�gn�ficant breed�ng colon�es and forag�ng aggregat�ons of waterb�rds (part�cularly the wetlands of the Roper R�ver). Protected m�gratory spec�es �nclude great egret, wh�te-w�nged tern and glossy �b�s;• nat�onally s�gn�ficant aggregat�ons of m�gratory shoreb�rds �nclud�ng s�gn�ficant populat�ons of lesser sand plover, broad-b�lled sandp�per, and abundant populat�ons of great knot, red knot, red-necked st�nt, curlew sandp�per and greater sand plover; and• nat�onally s�gn�ficant seab�rd breed�ng colon�es (Low Rock, Sandy Island) �nclud�ng crested, lesser crested, roseate, black-naped and br�dled terns. Marine turtles:• �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant green and flatback turtle nest�ng s�te (Mar�a Island).Dugongs:• one of the most �mportant area for feed�ng, breed�ng and calv�ng aggregat�ons of dugongs �n Austral�a.Dolphins:• area supports aggregat�ons of Austral�an snubfin dolph�n and Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�n.

65

Conservation Values


S�r Edward Pellew Group (�nclud�ng Port McArthur)

Birds:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant colon�al nest�ng and aggregat�on s�tes for seab�rds (e.g. Barrany� Nat�onal Park, Cape Pellew and the outer �slands). The �sland group prov�des one of the most �mportant areas for colon�al seab�rd nest�ng �n the Northern Terr�tory w�th predom�nantly crested and roseate terns, but also br�dled, black-naped and l�ttle terns nest�ng. Brown boob�es have been recorded �n the area. Eastern reef egret, osprey and wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle also forage and breed �n s�gn�ficant numbers around the �slands;• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant aggregat�ons of m�gratory shoreb�rds occur on the coast and wetlands �nshore of the �sland group (e.g. Port McArthur). S�gn�ficant populat�ons of black-ta�led godw�t, bar-ta�led godw�t, wh�mbrel, eastern curlew, marsh sandp�per, common greenshank, grey-ta�led tattler, ruddy turnstone and lesser sand plover, and large numbers of great knot, red-necked st�nt, curlew sandp�per and sharp-ta�led sandp�per occur �n the area; and • waterb�rds �nclud�ng wh�te-w�nged tern, common tern and great egret breed and/or roost �n s�gn�ficant numbers around the coast.Marine turtles:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant hawksb�ll, ol�ve r�dley, green and flatback turtle nest�ng and forag�ng s�tes (outer �slands, e.g. Watson Island, West Island, Cape Pellew, Cape Vanderl�n).Dugongs: • one of the most �mportant areas for feed�ng, breed�ng and calv�ng aggregat�ons of dugongs �n Austral�a.Dolphins:• area supports res�dent populat�ons of Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�ns, Austral�an snubfin dolph�ns and spotted bottlenose dolph�ns.

Wellesley Islands Group Birds:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant seab�rd breed�ng colon�es, e.g. North Bount�ful Island supports the largest crested tern colony �n the world. Other �mportant breed�ng colon�es occur on Manowar Island (brown booby and lesser fr�gateb�rd) and Rocky Island (brown booby). L�ttle terns breed on coastal beaches �n the area; and• s�gn�ficant nest�ng and forag�ng aggregat�ons of waterb�rds and roosts of m�gratory shoreb�rds (Morn�ngton Island) �nclud�ng eastern curlew and Austral�an pa�nted sn�pe.Marine turtles:• nat�onally s�gn�ficant green, flatback and ol�ve r�dley turtle nest�ng and forag�ng s�tes. Morn�ngton Island, Bount�ful Island and Rocky Island are part�cularly �mportant for green turtles.Dugongs: • �mportant area for feed�ng, breed�ng and calv�ng aggregat�ons of dugongs.Dolphins:• area supports a res�dent populat�on of spotted bottlenose dolph�ns.

South-eastern Gulf of Carpentar�a coast (�ncludes Karumba, Normanton)

Birds:• nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant aggregat�ons of m�gratory shoreb�rds. Th�s area of extens�ve and cont�nuous wetlands, known as the Southern Gulf Aggregat�on, prov�des one of the three most �mportant areas for shoreb�rds and waders �n Austral�a. Protected m�gratory spec�es that occur �n the area �nclude the great knot, red knot, red-necked st�nt, black-ta�led godw�t, l�ttle curlew, common greenshank, sharp-ta�led sandp�per, marsh sandp�per, terek sandp�per, common sandp�per, curlew sandp�per, broad-b�lled sandp�per, wh�mbrel, greater sand plover, lesser sand plover, grey plover, Pac�fic golden plover, eastern curlew, grey-ta�led tattler, or�ental prat�ncole, sanderl�ng, bar-ta�led godw�t and ruddy turnstone; and• s�gn�ficant breed�ng, roost�ng and forag�ng hab�tat for waterb�rds.Crocodiles: • �mportant breed�ng and nest�ng area for saltwater crocod�les (Norman and Bynoe R�vers).

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Aurukun to Port Musgrave

Marine turtles:• nat�onally s�gn�ficant flatback and hawksb�ll turtle nest�ng s�tes.Dolphins:• area supports a res�dent populat�on of Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�ns dur�ng w�nter (Albatross Bay).Crocodiles: • �mportant breed�ng and nest�ng area for saltwater crocod�les (We�pa and Albatross Bay estuar�es).

Port Musgrave to Bamaga

Crocodiles:• �mportant breed�ng and nest�ng area for saltwater crocod�les (coastal estuar�es).Marine turtles:• nat�onally s�gn�ficant flatback and hawksb�ll turtle nest�ng s�tes. Crab Island supports the largest nest�ng aggregat�on of flatback turtles �n northern Austral�a.

Ophuro�ds (br�ttlestars and filmstars) and prawns on soft sed�ments, �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: Max Rees and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence.

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Conservation Values

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3.3 Protected places

The Austral�an Government has respons�b�l�ty for

the conservat�on of Austral�a’s natural, Ind�genous

and h�stor�c her�tage �nclud�ng the management

of protected places on the World, Nat�onal and

Commonwealth Her�tage L�sts and the Reg�ster of

Nat�onal Estate. Protected places l�kely to occur �n the

mar�ne env�ronment �nclude Mar�ne Protected Areas and

h�stor�c sh�pwrecks.

No her�tage places occur w�th�n the Reg�on. However,

the Kakadu Nat�onal Park World Her�tage Area and

wetland l�sted under the Convention on Wetlands of

International Importance (Ramsar Convent�on) 1971 are

found on the Northern Terr�tory coastl�ne adjacent to

the Reg�on. For more �nformat�on on Kakadu Nat�onal

Park, see <www.env�ronment.gov.au/parks/kakadu>.

Wetlands on the Cobourg Pen�nsula are also l�sted

under the Ramsar Convent�on and were the world’s first

Wetland of Internat�onal Importance l�sted under th�s

�nternat�onal agreement.

3.3.1 Mar�ne Protected Areas

There are currently no Commonwealth Mar�ne Protected

Areas �n the Reg�on. A small number of mar�ne

reserves are located �n State and Northern Terr�tory

waters adjacent to the Reg�on. For �nstance, as part

of the Gar�g Gunak Barlu Nat�onal Park, the Northern

Terr�tory Government declared over 223 000 ha of the

waters surround�ng the Cobourg Pen�nsula as a Mar�ne

Protected Area for the conservat�on and study of the

mar�ne l�fe of lagoon, coral reef and seagrass meadow

hab�tats. There are two other small Mar�ne Protected

Areas that also funct�on as F�sher�es Management Areas

�n Northern Terr�tory coastal waters: Doctors Gully

Aquat�c L�fe Reserve (14 ha) and East Po�nt Aquat�c L�fe

Reserve (265 ha), both located near Darw�n. In add�t�on,

the Casuar�na Coastal Reserve at Lee Po�nt near Darw�n

protects about 1500 ha of coastal hab�tats, �nclud�ng

�nshore waters. In the Gulf of Carpentar�a, four areas

encompass�ng around 39 000 ha of Queensland’s State

waters were declared �n 1990 for the protect�on of fish

hab�tat under the Queensland Fisheries Act 1976. These are

the E�ght M�le Creek, Morn�ng Inlet-Bynoe R�ver, Nassau

R�ver and Staaten-G�lbert F�sh Hab�tat Areas.

3.3.2 H�stor�c sh�pwrecks

The Austral�an Nat�onal Sh�pwrecks Database l�sts

approx�mately 500 sh�ps wh�ch are known to have been

lost more than 75 years ago �n and around the waters

of the Reg�on, �nclud�ng �n adjacent Northern Terr�tory

and Queensland coastal waters. Prec�se locat�ons are not

known for h�stor�c sh�pwrecks �n Commonwealth waters.

Future surveys and stud�es may confirm sh�pwreck

locat�ons �n the Reg�on.

H�stor�c sh�pwrecks are recogn�sed and protected under

the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976, wh�ch

protects h�stor�c wrecks and assoc�ated rel�cs found

�n waters from the low water mark to the edge of the

cont�nental shelf. Under the Commonwealth Historic

Shipwrecks Act 1976, all sh�pwrecks wh�ch are over 75

years old are protected, together w�th the�r assoc�ated

rel�cs, regardless of whether the�r actual locat�ons are

known. The M�n�ster for the Env�ronment, Her�tage

and the Arts can also make a declarat�on to protect any

h�stor�cally s�gn�ficant sh�pwrecks or rel�cs that are less

than 75 years old.

The Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 a�ms to ensure that

h�stor�c sh�pwrecks are protected for the�r her�tage

values and ma�nta�ned for recreat�onal and educat�onal

purposes. It also regulates act�v�t�es that may result �n

the damage, �nterference, removal or destruct�on of an

h�stor�c sh�pwreck or assoc�ated rel�c. Under the Historic

Shipwrecks Act 1976:

• anyone who finds the rema�ns of a sh�pwreck

or rel�cs assoc�ated w�th a sh�pwreck �s requ�red

to g�ve not�ficat�on of the locat�on as soon as

pract�cable to the M�n�ster for the Env�ronment,

Her�tage and the Arts; and

• h�stor�c rel�cs must not be removed, or the phys�cal

fabr�c of a wreck d�sturbed, unless a perm�t has

been obta�ned.

The Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 also prov�des for

protected zones to be declared �n order to enhance

the protect�on of h�stor�c sh�pwrecks and rel�cs wh�ch

are of spec�al s�gn�ficance or sens�t�v�ty to a part�cular

threat of �nterference. Perm�ts are requ�red to enter

protected zones, wh�ch can cover an area up to 200 ha.

There are currently no declared protected zones w�th�n

the Commonwealth waters of the Reg�on, however

�n adjacent Northern Terr�tory waters, a protected

zone surrounds the s�te of the World War II Japanese

submar�ne I-124, lost off Bathurst Island �n 1942. Further

�nformat�on about h�stor�c sh�pwrecks and the Act

can be found at <www.env�ronment.gov.au/her�tage/

sh�pwrecks>.

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Conservation Values

Djelk sea ranger patrol vessel, Man�ngr�da. Photo: Ilse K�essl�ng, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

It should be noted that although the Historic Shipwrecks

Act 1976 does not currently prov�de for the protect�on

of the natural env�ronment assoc�ated w�th sh�pwrecks,

these natural components form an �ntegral part of

h�stor�c sh�pwreck s�tes and are often cr�t�cal to the

long term preservat�on of sh�pwrecks and rel�cs. Damage

to these natural components can result �n �ncreased

deter�orat�on of sh�pwrecks ad consequently affect the

role of the sh�pwreck as a mar�ne hab�tat.

3.4 Consideration of pressures on regional conservation values

There are a range of pressures currently �mpact�ng or

l�kely to �mpact upon conservat�on values �n the Reg�on.

Wh�le append�x D descr�bes some of the threats relevant

to spec�es l�sted under the EPBC Act, �t �s �n the next

stage of the b�oreg�onal plann�ng process, development

of the Draft B�oreg�onal Plan, that threats to all

conservat�on values w�ll be cons�dered �n deta�l.

Austral�a’s mar�ne b�od�vers�ty �s under �ncreas�ng

pressure from many uses of the mar�ne env�ronment,

such as fisher�es, sh�pp�ng, petroleum and m�neral

extract�on, tour�sm and recreat�on. Pressures from

chang�ng land use, �nclud�ng agr�cultural and urban

run-off and coastal development, also ex�st. Cl�mate

change �s an �ncreas�ngly s�gn�ficant concern. Increas�ng

populat�on globally, reg�onally and locally w�ll result

�n �ncreas�ng threats to b�od�vers�ty and pressures on

resources.

Austral�a’s oceans have been the subject of s�gn�ficant

recent research act�v�ty but large gaps �n our knowledge

rema�n. Based on ava�lable knowledge, Austral�a’s

mar�ne b�od�vers�ty �s probably �n better cond�t�on than

that of many other countr�es. However, desp�te the

comb�ned efforts of Austral�a’s governments, �ndustr�es,

stakeholders and the commun�ty, there are s�gn�ficant

concerns w�th decl�ne �n some key spec�es and local�sed

�mpacts on hab�tats and cond�t�ons.

Desp�te l�m�tat�ons �n knowledge of what ex�sts, �ts

current cond�t�on and pressures, there �s suffic�ent

ev�dence of a cumulat�ve decl�ne �n mar�ne b�od�vers�ty.

The effects of a number of threaten�ng processes are

caus�ng decl�nes �n hab�tats, changes �n ecosystems and

loss of spec�es. The key pressures on mar�ne b�od�vers�ty

�nclude: cl�mate change, resource use, land-based

�mpacts, mar�ne b�osecur�ty, and mar�ne pollut�on.

You can find an overv�ew of the types of pressures

�mpact�ng on mar�ne b�od�vers�ty �n the ‘Coasts and

Oceans’ chapter of the 2006 State of the Environment Report

at <www.env�ronment.gov.au/soe/2006/publ�cat�ons/

report/coasts.html>.

Chapter 6 of th�s B�oreg�onal Profile conta�ns more

�nformat�on about how and when �n the process

stakeholder �nput w�ll be sought to �nform the

development of the Draft B�oreg�onal Plan.

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Box 3.1 Climate change impacts on marine life

The 2006 CSIRO report Impacts of Climate Change on

Australian Marine Life <www.greenhouse.gov.au/

�mpacts/publ�cat�ons/mar�nel�fe.html> prov�des a

deta�led overv�ew of the potent�al �mpacts of cl�mate

change on mar�ne b�od�vers�ty and ecosystems. The

ma�n find�ngs of the report are prov�ded below.

Climate change is expected to have considerable impacts on

marine life and marine ecosystems. There will inevitably be

flow-on implications for human societies and economies,

particularly those in regional Australia highly dependent

on the marine environment and its resources.

Evidence from Australian waters is sparse, mainly due to a

lack of historical long-term data collection. Importantly,

little modelling has been conducted to predict future

changes in Australian marine ecosystems and this remains

a critical gap.

Three general findings emerged from this study:

Firstly, although particular factors such as

temperature stand out as prominent drivers of

observed changes in Australia’s marine flora and

fauna, it is the combined effects of multiple climate

and oceanographic factors that will shape Australia’s

marine life in the future;

Secondly, Australia’s marine life is currently affected

strongly by non-climate related stressors such as

fisheries, coastal run-off and pollution, and the

ecological effects of these stressors will serve to

reduce ecosystem resilience to climate change. An

integrated and adaptive management approach is

required to deal with these combined effects; and

Finally, both monitoring time series data and

modelling of climate change impacts in Australia’s

marine ecosystems are extremely limited at present,

and represent crucial components of a strategic

national assessment of climate change impacts that

can inform development of policy and management

strategies.

•

•

•


Beeton, R.J.S., Buckley, K.I., Jones, G.J., Morgan, D.,

Re�chelt, R.E. and Trew�n, D., 2006, Australian State of

the Environment 2006, Department of the Env�ronment

and Her�tage, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra,

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/soe/2006>, accessed

Apr�l 08.

Department of the Env�ronment and Heritage, 2006, A


of Austral�a Vers�on 4.0, Commonwealth of Austral�a,














Support of Regional Marine Planning, Geosc�ence Austral�a,

Record 2004/11, Canberra.

Hobday, A.J., Okey, T.A., Poloczanska, E.S., Kunz, T.J.,

and R�chardson, A.J. (eds.), 2006, Impacts of Climate

Change on Australian Marine Life. Report to the Australian

Greenhouse Office, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra,

<www.greenhouse.gov.au/�mpacts/publ�cat�ons/

mar�nel�fe.html>, accessed September 07.

Nat�onal Oceans Office, 2004, Description of Key Species

Groups in the Northern Planning Area, Commonwealth of

Austral�a, Hobart, <www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/


September 07.







71

Conservation Values

Watk�ns, D., 1993, A National Plan for Shorebird Conservation

in Australia, Australas�an Wader Stud�es Group, RAOU

Report No. 90, Royal Australas�an Orn�tholog�sts Un�on,

Melbourne.



and Adjacent Seafloor: Methodology and Results, Geosc�ence

Austral�a, Record 2007/11, Canberra.

Map dataFigure 3��1 Key Ecological Features of the North Marine Region






Geosc�ence Austral�a (2003): Austral�a, TOPO-2.5M Topograph�c Data – Dra�nage








Figure 3��2 Location of important sites adjacent to the North Marine Region for bird, turtle, dugong, dolphin and crocodile species listed as threatened or migratory under the EPBC Act












Mudflats, Morn�ng Inlet. Photo: Anthony Roelofs, Queensland Department of Pr�mary Industr�es and F�sher�es.

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Float�ng anenome. Photo: Matt Carr, Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne Park Author�ty.

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Establishing New Marine Protected Areas

Chapter 4 Establishing New Marine Protected Areas in the North Marine Region

Austral�a �s comm�tted to the development of a Nat�onal

Representat�ve System of Mar�ne Protected Areas. The

pr�mary goal of the Nat�onal Representat�ve System of

Mar�ne Protected Areas �s to establ�sh and manage a

comprehens�ve, adequate and representat�ve system of

Mar�ne Protected Areas to contr�bute to the long-term

ecolog�cal v�ab�l�ty of mar�ne and estuar�ne systems,

to ma�nta�n ecolog�cal processes and systems, and to

protect Austral�a’s b�olog�cal d�vers�ty at all levels. In

summary:

each d�st�nct prov�nc�al b�oreg�on �n Austral�an

waters w�ll be represented �n a Mar�ne Protected

Area network;

the des�gn of the network should be suffic�ent to

ach�eve the conservat�on of all major ecosystem

funct�ons and features; and

the network should properly represent the

�dent�fied hab�tats and b�ota (the range of plants

and an�mals and the places where they l�ve)

character�st�c of each prov�nc�al b�oreg�on.

The Mar�ne Protected Area network, establ�shed through

the mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng process, w�ll �nclude

•

•

•

h�ghly protected zones equ�valent to IUCN Categor�es

I and II (see box 4.1) and large areas �n�t�ally ass�gned

to IUCN Category VI. Th�s precaut�onary approach

recogn�ses that �n many areas, the Mar�ne Protected Area

network w�ll be developed �n the absence of deta�led

b�olog�cal �nformat�on. Us�ng th�s staged and adapt�ve

approach to zon�ng �s cons�stent w�th the pr�nc�ples of

ecolog�cally susta�nable development. A staged approach

also allows for cont�nued gather�ng of �nformat�on

about spec�fic ecolog�cal, econom�c and soc�al values �n

an area, and the threats to those values. Where a staged

approach �s taken, the Government w�ll �dent�fy the

�nformat�on gaps and the strategy for address�ng these

gaps over t�me.

The Nat�onal Representat�ve System of Mar�ne Protected

Areas �s be�ng developed us�ng the nat�onal Guidelines

for Establishing the National Representative System of Marine

Protected Areas <www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/mpa/

publ�cat�ons/nrsmpa-gu�del�nes.html> agreed between

the Austral�an Government, the States and the Northern

Terr�tory �n 1998.

Shr�mp on soft sed�ments �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: Max Rees and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence.

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Short-headed seasnake. Photo: Kr�ton Glenn, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

S�nce 1998, there have been many dec�s�ons that have

helped formulate the Austral�an Government’s approach

to establ�sh�ng a Mar�ne Protected Area network. These

�nclude develop�ng a clearer understand�ng of how the

Guidelines for Establishing the National Representative System

of Marine Protected Areas w�ll be appl�ed by the Austral�an

Government, draw�ng on the best ava�lable sc�ent�fic

�nformat�on. The Department of the Env�ronment,

Water, Her�tage and the Arts, �n consultat�on w�th

other Austral�an Government agenc�es, has set out th�s

approach �n the Goals and Principles for the Establishment of

the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas

in Commonwealth Waters.

The goals and pr�nc�ples are der�ved from the nat�onally

agreed gu�del�nes and from the Austral�an Government’s

�mplementat�on exper�ence to date, to ensure proper

cons�derat�on of ecolog�cal and soc�o-econom�c

requ�rements. These goals and pr�nc�ples are set out �n

sect�on 4.1 of th�s chapter.

The Austral�an Government cons�ders that measures

other than Mar�ne Protected Areas also play a cr�t�cal

role �n b�od�vers�ty conservat�on and that the ex�stence

and effect�veness of those measures should be taken

�nto account �n assess�ng the adequacy of any Mar�ne

Protected Area network.

In add�t�on to Mar�ne Protected Areas, the Government

supports the use of spat�al measures �n fisher�es

management. Wh�le the two spat�al management

mechan�sms are des�gned and used for d�fferent

purposes, they can have mutually benefic�al outcomes.

F�sher�es-spec�fic measures, �nclud�ng both temporary

and permanent area closures, are developed accord�ng

to the part�cular goals and c�rcumstances of each fishery.

Mar�ne Protected Areas are developed �n Commonwealth

waters for the purpose of general b�od�vers�ty

conservat�on or to address threats to part�cular spec�es

or hab�tats – not to manage fisher�es. Mar�ne Protected

Areas may lead to �mproved fisher�es performance and

fisher�es closures may ach�eve b�od�vers�ty benefits. The

Government seeks to ensure that the des�gn of Mar�ne

Protected Areas takes �nto account the potent�al for

benefic�al �mpacts on fishery resources and that Mar�ne

Protected Areas are selected and zoned to enhance or

conserve fisher�es wherever poss�ble.

Mar�ne Protected Areas have long-term benefits for the

env�ronment and the economy, but even where �mpacts

can be m�n�m�sed, they may affect some bus�nesses �n

the short- to med�um-term. The Government recogn�ses

that a new Mar�ne Protected Area network may transfer

some mar�ne resources from current product�on to

b�od�vers�ty conservat�on. Therefore, before any new

Mar�ne Protected Areas are declared, �t w�ll assess the

financ�al and econom�c costs and benefits of each

proposed reg�onal Mar�ne Protected Area network and

dec�de on the prov�s�on of any adjustment ass�stance to

affected bus�nesses.

75


4.1 Goals and principles

The Austral�an Government �s comm�tted to develop a

Nat�onal Representat�ve System of Mar�ne Protected

Areas by 2012. The development of Mar�ne B�oreg�onal

Plans for each of Austral�a’s five large-scale Mar�ne

Reg�ons prov�des an opportun�ty to make substant�al

progress towards th�s goal. Areas su�table for �nclus�on �n

the Nat�onal Representat�ve System of Mar�ne Protected

Areas w�ll be �dent�fied dur�ng the plann�ng process.

The network w�ll be representat�ve of the 41 prov�nc�al-

scale b�oreg�ons recogn�sed �n Commonwealth waters,

as �dent�fied by the Integrated Marine and Coastal

Regionalisation of Australia Version 4.0 (IMCRA v.4.0)

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/mpa/�mcra>. The

focus �s to ensure that Mar�ne Protected Areas are

developed for those prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons that are

currently not represented, or are under-represented, �n

Mar�ne Protected Areas.

Because the management of Mar�ne Protected Areas

may requ�re cond�t�ons to be put on the nature and

extent of act�v�t�es that can occur w�th�n them, the

�dent�ficat�on of areas su�table for �nclus�on �n the


Areas needs to be based upon clear goals and pr�nc�ples.

These goals and pr�nc�ples recogn�se both the sc�ent�fic

�nformat�on ava�lable and the �nterests of ocean users

whose act�v�t�es may be �mpacted upon by new Mar�ne

Protected Areas.

Th�s approach seeks to draw on ava�lable sc�ence wh�le

recogn�s�ng from the outset that the �nformat�on base

�s poor for some areas. Much of each Mar�ne Reg�on �s

far offshore, compr�sed of very deep water, and has not

been the subject of deta�led study or data gather�ng. In

these c�rcumstances, ex�st�ng deta�led and peer-rev�ewed

data w�ll be supplemented w�th �nformat�on drawn from

known l�nkages between b�od�vers�ty and the phys�cal

env�ronment – that �s, where deta�led spec�es and

hab�tat data �s lack�ng, surrogates for d�vers�ty (such

as water depth, substrate and geomorphology) w�ll be

used.

Key �nputs �nto the process w�ll �nclude:

ex�st�ng sc�ent�fic �nformat�on underly�ng IMCRA

v.4.0 (e.g. bathymetry, geomorph�c features,

d�str�but�on of endem�c b�ota);

add�t�onal reg�onal �nformat�on on hab�tats, spec�es

d�str�but�on and ecology gathered dur�ng the

mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng process;

data on the locat�on and d�str�but�on of human

act�v�t�es �n the Reg�on;

v�ews of ocean users and stakeholders �n each

Mar�ne Reg�on;

cons�derat�on of the contr�but�on that ex�st�ng

spat�al management measures can make to

the Nat�onal Representat�ve System of Mar�ne

Protected Areas; and

cons�derat�on of potent�al management

effect�veness (e.g. feas�b�l�ty of compl�ance).

•

•

•

•

•

•

Lemon shark. Photo: Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne Park Author�ty.

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4.1.1 The goals

Four goals to max�m�se conservat�on outcomes w�ll

gu�de the �dent�ficat�on of areas su�table to be �ncluded


Protected Areas. These goals apply nat�onally, and they

w�ll be used to gu�de �dent�ficat�on of representat�ve

Mar�ne Protected Areas �n all the Mar�ne Reg�ons (except

the South-east Mar�ne Reg�on, where the process has

been completed). Add�t�onally, a number of support�ng

pr�nc�ples w�ll ass�st �n determ�n�ng the locat�on,

select�on (when more than one opt�on to meet the goals

�s ava�lable), des�gn and zon�ng of su�table areas.

Goal 1 – Each provincial bioregion occurr�ng �n

the Reg�on should be represented at least once �n the

Mar�ne Protected Area network. Pr�or�ty w�ll be g�ven

to prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons not already represented �n the

Nat�onal Representat�ve System.

Goal 2 – The Mar�ne Protected Area network should

cover all depth ranges occurr�ng �n the Reg�on or

other grad�ents �n l�ght penetrat�on �n waters over the

cont�nental shelf.

Goal 3 – The Mar�ne Protected Area network should seek

to �nclude examples of benthic/demersal biological

features (e.g. hab�tats, commun�t�es, sub-reg�onal

ecosystems, part�cularly those w�th h�gh b�od�vers�ty

value, spec�es r�chness and endem�sm) known to occur

�n the Reg�on at a broad sub-prov�nc�al (greater than

100s of k�lometres) scale.

Goal 4 – The Mar�ne Protected Area network should

�nclude all types of seafloor features. There are 21

seafloor types across the ent�re Exclus�ve Econom�c

Zone. Some prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons w�ll be character�sed

by the presence of a certa�n subset of features, such as

cont�nental slope or seamounts.

4.1.2 Gu�d�ng pr�nc�ples

Location of Marine Protected Areas

1. Mar�ne Protected Areas w�ll be located tak�ng

�nto account the occurrence and locat�on of

ex�st�ng spat�al management arrangements (e.g.

ex�st�ng protected areas and sectoral measures)

that contr�bute to the goals.

2. The goals should be met w�th the least number

of separate Mar�ne Protected Areas (�.e. a smaller

number of larger Mar�ne Protected Areas rather

than many small Mar�ne Protected Areas) to

max�m�se conservat�on outcomes.

Selection

3. The capac�ty of a Mar�ne Protected Area to

m�t�gate �dent�fied threats to conservat�on

values.

4. The occurrence of spat�ally defined hab�tats

for and/or aggregat�ons of threatened and/or

m�gratory spec�es.

5. The occurrence of ecolog�cally �mportant pelag�c

features wh�ch have a cons�stent and definable

spat�al d�str�but�on.

6. The occurrence of known small-scale (tens of

k�lometres) ecosystems assoc�ated w�th the

benth�c/demersal env�ronment.

7. Relevant ava�lable �nformat�on about small-scale

d�str�but�on of sed�ment types and s�zes and

other geo-oceanograph�c var�ables.

8. Occurrence of l�sted her�tage s�tes (where

�nclus�on �n the Mar�ne Protected Area network

would �mprove adm�n�strat�on of protect�on

reg�mes).

9. Soc�o-econom�c costs should be m�n�m�sed.

Design

Once the broad locat�on of Mar�ne Protected Areas has

been determ�ned, the follow�ng design principles

should be appl�ed to further refine the s�ze and shape of

�nd�v�dual Mar�ne Protected Areas:

10. Ind�v�dual areas should, as far as pract�cable,

�nclude cont�nuous depth transects (e.g. from

the shelf to the abyss).

11. Whole seafloor features (such as geomorph�c

features) should be �ncluded.

12. Features should be repl�cated wherever poss�ble

w�th�n the system of Mar�ne Protected Areas

(�.e. �ncluded more than once).

77


13. S�ze and shape should be or�entated to account

for �nclus�on of connect�v�ty corr�dors and

b�olog�cal d�spersal patterns w�th�n and across


14. Boundary l�nes should be s�mple, as much

as poss�ble follow�ng stra�ght lat�tud�nal/

long�tud�nal l�nes.

15. Boundary l�nes should be eas�ly �dent�fiable,

where poss�ble co�nc�d�ng w�th ex�st�ng

regulatory boundar�es.

16. The s�ze and shape of each area should be set to

m�n�m�se soc�o-econom�c costs.

For each area �dent�fied as a cand�date Mar�ne Protected

Area, spec�fic conservat�on object�ves w�ll be set. Area-

spec�fic conservat�on object�ves w�ll reflect the four

goals. For example, they may relate to the �ntegr�ty of

b�oreg�onal character�st�cs (Goal 1) or of spec�fic large-

scale b�olog�cal features (Goal 3) that the area a�ms

to represent. They may also relate to other relevant

pr�nc�ples, such as the �ntegr�ty of hab�tat �mportant

for a threatened spec�es (Pr�nc�ple 4). To accommodate

cl�mate change as far as pract�cable, des�gn pr�nc�ples

and zon�ng that promote res�l�ence and adaptat�on w�ll

be �ncorporated. In part�cular, accommodat�ng lat�tud�nal

or long�tud�nal movement �n ecosystem or spec�es

d�str�but�ons and changes �n oceanograph�c features and

currents, ant�c�pated �n response to cl�mate change.

Zoning

Because zon�ng of Mar�ne Protected Areas (�.e. the

allocat�on of appropr�ate management reg�mes to

d�fferent areas) has the potent�al to affect the soc�o-

econom�c costs assoc�ated w�th the establ�shment of any

protected area, the Austral�an Government recogn�ses

the �mportance of address�ng zon�ng cons�derat�ons as

early as poss�ble �n the process. The follow�ng zoning

principles w�ll be appl�ed �n develop�ng the reg�onal

systems of Mar�ne Protected Areas:

17. Zon�ng w�ll be based on the Environment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

(EPBC Act)/the World Conservat�on Un�on

(IUCN) categor�es of protect�on (see box 4.1).

18. The reg�onal Mar�ne Protected Area network

w�ll a�m to �nclude some h�ghly protected areas

(IUCN Categor�es I and II) �n each prov�nc�al

b�oreg�on.

19. Zon�ng w�ll be based on the cons�derat�on of

the threat that spec�fic act�v�t�es pose to the

conservat�on object�ves of each Mar�ne Protected

Area.

20. Zon�ng of Mar�ne Protected Areas w�ll seek

to ensure that the conservat�on object�ves of

the area are protected, tak�ng �nto account

a precaut�onary approach to threats as well

as the relat�ve costs and benefits (econom�c,

soc�al and env�ronmental) of d�fferent zon�ng

arrangements.

Box 4.1 Categories assigned under the EPBC Act

for Marine Protected Areas

Under the EPBC Act mar�ne reserves must be ass�gned

to an IUCN category. These IUCN categor�es are:

• Str�ct nature reserve (IUCN Ia): Managed

pr�mar�ly for sc�ent�fic research or env�ronmental

mon�tor�ng;

• W�lderness area (IUCN Ib): Protected and

managed to preserve �ts unmod�fied cond�t�on;

• Nat�onal Park (IUCN II): Protected and managed

to preserve �ts natural cond�t�on;

• Natural Monument (IUCN III): Protected and

managed to preserve �ts natural or cultural

features;

• Hab�tat/spec�es management area (IUCN IV):

Managed pr�mar�ly, �nclud�ng (�f necessary)

through act�ve �ntervent�on, to ensure the

ma�ntenance of hab�tats or to meet the

requ�rements of spec�fic spec�es;

• Protected landscape/seascape (IUCN V):

Managed to safeguard the �ntegr�ty of the

trad�t�onal �nteract�ons between people and

nature; and

• Managed resource protected area (IUCN VI):

Managed to ensure long-term protect�on and

ma�ntenance of b�olog�cal d�vers�ty w�th a

susta�nable flow of natural products and serv�ces

to meet commun�ty needs.

See <cms.�ucn.org/resources/publ�cat�ons>.

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4.2 Regional specifications for identifying representative Marine Protected Areas in the North Marine Region

4.2.1 Meet�ng the nat�onal goals �n the

North

To ach�eve the four nat�onal goals for the establ�shment

of the Nat�onal Representat�ve System of Mar�ne

Protected Areas �n the Reg�on, the follow�ng set of

reg�onal spec�ficat�ons have been developed, draw�ng

on ava�lable b�ophys�cal �nformat�on. Much of th�s

�nformat�on �s ava�lable �n more deta�l �n th�s B�oreg�onal

Profile or �n the assoc�ated web-based products.

Spec�fy�ng Goal 1 - prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons

The network of representat�ve Mar�ne Protected

Areas �n the North Mar�ne Reg�on w�ll represent each

of the four prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons (figure 2.6). Each

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on has been �dent�fied because

�t reflects broad-scale patterns of b�od�vers�ty and

evolut�on. In �dent�fy�ng new areas for �nclus�on �n the


Areas, pr�or�ty w�ll be g�ven to areas representat�ve

of prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons w�th no, or very low levels of

current representat�on.

The Reg�on has no ex�st�ng Mar�ne Protected Areas

w�th�n the four prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons represented.

A number of protected areas have been des�gnated

�n coastal waters and there are a range of spat�al

management measures �n place, as outl�ned �n the next

sect�on of th�s chapter.

The Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on, wh�ch extends eastward

from the Reg�on around Cape York and down the east

coast of Queensland, conta�ns ex�st�ng Mar�ne Protected

Areas w�th�n Commonwealth waters. Around 57 per cent

of the area of the Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on outs�de of

the Reg�on �s protected by the Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne

Park (figure 4.1).

Less than one per cent of the Northern Shelf Prov�nce

�s managed through ex�st�ng spat�al measures operat�ng

�n State and Terr�tory waters (see sect�on 4.2.2 ‘Ex�st�ng

spat�al management measures (Pr�nc�ple 1)’ for further

�nformat�on).

Figure 4.1 Proportion of provincial bioregions protected by existing Marine Protected Areas and other spatial

measures for marine or coastal conservation

79


Table 4.1 Provincial bioregion depth information

Provincial bioregion

(National Marine

Bioregionalisation number)

Total area

(km2)

Percentage

occurring within

the Region

Depth range

within the Region

(m)

Mean depth

within the Region

(m)

T�mor Trans�t�on (1) 24 037 100.0 13–360 162

Northern Shelf Prov�nce (25) 556 763 86.9 2–160 51

Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on (26) 305 463 36.6 0–290 70

Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on (41) 97 860 6.9 6–45 31

Source: IMCRA v. 4.0 2006; Geosc�ence Austral�a 2005

In �dent�fy�ng new areas �n the Reg�on su�table for

�nclus�on �n the Nat�onal Representat�ve System of

Mar�ne Protected Areas, pr�or�ty w�ll therefore be g�ven

to areas representat�ve of the follow�ng prov�nc�al

b�oreg�ons:


T�mor Trans�t�on


The whole of the T�mor Trans�t�on and all Commonwealth

waters of the Northern Shelf Prov�nce are conta�ned

w�th�n the Reg�on (NB 13 per cent of the Northern

Shelf Prov�nce l�es �n State and Terr�tory waters).

Approx�mately 37 per cent of the Northwest Shelf

Trans�t�on �s conta�ned w�th�n the Commonwealth

waters of the Reg�on, w�th the rema�nder ly�ng �n the

North-west Mar�ne Reg�on or �n State and Terr�tory

waters (table 4.1).

Spec�fy�ng Goal 2 - depth ranges

Depth �s one of the ma�n factors determ�n�ng

d�str�but�on of benth�c and demersal b�olog�cal

commun�t�es. Depth reflects certa�n bas�c phys�cal

var�ables – such as l�ght penetrat�on and pressure – that

determ�ne what types of an�mals and plants are found �n

part�cular locat�ons.

The Reg�on �ncludes an extens�ve expanse of relat�vely

shallow water over the cont�nental shelf. In these

shallow systems �t �s turb�d�ty, rather than water depth,

that �s the pr�mary determ�nant of l�ght penetrat�on.

There �s a h�gh level of certa�nty that d�fferent types of

b�olog�cal commun�t�es w�ll be assoc�ated w�th d�fferent

depths or w�th d�fferent levels of l�ght penetrat�on.

•

•

•

The range of depths that occur �n the North w�ll be

represented �n the network of representat�ve Mar�ne

Protected Areas. Water depths �n the Reg�on range from

0–360 m, but the major�ty of the Reg�on �s represented

w�th�n depths of 30–70 m (figure 4.2). The Reg�on’s

prov�nc�al b�oreg�ons occur almost exclus�vely on the

shelf and do not d�splay a s�gn�ficant var�at�on �n depth

relat�ve to other Mar�ne Reg�ons. Desp�te the relat�vely

small var�at�on, the b�ota (plants and an�mals) and

hab�tats do vary w�th subtle changes �n depth across the

shelf. More deta�l on the depth ranges observed for each

prov�nc�al b�oreg�on �s prov�ded �n table 4.1.

More pert�nent to the Reg�on are changes �n b�ota and

hab�tats observed across the shelf that are assoc�ated

w�th grad�ents �n l�ght penetrat�on through the water

column. In turb�d or nutr�ent-r�ch waters, suspended

and d�ssolved �norgan�c and organ�c matter and l�v�ng

phytoplankton absorb, scatter or reflect l�ght �n the

upper layers of the water column, shad�ng the lower

layers. Even �n relat�vely shallow waters of th�s k�nd,

photosynthet�c and other l�ght-dependent organ�sms

cannot surv�ve on the seafloor. Coastal run-off and

m�x�ng of bottom sed�ments by w�nd, waves, t�des and

currents therefore play an �mportant role �n determ�n�ng

the structure and compos�t�on of benth�c and demersal

commun�t�es across the shallow shelf waters of the

Reg�on, part�cularly �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a and

Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. The close relat�onsh�p between

depth, geomorphology, coastal run-off and oceanography

�n shap�ng the mar�ne commun�t�es of the Reg�on w�ll be

cons�dered �n the des�gn of the Mar�ne Protected Area

network.

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Figure 4.2 Range of water depths across the Region and approximate extent of the coastal boundary layer

Spec�fy�ng Goal 3 - large-scale b�olog�cal features

The network of Mar�ne Protected Areas w�ll seek to

�nclude examples of known large-scale (greater than

hundreds of k�lometres) benth�c or demersal b�olog�cal

features. Th�s w�ll supplement the hab�tats and b�ota

�ncluded through represent�ng each of the prov�nc�al

b�oreg�ons �n the network.

Some examples of the large-scale features that

character�se the Reg�on �nclude soft sed�ment benth�c

hab�tats, seagrass meadows, the p�nnacles of the

Bonaparte Bas�n, the submerged coral reefs of the Gulf

of Carpentar�a, and the deep rocky reefs and canyon

walls of the Mal�ta Shelf Valley. More �nformat�on about

the reg�onally s�gn�ficant b�olog�cal features can be

found �n table 3.1.

The coastal boundary layer �s an �mportant

oceanograph�c feature of the Reg�on. It �s character�sed

by shallow waters, strong t�des, and seasonal terrestr�al

�nputs such as fresh water, organ�c matter and

sed�ments. These factors create a body of water that

�s constantly m�xed and h�ghly product�ve. As a result

of th�s h�gh b�olog�cal product�v�ty, the water �s th�ck

w�th large concentrat�ons of l�ve phytoplankton, dead

organ�c part�cles and bacter�a. Th�s food source supports

abundant fish populat�ons and thus prov�des feed�ng

grounds for seab�rds.

The d�st�nct�ve soft sed�ments and shallow waters of the

Reg�on strongly �nfluence the b�olog�cal commun�t�es

that occur on or near the seafloor. There �s relat�vely

good b�olog�cal �nformat�on on the d�str�but�on and

extent of the most common and �mportant commun�t�es,

for example the large plants and an�mals of the soft

sed�ment and an�mals that l�ve �n the seabed sed�ments

of the Gulf of Carpentar�a. The b�oreg�onal plann�ng

process w�ll prov�de further opportun�t�es to �dent�fy

other large-scale b�olog�cal features that may be su�table

for �nclus�on w�th�n th�s representat�ve system.

Spec�fy�ng Goal 4 - seafloor features

The Reg�on �s dom�nated by the generally shallow

expanse of cont�nental shelf. A number of reg�onally

s�gn�ficant seafloor features (geomorph�c features),

�nclud�ng the carbonate terrace and bank system of the

Van D�emen R�se, the canyons of the Arafura Depress�on,

and the Gulf of Carpentar�a Bas�n are found here. More

�nformat�on about the reg�onally s�gn�ficant geomorph�c

features can be found �n table 3.1.

81


D�fferent b�olog�cal commun�t�es are often assoc�ated

w�th d�fferent types of seafloor geomorphology. Ensur�ng

that the character�st�c features of each prov�nc�al

b�oreg�on are represented �s �mportant �n ach�ev�ng a

comprehens�ve and representat�ve sample of b�od�vers�ty

w�th�n the Mar�ne Protected Area network. ‘Seafloor

features’ here refer spec�fically to the geomorph�c

features as defined by IMCRA v.4.0.

The network of Mar�ne Protected Areas �n the Reg�on

w�ll �nclude representat�ve examples of the 15 seafloor

features �dent�fied �n the Reg�on. The occurrence of some

part�cular seafloor features can be qu�te l�m�ted �n the

Reg�on. For example, the only prov�nc�al b�oreg�on �n the

Reg�on where cont�nental slope occurs �s �n the T�mor

Trans�t�on. To meet the object�ves of a representat�ve

network, placement of Mar�ne Protected Areas may be

�nfluenced by the locat�on of such reg�onally un�que

features.

Table 4.2 prov�des deta�l on those seafloor features that

only occur �n one prov�nc�al b�oreg�on or at one s�te

w�th�n the Reg�on. Table 4.3 prov�des �nformat�on on the

occurrence and extent of all 15 seafloor features w�th�n

each prov�nc�al b�oreg�on.

Table 4.2 Seafloor features with a single occurrence within the Region

Seafloor feature Provincial Bioregion

Slope T�mor Trans�t�on

Plateau Northern Shelf Prov�nce

Saddle Northern Shelf Prov�nce

S�ll Northern Shelf Prov�nce (Arafura S�ll)

P�ke eel �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: Max Rees and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence.

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Table 4.3 Provincial bioregion seafloor features

Provincial bioregion (National

Marine Bioregionalisation

number)

Seafloor features Total area of seafloor

feature in provincial

bioregion (km2)

Area (per cent) of seafloor

feature occurring in the

Region (km2)

T�mor Trans�t�on (1)

terracecanyonslopeapron/fanr�dgedeep/hole/valleyreefp�nnacle

7 4757 3355 6842 590

6821289846

24 037

7 475 (100)7 335 (100)5 684 (100)2 590 (100)

682 (100)128 (100)98 (100)46 (100)

24 037

Northern Shelf Prov�nce (25)

shelfbas�ns�llterracet�dal sandwave/sandbankplateaudeep/hole/valleybank/shoalscanyonr�dgesaddlep�nnaclereefapron/fanno data

299 853207 73510 83910 1388 8735 0783 8453 2323 2271 061

501291182

0908

555 763

254 248 (85)205 543 (99)10 787 (100)

2 643 (26)461 (5)

4 518 (89)353 (9)

581 (18)3 227 (100)

3 (< 1)501 (100)

192 (66)110 (60)

0 (0)

483 168

Northwest Shelf Trans�t�on (26)

shelfterracebas�nbank/shoalsdeep/hole/valleyplateaus�llt�dal sandwave/sandbankreefp�nnaclecanyonno data

117 74265 38941 27937 81617 86015 2813 7222 997

82175862

1 734305 463

59 402 (50)17 666 (27)18 820 (46)

8 709 (23)6 135 (34)

0 (0)0 (0)

301 (10)350 (43)307 (40)

0 (0)

111 690

Northeast Shelf Trans�t�on (41)

shelfreefslopedeep/hole/valleyterracet�dal sandwave/sandbankcanyonbank/shoalsbas�np�nnacleno data

73 47712 0143 6253 1562 7662 125

239121582

27597 860

6 702 (9)1 (< 1))

0 (0)0 (0)91 (3)0 (0)0 (0)0 (0)0 (0)0 (0)

6 794

83


4.2.2 Apply�ng the nat�onal pr�nc�ples

�n the North

Th�s sect�on outl�nes cons�derat�ons relevant to the

reg�onal appl�cat�on of the locat�on, select�on, des�gn

and zon�ng pr�nc�ples as l�sted �n sect�on 4.1. In any

g�ven Mar�ne Reg�on, there may be d�fferent opt�ons for

Mar�ne Protected Areas that meet the four goals for the

establ�shment of a representat�ve network.

Note that only Pr�nc�ples 1-9 that requ�re a reg�onal

spec�ficat�on (or �nput of reg�onally spec�fic data) are

cons�dered below.

Location of Marine Protected Areas

In develop�ng opt�ons that meet the four goals, the

follow�ng pr�nc�ples w�ll be appl�ed.

Principle 1 - existing spatial management measures

In any g�ven Mar�ne Reg�on, there may be a number of

areas that meet the four goals for the establ�shment

of a representat�ve network. Cons�stent w�th the goals,

the first step �n determ�n�ng the approx�mate locat�on

of su�table Mar�ne Protected Areas w�ll be to �dent�fy

the occurrence, extent and purpose of ex�st�ng spat�al

management arrangements (ex�st�ng protected areas,

sectoral measures etc.) and assess the�r capac�ty to

contr�bute to or complement a representat�ve network

�n the Reg�on.

Spat�al management arrangements �n the Reg�on and

adjacent coastal areas �nclude mechan�sms that may

contr�bute to the development of a Mar�ne Protected

Area network. Examples of these ex�st�ng arrangements

are prov�ded �n table 4.4.

Table 4.4 Existing spatial management arrangements in the Region and adjacent coastal areas

Description Location Management

Protected areas

An�nd�lyakwa – Ind�genous Protected Area

The An�nd�lyakwa Ind�genous Protected Area �s located at Groote Eylandt �n the Northern Terr�tory (see also chapter 5, figure 5.6). It covers an area of approx�mately 2 600 km2.

An�nd�lyakwa employs trad�t�onal owners as rangers to undertake act�v�t�es on the ground and engages �n part�c�patory plann�ng w�th sen�or commun�ty members to develop and �mplement management strateg�es.

Barany� (North Island) Nat�onal Park NT

Covers North Island �n the S�r Edward Pellow Islands.

Managed by NT Government to protect nest�ng s�tes for four spec�es of mar�ne turtle, and rest�ng s�te for m�gratory b�rds.

Cobourg Pen�nsula Mar�ne Park (Gar�g Gunak Barlu Park) NT

Cobourg Pen�nsula – adjo�n�ng land and mar�ne areas, �nclud�ng wetlands l�sted under the Convent�on on Wetlands of Internat�onal Importance (Ramsar Convent�on) 1971.

Managed jo�ntly by local Abor�g�nal custod�ans and NT Government. Pr�mar�ly managed for hab�tat and spec�es protect�on wh�lst allow�ng for recreat�onal fish�ng subject to some l�m�tat�ons.

Dh�murru – Ind�genous Protected Area

The Dh�murru Ind�genous Protected Area �s located �n Eastern Arnhem Land �n the Northern Terr�tory (see also chapter 5, figure 5.6). It covers an area of approx�mately 1 200 km2.

Dh�murru employs trad�t�onal owners as rangers to undertake act�v�t�es on the ground and engages �n part�c�patory plann�ng w�th sen�or commun�ty members to develop and �mplement management strateg�es.

Laynhapuy – Ind�genous Protected Area

The Laynhapuy Ind�genous Protected Area �s located �n Eastern Arnhem Land �n the Northern Terr�tory (see also chapter 5, figure 5.6). It covers an area of approx�mately 7 000 km2.

Laynhapuy employs trad�t�onal owners as rangers to undertake act�v�t�es on the ground and engages �n part�c�patory plann�ng w�th sen�or commun�ty members to develop and �mplement management strateg�es.

cont�nued overleaf

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Description Location Management

F�sher�es management areas

F�sh Hab�tat Areas (Qld) Var�ous

There are four declared F�sh Hab�tat Areas along the Queensland coast adjo�n�ng the Reg�on

The Queensland Department of Pr�mary Industr�es and F�sher�es manage F�sh Hab�tat Areas. The areas are des�gnated ‘mult�ple use’ and a�m to protect fish hab�tat from d�sturbance, wh�lst allow�ng for fish�ng and boat�ng.

Northern Prawn F�shery closure (Cth)

There are var�ous d�fferent types of closures appl�cable to the Northern Prawn F�shery throughout Austral�a’s northern waters. A comprehens�ve l�st of the types of closures and locat�ons �s ava�lable at <www.afma.gov.au/fisher�es/northern_trawl/northern_prawn/mgt/op�nfo/docs/2007/sect�on_03.pdf>

An example of one part�cular closure �s Caledon Bay. The Caledon Bay area �s closed for operators engaged �n the Northern Prawn F�shery. Access to th�s locat�on �s restr�cted because �t conta�ns seagrass beds wh�ch are �mportant nursery areas for prawn and other fish spec�es.

Catchment processes have prev�ously been �dent�fied as

�mportant ecosystem dr�vers w�th�n the Reg�on. Land-

based spat�al management arrangements �nclud�ng

Nat�onal Parks, Ind�genous Protected Areas, Ramsar-

l�sted and nat�onally �mportant wetlands may therefore

also contr�bute to b�od�vers�ty conservat�on and

be cons�dered dur�ng the development of a Mar�ne

Protected Area network. These spat�al management

arrangements may seek to protect fish breed�ng hab�tat

such as mangroves or mar�ne turtle nest�ng beaches.

Some of the above arrangements have access

restr�ct�ons, wh�le others are mult�ple use areas w�th

restr�ct�ons on take of w�ldl�fe, d�sturbance of hab�tat,

or the type of fish�ng gear that can be used.

There are a number of spat�al cons�derat�ons wh�ch

do not contr�bute to b�od�vers�ty conservat�on, but

may also be taken �nto account when cons�der�ng

Mar�ne Protected Areas. These �nclude des�gnated sea-

dump�ng s�tes, sh�pp�ng arrangements, o�l and gas

arrangements, and gas p�pel�nes and cables. Some of

these such as chem�cal dump s�tes may be �ncons�stent

w�th Mar�ne Protected Area placement; others may only

be �ncons�stent w�th certa�n category Mar�ne Protected

Areas.

Principle 2 – small number of large marine parks

Wh�le small Mar�ne Protected Areas can somet�mes

be just�fied to protect a part�cular spec�es, hab�tat or

her�tage s�tes, representat�ve Mar�ne Protected Areas

are des�gned to �nclude examples of mult�ple d�fferent

env�ronments and ecolog�cal processes. Wh�le no area of

ocean, however large, can be sa�d to truly self-susta�n�ng,

larger areas have greater res�l�ence to changes.

Selection

Where d�fferent opt�ons that meet the goals ex�st, the

follow�ng select�on pr�nc�ples should be cons�dered �n

select�ng areas su�table for �nclus�on �n the Nat�onal

Representat�ve System of Mar�ne Protected Areas.

Principle 3 – threats to the Region’s conservation

values

Current and future act�v�t�es may pose a threat to

the Reg�on’s mar�ne env�ronment and conservat�on

values. A key funct�on of Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plans

�s the �dent�ficat�on of potent�al threats, so that

dec�s�on-makers are aware of long-term �mpl�cat�ons for

management.

An analys�s of the threats to the key ecolog�cal features

and protected spec�es �dent�fied for the Reg�on (see

chapters 2 and 3, and append�ces C and D) w�ll take place

dur�ng the next stage of the plann�ng process. Those key

ecolog�cal features and places of part�cular �mportance

to protected spec�es that are subject to threats, and for

wh�ch spat�al protect�on �s thought to prov�de the best

opt�on, w�ll be cons�dered for �nclus�on �n the proposed

network of Mar�ne Protected Areas.

Principle 4 – habitat and aggregation areas of

threatened/migratory species

Wh�le there are no hab�tats l�sted �n the Reg�ster of

Cr�t�cal Hab�tats under the EPBC Act, the Reg�on abuts

coastal breed�ng, feed�ng, nursery and aggregat�on s�tes

of nat�onal and �nternat�onal s�gn�ficance for b�rds,

mar�ne turtles and dugongs. Table 3.3 l�sts known areas

�n or adjacent to the Reg�on that are of �mportance

to threatened or m�gratory spec�es. Further deta�l on

85


hab�tats and s�tes used by the protected spec�es known

to occur �n the Reg�on are �ncluded �n the table of

Nat�onally Protected Spec�es of the Reg�on (append�x C)

and Protected Spec�es Group Report Cards (append�x D).

Principle 5 – ecologically important pelagic features

S�x of the 15 key ecolog�cal features of the Reg�on (table

3.1) encompass pelag�c env�ronments (�.e. open waters)

and have a cons�stent and definable spat�al d�str�but�on.

These �nclude the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and Gulf of

Carpentar�a bas�ns, coastal and shelf waters located

offshore from s�tes of s�gn�ficance for b�rds, turtles and

dugongs, areas of upwell�ng assoc�ated w�th the canyons

of the Arafura Depress�on, and the shelf break and slope

of the Arafura Shelf. In accordance w�th Pr�nc�ple 5,

these w�ll be cons�dered �n select�ng Mar�ne Protected

Areas �n those �nstances where mult�ple opt�ons ex�st

that meet the four nat�onal goals.

Principle 6 – small-scale (tens of kilometres)

benthic/demersal ecosystems

Ecosystem structure and funct�on�ng have been

cons�dered and descr�bed �n chapters 2 and 3 at broad

reg�onal and b�oreg�onal scales. Where ava�lable, finer-

scale data and �nformat�on, such as �nformat�on on

meso-scale b�oreg�ons and the d�str�but�on and extent of

b�olog�cal commun�t�es and hab�tats, w�ll be cons�dered

to explore opt�ons that meet the four nat�onal goals.

The d�str�but�on and extent of some common and

�mportant commun�t�es has been relat�vely well

descr�bed, for example, submerged coral reefs �n the Gulf

of Carpentar�a, coral commun�t�es on the Arafura Shelf

and the shallow water seagrass meadows throughout

the Reg�on.

Principle 7 – small-scale distribution of sediment

types and sizes

Sc�ent�sts know that sed�ment type and s�ze strongly

�nfluence the spec�es and commun�t�es that are found on

and near the seafloor w�th�n the Reg�on. In the deeper

parts of the Reg�on, the mar�ne organ�sms assoc�ated

w�th d�fferent sed�ments are to a large extent unknown.

It �s reasonable to expect that by �nclud�ng mult�ple

and d�verse sed�ments types w�th�n a Mar�ne Protected

Area, a larger var�ety of organ�sms w�ll be protected.

In those �nstances where d�fferent opt�ons to meet the

four nat�onal goals ex�st, sed�mentology maps and data

w�ll be used dur�ng the select�on of cand�date Mar�ne

Protected Areas, a�m�ng to �nclude areas that cover a

broader range of sed�ment types.

Principle 8 – listed heritage sites

S�tes of part�cularly h�gh conservat�on or her�tage

value should be �ncorporated �nto, and managed as part

of, the representat�ve network to avo�d complex and

overlapp�ng measures apply�ng to part�cular places.

No l�sted her�tage s�tes occur �n the Reg�on.

Principle 9 – socio-economic factors

The Austral�an Government �s seek�ng to m�n�m�se any

soc�o-econom�c costs assoc�ated w�th the d�splacement

of act�v�t�es and resource access that m�ght result

from the establ�shment of Mar�ne Protected Areas. The

potent�al �mpacts on current users w�ll be cons�dered

throughout the process, and part�cularly dur�ng the

select�on stage and at the des�gn stage. Th�s B�oreg�onal

Profile prov�des a snapshot of �nformat�on about the key

commerc�al and recreat�onal act�v�t�es that take place

�n the Reg�on. Further deta�led data on d�str�but�on,

�ntens�ty and value of mar�ne uses and resources w�ll

be gathered �n consultat�on w�th State Government

agenc�es and relevant stakeholders throughout the

process.

Soc�o-econom�c aspects of establ�sh�ng new Mar�ne

Protected Areas w�ll need to �nclude cons�derat�on of

any nat�ve t�tle r�ghts and �nterests (see Sect�on 227

of the Native Title Act 1993). Coastal Abor�g�nal peoples

of the Reg�on cons�der the�r sea country to encompass

waters from the coastl�ne to the hor�zon and somet�mes

beyond (see append�x B for a descr�pt�on of the nat�ve

t�tle reg�me �n Austral�a). There are currently s�x nat�ve

t�tle determ�nat�ons that have been made for waters �n

the Reg�on (four �n the Northern Terr�tory and two �n

Queensland). Of these, two extend �nto Commonwealth

waters – the Wellesley Islands nat�ve t�tle determ�nat�on

�n Queensland and the Croker Island nat�ve t�tle

determ�nat�on �n the Northern Terr�tory (see chapter 5).

Several more appl�cat�ons for determ�nat�ons of nat�ve

t�tle that �nclude Commonwealth waters of the Reg�on

w�th�n the area be�ng cla�med have also been lodged.

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4.3 Process for establishing new Commonwealth marine reserves in the North Marine Region

The �dent�ficat�on of new Mar�ne Protected Areas �n the

Reg�on w�ll occur dur�ng the next stages of the mar�ne

b�oreg�onal plann�ng process (see chapter 6).

Step 1 – A proposed Mar�ne Protected Area network w�ll

be developed by the Department of the Env�ronment,

Water, Her�tage and the Arts �n accordance w�th the

nat�onal goals and pr�nc�ples and reg�onal spec�ficat�ons

outl�ned �n sect�on 4.2. Dur�ng th�s t�me, stakeholders

w�ll be consulted by the Department. Stakeholder

part�c�pat�on w�ll ensure that the Department has

accurate and comprehens�ve deta�ls of the current

uses and �nterests �n the Reg�on. Th�s w�ll help ensure

that the �mpact of proposed Mar�ne Protected Areas

on current users of the Reg�on w�ll be m�n�m�sed. The

Department w�ll also seek expert sc�ent�fic adv�ce to

ensure the proposed network �s underp�nned by all

relevant data and best ava�lable knowledge.

Step 2 – The proposed Mar�ne Protected Area network

w�ll be agreed by Government and released �n a Draft

Plan for a three-month per�od of statutory publ�c

consultat�on. Dur�ng th�s t�me, the Department w�ll

make ava�lable all relevant data and w�ll fac�l�tate

�nformat�on sess�ons to ass�st members of the publ�c

who w�sh to make a representat�on to the Government

�n relat�on to the proposed Mar�ne Protected Area

network or other aspects of the Draft North Mar�ne

B�oreg�onal Plan.

Step 3 – After cons�derat�on of publ�c subm�ss�ons,

adv�ce from the Department, and agreement by the

Government, the F�nal Plan w�ll be released. It w�ll

conta�n a network of cand�date Mar�ne Protected Areas

to be declared as Commonwealth mar�ne reserves �n

accordance w�th the relevant sect�ons of Part 15 of the

EPBC Act.

Chapter 6 prov�des further �nformat�on about how

the mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng process (�nclud�ng

�dent�ficat�on of protected areas) w�ll unfold �n the

Reg�on follow�ng the release of th�s B�oreg�onal Profile.


Department of the Env�ronment and Her�tage, 2006, A


of Australia Version 4.0, Commonwealth of Austral�a,




and the Arts, National Representative System

of Marine Protected Areas (NRSMPA) webs�te,

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/mpa/nrsmpa>,

accessed September 07.








IUCN, 1994, Guidelines for Protected Area Management

Categories, World Conservat�on Un�on (IUCN),

<cms.�ucn.org/resources/publ�cat�ons>, accessed

September 07.

Post, A., 2006, Physical Surrogates for Benthic Organisms

in the Southern Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia: Testing and

Application to the Northern Planning Area, Geosc�ence

Austral�a, Record No. 2006/09, Canberra.









and Adjacent Seafloor: Methodology and Results, Geosc�ence

Austral�a, Record 2007/11, Canberra.

Legislation

Ava�lable from Commonwealth of Austral�a Law webs�te

<www.comlaw.gov.au>.

Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

87


Policies and guidelines

Austral�an and New Zealand Env�ronment and

Conservat�on Counc�l Task Force on Mar�ne Protected

Areas (ANZECC TFMPA) 1998, Guidelines for Establishing

the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas,

Env�ronment Austral�a, Canberra, <www.env�ronment.

gov.au/coasts/mpa/publ�cat�ons/nrsmpa-gu�del�nes.

html> accessed 13/9/07.

Austral�an Government, 2004, Marine Protected Areas

and Displaced Fishing: A Policy Statement, Canberra,


d�splaced-fish�ng.html>, accessed 13/9/07.


the Arts, Goals and Principles for the Establishment of the

National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas

in Commonwealth Waters, Commonwealth of Austral�a,


general/goals-nrsmpa.html>

Map data

Figure 4��1 Proportion of provincial bioregions protected by existing Marine Protected Areas and other spatial measures for marine or coastal conservation


Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts (2004): Collaborat�ve Austral�an Protected Areas Database - CAPAD



Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts (2007): Commonwealth Mar�ne Protected Areas Managed by DEW









Figure 4��2 Range of water depths across the North Marine Region












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F�sh�ng for barramund�, Gulf of Carpentar�a. Photo: Kerry Trapnell.

89

Human Activities

Chapter 5 Human Activities and the North Marine Region

Plann�ng for long-term ecolog�cally susta�nable use �n

the North Mar�ne Reg�on requ�res an understand�ng

of human �nteract�ons w�th the mar�ne env�ronment.

Chapter 5 prov�des a broad overv�ew of the nature and

extent of the human act�v�t�es that take place w�th�n

and adjacent to the Reg�on. It prov�des background

�nformat�on that w�ll ass�st �n the next stage of the

plann�ng process.

The �nformat�on prov�ded �n th�s chapter �s not �ntended

to prov�de a deta�led �nformat�on-base for assess�ng the

soc�o-econom�c costs and benefits of Mar�ne Protected

Areas and other conservat�on measures that may be

proposed �n develop�ng the North Mar�ne B�oreg�onal

Plan. Spec�fic and deta�led cons�derat�on of the potent�al

�mpacts of current and future human act�v�t�es on

the Reg�on w�ll be the focus of the next stage of the

plann�ng process.

The Reg�on adjo�ns a large, env�ronmentally r�ch

and complex part of the Austral�an cont�nent. Th�s

chapter prov�des an overv�ew of the human act�v�t�es

�n and adjacent to the Reg�on. Further, more deta�led

�nformat�on �s conta�ned �n the reports and other

web-based resources that are referenced �n th�s

document and l�sted on the Department’s webs�te at


5.1 The human dimension: an overview

Unl�ke many other areas �n Austral�a, the coastal areas

adjacent to the Reg�on are vast, remote and generally

sparsely populated.

People

The first �nhab�tants of the land adjacent to the Reg�on

were Ind�genous people whose occupat�on of Austral�a

began as long as 60 000 years ago. The�r ancestors are

thought to have m�grated from what �s now Indones�a,

when the sea level was about 100 m lower than �t �s

today.

Ind�genous people’s use of the Reg�on and adjacent

coastal resources, and the�r sp�r�tual connect�on to

these areas, are �mportant values of the Reg�on and are

d�scussed �n deta�l �n sect�on 5.2.

Today, around 167 000 people l�ve on the ma�nland and

�slands adjacent to the Reg�on, w�th two-th�rds of these

l�v�ng �n Darw�n and surround�ng areas. The populat�on

dens�ty �s 0.2 persons/km2, mak�ng �t the least densely

populated area �n Austral�a.

F�gure 5.1 shows the populat�on dens�ty of the area,

and �nd�cates that populat�on dens�ty �s greater around

coastal ports. Ind�genous and Torres Stra�t Islander

people make up nearly one quarter of the populat�on,

and mostly res�de outs�de of Darw�n �n areas such

as Arnhem Land, the t�p of Cape York, and Aurukun,

just south of We�pa on the eastern s�de of the Gulf of

Carpentar�a. The total populat�on counted �n each

stat�st�cal local area ranged from 33 people �n Aurukun

(rural) to 71 347 people w�th�n the Darw�n stat�st�cal

local area.

Coastal settlements �n Austral�a’s north have recorded

modest �ncreases �n populat�on over the past decade or

so (see figure 5.2).

The res�dent populat�on of the coastal areas adjacent

to the Reg�on �s cons�derably younger than that of

Austral�a as a whole. There �s a sl�ghtly h�gher proport�on

of 0–14 year olds (24 per cent) than that of Queensland

and Northern Terr�tory comb�ned (21 per cent). The

ma�n d�fference, however, �s the much lower proport�on

of persons aged 65 years and over (five per cent

compared w�th 12 per cent for Queensland and Northern

Terr�tory comb�ned). Th�s reflects �n part the younger

age d�str�but�on of the Ind�genous populat�on, and the

concentrat�on of persons of work�ng age �n stat�st�cal

local areas that �ncorporate major �ndustr�es, such as

m�n�ng areas.

W�th�n and adjacent to the Reg�on, 45 per cent of people

have completed year 11 or 12, wh�le a further 40 per

cent have completed school�ng up to year 10 or below.

Many Ind�genous commun�t�es have a s�gn�ficantly lower

proport�on of people who have completed years 11 and

12. A h�gh percentage of people have never attended

school. Th�s �s part�cularly the case for some of the

stat�st�cal local areas �n the Northern Terr�tory that have

Ind�genous populat�ons, where 10 per cent or more of

the populat�on have never attended school.

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Figure 5.1 Population density and major ports in areas adjacent to the North Marine Region

Figure 5.2 Average annual population growth rate in areas adjacent to the Region

91

Human Activities

In 2001, the unemployment rate �n the Reg�on was

6.2 per cent but ranged from zero per cent �n many

stat�st�cal local areas to 33 per cent �n M�nj�lang,

on Crocker Island (north-west of Man�ngr�da).

Many Ind�genous commun�t�es had zero per cent

unemployment, but th�s needs to be cons�dered �n

conjunct�on w�th low levels of labour force part�c�pat�on,

h�gh levels of part�c�pat�on �n Commun�ty Development

Employment Projects (CDEP), and l�m�ted ma�nstream

labour market opportun�t�es.

CDEP �s an �n�t�at�ve that enables Ind�genous

part�c�pants to ga�n sk�lls to further the�r ma�nstream

employment prospects. CDEP has been a major

contr�butor to employment �n the Reg�on, account�ng

for n�ne per cent of employed persons. Th�s �s espec�ally

the case outs�de of Darw�n, where �t accounts for

29 per cent of employed persons. As part of the

Northern Terr�tory Emergency Response, the Austral�an

Government announced the phas�ng out of CDEP from

July 2008, w�th a comm�tment to trans�t�on CDEP

part�c�pants �nto employment, tra�n�ng and ma�nstream

employment programmes.

Industry

Today, the Reg�on and adjacent coastal waters and lands

support a number of �ndustr�es �nclud�ng:

•

•

•

•

ports

sh�pp�ng

o�l, gas and m�neral explorat�on and extract�on

mar�ne tour�sm

submar�ne cables

defence act�v�t�es

commerc�al fish�ng

recreat�onal fish�ng

Ports �n coastal waters adjacent to the Reg�on developed

dur�ng the m�d 1860s, when traders, sh�ppers and

merchants saw potent�al to cap�tal�se on r�ch markets �n

As�a through trade. As noted �n chapter 3, wh�le there

are over 500 sh�ps that are known to have been lost �n

and around the waters of the North Mar�ne Reg�on, no

prec�se locat�ons for h�stor�c sh�pwrecks �n the Reg�on

are known.

The role of coastal ports for export sh�pp�ng has

expanded w�th the development of several major m�nes

�n areas adjacent to Gove, Groote Eylandt, McArthur

R�ver, Karumba and We�pa. Other land-based �ndustr�es

h�ghly s�gn�ficant �n terms of the north’s economy, such

agr�culture, are also heav�ly rel�ant on the coastal port

fac�l�t�es and sh�pp�ng for transport of mater�als.

Between 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 the value of

commod�t�es exported overseas from ports �n coastal

waters adjacent to the Reg�on �ncreased s�gn�ficantly

from around $2.4 b�ll�on to $3.5 b�ll�on. Metal ore

m�n�ng, agr�culture, commerc�al fish�ng, and o�l and

gas extract�on were the most s�gn�ficant �n terms of

econom�c �mportance. Over recent years new �ndustr�es

have emerged, such as mar�ne b�otechnology and the

prospect of offshore o�l, gas and m�neral extract�on.

•

•

•

•

Austral�an Navy sh�p HMAS Darw�n. Photo: Department of Defence.

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Dur�ng the 1960s, the first major commerc�al fisher�es

were establ�shed, �n�t�ally centred on prawns �n the Gulf

of Carpentar�a. S�nce th�s t�me the number of spec�es

targeted by commerc�al fish�ng operat�ons has expanded

to �nclude nearly all marketable mar�ne spec�es �n the

Reg�on and adjacent coastal waters.

Recreat�on and tour�sm have also evolved as an

�mportant uses of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal

waters. Recreat�onal pursu�ts and tour�sm have expanded

�n l�ne w�th reg�onal populat�on growth and greater

access to sea and a�r transport. Recreat�onal fish�ng,

d�v�ng, yacht�ng and boat�ng �n part�cular have all grown

�n popular�ty over the last 20–30 years, s�gn�fy�ng the

d�vers�ty and ava�lab�l�ty of recreat�onal pursu�ts �n the

Reg�on and adjacent areas.

Historical use

Records of fore�gn explorat�on of the Reg�on date back

as far as 1420, w�th ev�dence of Ch�nese nav�gators

sa�l�ng through Torres Stra�t and land�ng on the Arnhem

Land coast. Records of European explorat�on date to the

early 1600s. In 1605, the Dutch East Ind�a Company sent

W�llem Jansz �n the Duyfken to explore for new trade

opportun�t�es, and �t was at Cape Keerweer (Dutch for

‘turn around’), south of We�pa, that sa�lors from the

Duyfken became the first Europeans to land on Austral�a’s

shores.

Capta�n James Cook’s land�ng at Possess�on Island near

Cape York on 22 August 1770 was followed by European

explorat�on of the Reg�on’s coastl�ne. Th�s �ncluded

voyages by Matthew Fl�nders �n the Investigator around

the Torres Stra�t and the coast of the Gulf of Carpentar�a.

In 1803 Fl�nders descr�bed the north-eastern coast of the

Northern Terr�tory as a “poor, dr�ed-up land, affl�cted by

fever and fl�es, fit only for a college of monks, whose

rel�g�ous zeal m�ght cope w�th suffocat�ng heat and w�th

musketos [s�c] wh�ch adm�tted no moment of repose”.

Trade �n the mar�ne resources of northern Austral�a

dates back to the early 1700s, when coastal Ind�genous

commun�t�es traded the Reg�on’s trepang (sea cucumber)

resources w�th the Makassans, sea-far�ng traders from

south-west Sulawes�. The Makassans named the Northern

Terr�tory coast Marege and travelled there �n small

wooden sa�l�ng vessels, or praus, �n search of trepang.

They ma�nta�ned trad�ng l�nks w�th coastal Ind�genous

commun�t�es unt�l the early 1900s. Dr�ed trepang were

transported across the Arafura and Banda seas to the

Celebes and other South–East As�an markets, eventually

find�ng the�r way to Ch�na, where the del�cacy rema�ns a

pr�zed cook�ng �ngred�ent.

Goods traded between the Makassans and Ind�genous

people were �mportant to the early economy of the

Reg�on, and spread across the country, even to the

south. Rema�ns of trepang process�ng plants constructed

and operated by Makassan traders dur�ng the 18th

and 19th centur�es can be found at Anuru Bay and

Groote Eylandt. The Makassan v�s�ts ended �n 1906, as

a result of leg�slat�on passed by the newly establ�shed

Commonwealth Parl�ament seek�ng to protect Austral�a’s

terr�tor�al �ntegr�ty.

Austral�a’s north was the focus of m�l�tary act�v�t�es

dur�ng World War II. Darw�n exper�enced more than

60 a�r ra�ds dur�ng the war, and a number of all�ed

vessels were sunk �n or near Darw�n Harbour. The town

of Karumba was used as a refuell�ng depot for Royal

Austral�an A�r Force fly�ng boats dur�ng the war and a

wart�me a�rbase was establ�shed on the Gove Pen�nsula,

where three operat�onal squadrons were based.

Sea cucumber. Photo: Kr�ton Glenn, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

93

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5.2 Indigenous activities

Ind�genous people of northern Austral�a have s�gn�ficant

�nterests �n the mar�ne env�ronment and prov�de

v�tal serv�ces to �ts conservat�on and management.

Ind�genous people own most of the land adjacent to the

Reg�on (figure 5.3) and form the major�ty of the coastal

and �sland populat�on outs�de of Darw�n.

In the Northern Terr�tory, around 85 per cent of the

coastl�ne �s owned exclus�vely by Ind�genous people

under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act

1976. Ind�genous people also own and manage coastal

lands under var�ous other arrangements such as Deed

of Grant �n Trust, Ind�genous Land Use Agreements, and

pastoral leases (see figure 5.3).

Nat�ve t�tle r�ghts and �nterests are the communal,

group or �nd�v�dual r�ghts and �nterests of Ind�genous

people and Torres Stra�t Islanders �n relat�on to land or

waters. The Native Title Act 1993 prov�des a framework

for recogn�s�ng nat�ve t�tle �n Austral�a. Nat�ve t�tle

can ex�st over areas of land or sea (see append�x B).

There are two nat�ve t�tle determ�nat�ons that extend

�nto the Reg�on – the Wellesley Islands nat�ve t�tle

determ�nat�on (Queensland) and the Croker Island nat�ve

t�tle determ�nat�on (Northern Terr�tory) (see figure 5.4).

Several more appl�cat�ons for nat�ve t�tle that extend

�nto the Reg�on have also been lodged.

Figure 5.3 Indigenous land management arrangements adjacent to the North Marine Region

Y�lpara people talk�ng w�th government staff. Photo: Ilse K�essl�ng, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

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Figure 5.4 Native title in and adjacent to the North Marine Region

The Reg�on �s character�sed by strong, cont�nuous

assoc�at�ons between Ind�genous people and the

env�ronment, dat�ng back tens of thousands of years.

Archaeolog�cal ev�dence suggests that northern Austral�a

was one of the first areas of Ind�genous occupat�on �n

the country. Ind�genous coastal commun�t�es cont�nue

to ma�nta�n spec�al l�nks w�th the�r sea country through

occupat�on, resource ut�l�sat�on, and cultural pract�ces

�nclud�ng stor�es, dance, management pract�ces and

ceremon�es (see box 5.1).

There are at least 48 �nterrelated Ind�genous l�ngu�st�c

groups on the ma�nland and �slands adjacent to the

Reg�on (figure 5.5). Each has the�r own stor�es and

bel�efs relat�ng to the�r or�g�ns and ancestry. These

groups also have part�cular respons�b�l�t�es for the

phys�cal and cultural man�festat�ons of trad�t�onal sea

country, such as totems and sacred s�tes. Sacred s�tes are

locat�ons where an �mportant event took place, or where

spec�al ceremon�es are conducted. In the Northern

Terr�tory and Queensland, there are sacred s�tes along

Box 5.1 Indigenous Sea Country

The extent of pre-colon�al use of Austral�a’s oceans by coastal Ind�genous groups has var�ed over t�me and between

reg�ons. Ind�genous occupat�on of Austral�a extends at least 60 000 years. Dur�ng th�s t�me, sea levels have r�sen over

100 m result�ng �n �nundat�on of extens�ve areas of shorel�ne, part�cularly �n northern Austral�a where coastal areas

are character�sed by low grad�ents and an extens�ve, shallow cont�nental shelf.

‘Sea country’ �s a term that refers to Ind�genous peoples’ system of cultural doma�ns, wh�ch does not make any

separat�on between the land and the sea. Sea country may �nclude �nshore bays, open ocean, beaches, dunes, t�dal

reaches, reefs and mudflats, but may also �ncorporate remembered features of landscape drowned long ago by

r�s�ng sea levels. For example, anc�ent shorel�nes, water bod�es and geograph�c features wh�ch are now underwater

are part of Dream�ng stor�es that expla�n the or�g�ns of the natural world and establ�sh the relat�onsh�p between

people and the�r env�ronment. Th�s close assoc�at�on w�th sea country underp�ns the pract�ce of customary mar�ne

tenure and assoc�ated management systems that rema�n �n place today. These pract�ces prov�de saltwater people w�th

clan �dent�ty, confer customary obl�gat�ons for the protect�on and management of places and spec�es, and des�gnate

customary r�ghts to use resources.

95

Human Activities

much of the coast, around �nshore �slands and w�th�n

Terr�tory and State waters. In the Northern Terr�tory,

all sacred s�tes are protected under the Northern Territory

Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989. Under the Act, el�g�ble

s�tes are ma�nta�ned on a formal reg�ster. In Queensland,

the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and the Torres

Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 allow for blanket

protect�on and reg�strat�on of areas of s�gn�ficance for

Ind�genous people.

Mar�ne resources �nclud�ng fish, molluscs, mar�ne turtles,

dugongs, crabs and shellfish cont�nue to be staple

�tems �n the d�et of many Ind�genous commun�t�es,

where food �s very expens�ve and fresh produce �s

often unava�lable or of poor qual�ty. Under the laws

and pol�c�es of Queensland and the Northern Terr�tory

(and some Commonwealth laws), Ind�genous peoples

are exempt from bag l�m�ts, s�ze l�m�ts or restr�ct�ons

aga�nst the tak�ng of protected spec�es �f the act�v�t�es

are undertaken accord�ng to trad�t�onal custom.

Ind�genous people mostly hunt and collect mar�ne

resources w�th�n coastal waters close to shore. Most

Ind�genous fish�ng �n and adjacent to the Reg�on �s

at subs�stence level, w�th the dynam�cs of the catch

generally reflect�ng trad�t�onal bel�efs and management

pract�ces. In a survey conducted �n 2000, �t was

est�mated that more than 90 per cent of the Ind�genous

populat�on of northern Austral�a were �nvolved �n fish�ng

almost exclus�vely for food collect�on. The same survey

found that the number of finfish caught by Ind�genous

people through subs�stence fish�ng w�th�n northern

Austral�an waters was around half the number of fish

caught by recreat�onal fishers �n the same area. There

�s l�ttle �nformat�on ava�lable on harvest�ng levels of

other spec�es by Ind�genous people, but mar�ne turtles,

sea perch/snappers, trevally, wrasse, mackerel, tuna and

crayfish are also hunted �n the Reg�on.

The econom�c value of the subs�stence economy of

Ind�genous fish�ng has not been thoroughly �nvest�gated,

part�cularly for fish�ng that occurs w�th�n the Reg�on. A

study conducted on Cape York Pen�nsula found that the

subs�stence act�v�t�es of local Ind�genous people were

worth up to $6 m�ll�on annually.

Figure 5.5 Indigenous language groups adjacent to the North Marine Region

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In some locat�ons, Ind�genous commun�t�es have

developed ranger organ�sat�ons. There are now at least

35 Ind�genous ranger groups �n the Northern Terr�tory, of

wh�ch 14 coord�nate work �n and adjacent to the Reg�on.

In Queensland, there are at least five establ�shed ranger

programmes around the Gulf of Carpentar�a. A number

of other Ind�genous commun�t�es are also �nterested �n

establ�sh�ng land and sea management organ�sat�ons

�nvolv�ng sea ranger programmes.

Ind�genous ranger groups play a very s�gn�ficant role

�n the management of coastal and mar�ne resources.

Act�v�t�es undertaken by these groups �nclude

mon�tor�ng of the coastl�ne for �llegal fish�ng, protect�on

of nat�ve flora and fauna, quarant�ne surve�llance,

management of Ind�genous Protected Areas (figure 5.6),

�mplementat�on of sea country plans, clean�ng up of

mar�ne debr�s (�nclud�ng ghost nets) from beaches, and

research and protect�on of dugongs and mar�ne turtles

(see box 5.2).

Box 5.2 A network of Indigenous community-based management activity across northern Australia’s marine

environment

Ind�genous commun�t�es are currently �nvolved �n a range of projects a�med at protect�on and management of

the mar�ne env�ronment, resources and cultural values. Many of the projects relate to a defined cultural area, but

two large-scale commun�ty based projects are bu�ld�ng a network of act�v�ty across northern Austral�a’s mar�ne

env�ronment, �nclud�ng the waters of the Reg�on and beyond. These two projects are:

• the North Austral�an Ind�genous Land and Sea Management All�ance (NAILSMA) Dugong and Mar�ne Turtle

Management Project, wh�ch �s strengthen�ng collaborat�on between Ind�genous commun�t�es from the K�mberley,

the Northern Terr�tory coast, southern Gulf of Carpentar�a, Cape York and the Torres Stra�t �n the conservat�on and

management of north Austral�a’s populat�ons of mar�ne turtles and dugongs; and

• the Carpentar�a Ghost Net Programme, wh�ch has developed a network of Ind�genous groups around the Gulf of

Carpentar�a, who work together to clean beaches, record �nformat�on, and �dent�fy ways of prevent�ng derel�ct fish�ng

nets and other mar�ne debr�s l�tter�ng the northern Austral�an mar�ne env�ronment.

Figure 5.6 Declared Indigenous Protected Areas adjacent to the North Marine Region

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Human Activities

5.3 Sectoral marine activities

Th�s sect�on prov�des a background to the most

prom�nent sectors, other than Ind�genous-spec�fic

act�v�t�es, that operate w�th�n the Reg�on and adjacent

coastal areas.

5.3.1 Recreat�onal and charter fish�ng

Recreat�onal fish�ng �s a very popular past�me �n

northern Austral�a. F�gures from a survey publ�shed

�n 2003 show that around 100 000 tour�sts v�s�t the

southern Gulf of Carpentar�a (Queensland) each year,

w�th 90 per cent of them c�t�ng recreat�onal fish�ng as

the ma�n reason, or one of the ma�n reasons, for the�r

v�s�t. Interstate v�s�tors account for around 38 per cent

of recreat�onal fish�ng effort �n the Northern Terr�tory.

The major�ty of recreat�onal fish�ng effort �n northern

Austral�a �s restr�cted to coastal waters. A 2003 study

found that nat�onally, only about four per cent of

recreat�onal fish�ng effort occurs �n Commonwealth

waters. Th�s figure �s sl�ghtly h�gher (around s�x per

cent) �n the Northern Terr�tory, where ‘bluewater’ fish�ng

�s cons�dered world class. Technolog�cal �mprovements �n

boats, motors and nav�gat�onal equ�pment are expected

to �ncrease v�s�tat�on to the Reg�on by recreat�onal

fishers, as capac�ty to travel greater d�stances and locate

fish�ng grounds more accurately develops.

Most recreat�onal fish�ng act�v�ty occurs dur�ng the

dry season. As there are no �slands �n Commonwealth

waters, all recreat�onal fish�ng act�v�ty occurr�ng

w�th�n the Reg�on �s undertaken from boats. There

�s l�m�ted coastal access to recreat�onal fish�ng areas

across northern Austral�a, and v�rtually all recreat�onal

fish�ng effort occurs w�th�n 40–50 km of road access

po�nts. Coastal access for boats large enough to travel to

Commonwealth waters tends to be restr�cted to publ�c

boat ramps close to larger populat�on centres, and a

very small number of boat ramps on remote Ind�genous-

owned lands.

In the Northern Terr�tory, Darw�n Harbour �s the ma�n

recreat�onal fish�ng area, account�ng for close to half of

the annual total hours spent fish�ng and half the total

fish catch. Each year, several major recreat�onal fish�ng

tournaments are also conducted out of locat�ons such

as Darw�n, Nhulunbuy, Groote Eylandt, Borroloola,

Burketown, Normanton, Karumba and We�pa.

A 2003 study found that dur�ng 2001, a total of 1.83

m�ll�on aquat�c organ�sms (�nclud�ng fish, crabs and

shellfish) were caught by recreat�onal fishers �n the

Northern Terr�tory, and of these, just over half were

released. The study showed that barramund� was the

pr�mary target spec�es �n nearshore waters, account�ng

for more than 40 per cent of recreat�onal fish�ng effort.

Coral trout, red emperor, jewfish, threadfin salmon,

snapper and mud crab are also w�dely targeted �nshore.

Tuna, mackerel, queenfish, trevally, barracuda, cob�a,

sa�lfish, black marl�n, jewfish, and snappers tend to

be targeted by recreat�onal fishers �n Commonwealth

waters. F�gure 5.7 prov�des further �nformat�on about

the est�mated recreat�onal fish�ng catch w�th�n and

adjacent to the Reg�on.

F�sh�ng for G�ant Trevally. Photo: Steve Jackson.

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Figure 5.7 Estimated recreational fishing catch within the North Marine Region (2001)

The econom�c value of recreat�onal fish�ng to the

Reg�on’s coastal commun�t�es �s d�fficult to est�mate, but

�s bel�eved to be s�gn�ficant. In 2000–2001, expend�ture

�n the coastal areas adjacent to the Reg�on was

approx�mately $40 m�ll�on, the major�ty of wh�ch was

on fish�ng gear, boats and veh�cles. The average annual

expend�ture by anglers �n the Northern Terr�tory and

Queensland was $614 and $408 per person respect�vely.

The Queensland and the Northern Terr�tory Governments

are respons�ble for recreat�onal fish�ng act�v�t�es �n the�r

respect�ve jur�sd�ct�ons and �n the Commonwealth

waters offshore from the�r jur�sd�ct�ons. Recreat�onal

fish�ng l�cences are not requ�red, and fish stocks are

managed through measures such as s�ze l�m�ts, gear

controls, catch l�m�ts and area closures.

At the nat�onal level, there are pol�c�es �n place

to prov�de a framework for manag�ng recreat�onal

fish�ng susta�nably. Goals and pr�nc�ples, based on

ecolog�cally susta�nable development, are �n place for

the management of recreat�onal fish�ng across Austral�a.

Add�t�onally, a voluntary National Code of Practice for

Recreational and Sports Fishing was released �n 2001. The

code a�ms to protect Austral�a’s fisher�es and ensure the

humane treatment of fish.

Charter fish�ng �s very popular �n northern Austral�an

waters, and more fish�ng charter and h�re boats

operate �n the Northern Terr�tory and Queensland than

elsewhere �n Austral�a. In 2004, there were 120 fish�ng

tour operators l�censed �n the Northern Terr�tory, of

wh�ch 88 were act�ve. In Queensland, there were 34

Charter F�sh�ng L�cence holders operat�ng �n the Gulf

of Carpentar�a dur�ng 2006. In 2001 �t was est�mated

that the gross value of product�on for charter fish�ng �n

Karumba alone was $400 000, and th�s figure �s l�kely to

be �ncreas�ng.

Wh�le most fish�ng tour operators target barramund� �n

coastal or �nland waters, a small number of operators

(less than 10) offer bluewater fish�ng tr�ps w�th�n and

adjacent to the Reg�on. F�sh�ng resorts also operate from

places such as We�pa, Morn�ngton and Sweers �slands,

Man�ngr�da and Nhulunbuy, v�s�t�ng remote locat�ons

such as the Wessel and Engl�sh Company �slands. The

popular�ty of hel�copter-based fish�ng tours to remote

areas �s also grow�ng, though the focus of hel�copter-

based fish�ng effort �s �nshore waters and coastal areas.

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Trawlers �n the Northern Prawn F�shery. Photo: Austral�an F�sher�es Management Author�ty.

5.3.2 Commerc�al fish�ng

There are 15 fisher�es perm�tted to operate w�th�n the

Reg�on, w�th a comb�ned gross value of product�on

of approx�mately $109.5 m�ll�on �n 2005. Th�s figure

reflects the ‘on-water’ value of the fish�ng �ndustry and

does not take �nto account the added value der�ved

from assoc�ated bus�nesses and �ndustr�es, such as fish

process�ng and boat bu�ld�ng. The largest fishery, �n

terms of catch and econom�c value, �s the Northern

Prawn F�shery, w�th a gross value of product�on of $73

m�ll�on �n 2006. Other �mportant fisher�es �nclude the

offshore net fisher�es, wh�ch pr�mar�ly target shark and

mackerel ($18.2 m�ll�on), and l�ne fisher�es target�ng

mackerel, snapper spec�es and groper ($9.5 m�ll�on).

These figures exclude fisher�es operat�ng ent�rely w�th�n

State and Terr�tory waters (e.g. the Coastal Net F�shery,

and Trepang, Barramund� and Mud Crab F�sher�es).

Australian Government fisheries management arrangements

Four fisher�es managed by the Austral�an F�sher�es

Management Author�ty are l�censed to operate �n the

Reg�on. These are the Northern Prawn F�shery, Western

Sk�pjack Tuna F�shery, Southern Bluefin Tuna F�shery,

and Western Tuna and B�llfish F�shery. At present only

the Northern Prawn F�shery �s act�ve �n the Reg�on. Th�s

fishery also operates �n the North-west Mar�ne Reg�on

and adjacent coastal waters (box 5.3).

The Northern Prawn F�shery and other Austral�an

Government-managed fisher�es are managed by the

Austral�an F�sher�es Management Author�ty �n l�ne w�th

the object�ves and funct�ons of the Fisheries Management

Act 1991 and Fisheries Administration Act 1991. Ind�v�dual

fisher�es, except the Sk�pjack Tuna F�shery, are managed

accord�ng to statutory management plans that prov�de

the Austral�an F�sher�es Management Author�ty w�th the

leg�slat�ve framework to regulate fish�ng act�v�ty. The

Northern Prawn Fishery Management Plan 1995 (the plan)

g�ves the Austral�an F�sher�es Management Author�ty

the ab�l�ty to �mplement regulatory measures �n the

fishery, pr�nc�pally the allocat�on of Statutory F�sh�ng

R�ghts. These transferable r�ghts l�m�t entry to the

fishery and, �n conjunct�on w�th the plan, regulate

gear types, area of the fishery, target spec�es, by-catch

spec�es and compl�ance measures. Through the plan, a

comprehens�ve set of permanent and seasonal closures

have been developed that protect juven�le hab�tat and

breed�ng grounds �n add�t�on to prov�d�ng protect�on for

other areas of the mar�ne env�ronment.

F�sh�ng �n the Northern Prawn F�shery �s conducted over

a comparat�vely short fish�ng season, w�th the banana

prawn season represent�ng a max�mum of 10 weeks and

the t�ger prawn season less than four months.

The F�sher�es Adm�n�strat�on Act, F�sher�es Management

Act, and the plan are complemented by other tools

des�gned to assess and manage the �mpacts of fish�ng

on the mar�ne env�ronment. The fishery has recently

been subject to an ecolog�cal r�sk assessment to �dent�fy

spec�es and hab�tats at most r�sk �n the Northern

Prawn F�shery. In add�t�on, a by-catch act�on plan has

been developed that �dent�fies a�ms and strateg�es to

reduce �mpacts on non-target spec�es and the mar�ne

env�ronment.

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The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

Act 1999 (EPBC Act) strengthens the role of the

Austral�an Government �n promot�ng ecolog�cally

susta�nable management of fisher�es and assess�ng the�r

env�ronmental performance, �nclud�ng:

• the strateg�c assessment of fisher�es under Part 10

of the EPBC Act (please note, only Commonwealth

managed fisher�es requ�re a Part 10 assessment);

• assessments relat�ng to �mpacts on protected

mar�ne spec�es under Part 13; and

• assessments for the purpose of export approval

under Part 13A.

The assessments are conducted aga�nst the Guidelines for

the Ecologically Sustainable Management of Fisheries – 2nd

Edition. The gu�del�nes outl�ne spec�fic pr�nc�ples and

object�ves des�gned to ensure a strateg�c and transparent

way of evaluat�ng the ecolog�cal susta�nab�l�ty of fishery

management arrangements. For more �nformat�on v�s�t

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/fisher�es>.

Box 5.3 The Northern Prawn Fishery

The Northern Prawn F�shery was establ�shed �n the

1970s after research by the CSIRO �nd�cated the

presence of large prawn populat�ons �n Austral�a’s

northern waters. The fishery expanded rap�dly to

support over 280 act�ve vessels �n the m�d 1980s.

The fishery �ncludes both State/Northern Terr�tory

and Commonwealth waters, and extends from Cape

Londonderry �n Western Austral�a to Cape York �n

Queensland.

Seventy-five per cent of fish�ng �n the Northern

Prawn F�shery occurs �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a,

pr�mar�ly concentrated �n areas adjacent to coastal

seagrass beds and w�th�n eastern waters of the Gulf.

E�ghty per cent of the fishery’s catch cons�sts of

wh�te banana, brown t�ger and grooved t�ger prawns.

Other spec�es of prawns are also caught, and some

commerc�ally valuable non-prawn spec�es are also

landed, �nclud�ng bugs, squ�d, scamp�, scallops and

finfish.

Prawns are pr�mar�ly exported, w�th 90 per cent

of the catch exported to Japan and other As�an

markets. Catch rate peaked �n 2000–01 when 9278

tonnes of prawns were caught w�th a gross value of

product�on of $183 m�ll�on. By 2006 the total catch

for the fishery was 5310 tonnes, w�th a gross value

of product�on of $73 m�ll�on. The catch compr�sed

3117 tonnes of banana prawns, 1802 tonnes of t�ger

prawns, 363 tonnes of endeavour prawns, 28 tonnes

of k�ng prawns along w�th an add�t�onal 41 tonnes

of non-prawn by-product. The long-term max�mum

susta�nable y�eld for banana and t�ger prawns

�s est�mated at 4000 tonnes and 3200 tonnes

per annum respect�vely. Recent changes to the

management of the fishery have resulted �n catches

stab�l�s�ng around these levels.

Reduct�ons �n the gross value of product�on of the

fishery �n recent years are not d�rectly reflect�ve of

catch rates. Lower pr�ces and reduct�ons �n fish�ng

effort have also �mpacted on product�on.

There has been a gradual contract�on of the fish�ng

fleet from a peak of 280 vessels �n the 1980s to

52 vessels �n 2007. Recent reduct�ons �n the s�ze

of the fleet have been a result of the Austral�an

Government’s ‘Secur�ng Our F�sh�ng Future’ package.

G�ant t�ger prawn. Photo: CSIRO.

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Table 5.1 Commonwealth fisheries and State/Territory fisheries in the North Marine Region with an export component

As at Apr�l 2008

Fishery Assessment decision Next assessment proposed

Commonwealth – Northern Prawn Exempt 9/01/2009

Qld – Gulf of Carpentar�a Developmental F�nfish Trawl WTO* 29/11/2010

Qld – Gulf of Carpentar�a Inshore WTO* 20/08/09

Qld – Gulf of Carpentar�a L�ne WTO* 30/08/2010

Qld – Mud Crab Exempt 24/08/2012

Qld – Spanner Crab Exempt 5/02/2012

Qld – Blue Sw�mmer Crab WTO* 19/10/2010

Qld – Developmental Jellyfish F�shery WTO* 27/05/2009

NT – Aquar�um WTO* 29/06/2008

NT – Demersal Exempt 31/05/2009

NT – F�nfish Trawl Exempt 31/05/2009

NT – Mud Crab Exempt 25/09/2012

NT – Offshore Net and L�ne (shark) WTO* 28/11/2010

NT – Span�sh Mackerel Exempt 11/02/2013

NT – T�mor Reef Exempt 11/05/2008

*WTO = Wildlife Trade Operation Source: DEWHA EPBC Act Export Decisions 2007/2008

For further �nformat�on on the fisher�es assessment process and recent dec�s�ons refer to <www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/fisher�es>.

Figure 5.8 Combined catch of all fisheries in the North Marine Region (2000 to 2002)

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Other fisher�es that extend �nto the Reg�on are managed

jo�ntly by the Austral�an Government, Queensland and

the Northern Terr�tory under author�t�es establ�shed

under the Offshore Const�tut�onal Settlement of 1988.

The Queensland F�sher�es Jo�nt Author�ty (QFJA) and

the Northern Terr�tory F�sher�es Jo�nt Author�ty (NTFJA)

undertake the management of all northern demersal

and pelag�c finfish, exclud�ng some coastal spec�es,

tuna and prawns. The rema�n�ng coastal fisher�es (crab

and some l�ne fisher�es) are managed exclus�vely by the

Queensland or Northern Terr�tory governments.

F�gure 5.8 shows the comb�ned catch of all fisher�es

�n the North Mar�ne Reg�on between 2000 and 2002,

though �t �s �mportant to note that th�s figure represents

a snapshot �n t�me. A number of fisher�es are cont�nu�ng

to develop across the Reg�on and the magn�tude and

locat�on of effort can change rap�dly.

Fisheries managed by the Queensland Government

There are three finfish fisher�es operat�ng w�th�n the

Reg�on that are managed by the Queensland F�sher�es

Jo�nt Author�ty. These are the Gulf of Carpentar�a

Net and Gulf of Carpentar�a L�ne fisher�es, and the

Developmental F�nfish Trawl F�shery.

The Queensland Department of Pr�mary Industr�es and

F�sher�es manages the Mud Crab, Blue Sw�mmer Crab

and Spanner Crab fisher�es, wh�ch are perm�tted to

operate w�th�n a d�stance of 25 naut�cal m�les off the

Queensland coast of the Gulf of Carpentar�a. Although

the vast major�ty of the mud crab fishery effort �s

focused �n coastal waters adjacent to the Reg�on,

there are a number of mud crab fishermen who operate

�n Commonwealth waters �n the southern Gulf of

Carpentar�a. Table 5.2 outl�nes the area of operat�ons and

harvest and gross value of product�on for Queensland-

managed fisher�es.

Fisheries managed by the Northern Territory Government

The Northern Terr�tory F�sher�es Jo�nt Author�ty (NTFJA)

manages five fisher�es �n the Reg�on – the Offshore Net

and L�ne F�shery, T�mor Reef, Aquar�um, Demersal, and

F�nfish Trawl F�sher�es.

The Span�sh Mackerel, Coastal L�ne and Mud Crab

F�sher�es are managed by the Northern Terr�tory

Department of Pr�mary Industry, F�sher�es and M�nes.

All mud crab fish�ng act�v�ty occurs �n t�dal coastal

waters. Table 5.3 outl�nes the area of operat�on, harvest

and gross value of product�on for Northern Terr�tory-

managed fisher�es.

Mud crab. Photo: Department of Fore�gn Affa�rs and Trade.

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Table 5.2 Queensland fisheries licensed to operate in the North Marine Region

Fishery

(manager)

Main area of fishery Main

species

targeted

Primary

fishing

method

Licences

(2005)

Harvest

tonnes

(2005 unless

otherwise

indicated)

Value

$ million

Gulf of Carpentar�a Inshore F�nfish (Net) F�shery (QFJA)

Gulf waters from the Qld–NT border to Slade Po�nt on the north-west coast of Cape York Pen�nsula.

Shark, barramund�, grey mackerel, and threadfin

Set mesh nets

197 l�cences 2277 12.0

Gulf of Carpentar�a L�ne F�shery(QFJA)

All t�dal waters of Qld out to the Qld Offshore Const�tut�onal Settlement Boundary, extend�ng east from the Qld–NT border to �nclude a large part of the Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Span�sh mackerel

Troll l�nes 47 pr�mary l�cences

225 1.5

Blue Sw�mmer Crab F�shery (Qld)

All Qld waters. Blue sw�mmer crab

Crab pots and collaps�ble traps

Not ava�lable (879 l�cences total for fishery)

0.3 (2001) 0.0025(2001)

Mud Crab F�shery(Qld)

All Qld waters. Mud crab Crab pots Not ava�lable (879 l�cences total for fishery)

Approx 145 �n Gulf(1135 total for fishery)

1.7

Spanner Crab F�shery (Qld)

All Qld waters . Spanner crab

D�ll�es Not ava�lable (504 l�cences total for fishery)

No fish�ng has occurred �n the Reg�on

No fish�ng has occurred �n the Reg�on

Developmental Gulf of Carpentar�a Development F�nfish Trawl F�shery (QFJA)

Gulf waters beyond 25 naut�cal m�les from Qld coast to outer l�m�t of the Austral�an F�sh�ng Zone.

Red snapper, cr�mson snapper, saddleta�l snapper

Sem�-demersal trawl nets

3 author�t�es 341.5 1.1

Developmental Jellyfish F�shery(Qld)

Area �ncludes Reg�on, also eastern Qld waters.

Ed�ble jellyfish(Catostlyus mosa�cus)

Hand-held scoop and d�p nets

2 perm�ts for Gulf of Carpentar�a

n�l n�l

Source: Queensland Department of Pr�mary Industr�es and F�sher�es <www2.dp�.qld.gov.au/fishweb/15895.html> accessed 12/11/07

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Table 5.3 Northern Territory fisheries licensed to operate in the North Marine Region

Fishery

(manager)

Main area of fishery Main

species

targeted

Primary

fishing

method

Licences

(2004 unless

otherwise

indicated)

Harvest

tonnes

Value

$ million

(2005, unless

otherwise

indicated)

Offshore Net and L�ne F�shery(NTFJA)

Coastal waters from h�gh water to the l�m�t of the Austral�an F�sh�ng Zone.Most act�v�ty w�th�n 12 naut�cal m�les of the coast or basel�ne and offshore �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Sharks (pr�mar�ly blackt�p), grey mackerel

Nets and longl�nes

17 l�cences(2006)

1398(2006)

6.2(2006)

T�mor Reef F�shery(NTFJA)

Waters from the north-west of Darw�n to the WA–NT border and to the l�m�t of the Austral�an F�sh�ng Zone.

Goldband snapper, red snapper, red emperor, cod

Ba�ted traps, vert�cal l�nes, handl�nes, dropl�nes

12 l�cences 669 4.3

Span�sh Mackerel F�shery(NT)

Waters seaward from the coastl�ne to the l�m�t of the Austral�an F�sh�ng Zone.

Span�sh mackerel

Troll l�nes, float�ng handl�nes, rod and l�nes

18 act�ve l�cences

390 2.41

Aquar�um F�shery(NTFJA)

Inland waters and waters seaward from the coastl�ne to the l�m�t of the Austral�an F�sh�ng Zone.

300 spec�es �nclud�ng herm�t crabs, jewel anemones, corals, yellowta�l grunter, clownfish

Cast nets, scoop nets, hand pumps, pots, set net, drag nets and sk�mmer nets

13 l�cences 84 638 �nd�v�dual spec�mens collected

0.6-$0.7 (1998)

Coastal L�ne F�shery(NT)

From the h�gh water mark to 15 naut�cal m�les from the low water mark.

Snappers, emperors, cod, var�ous pelag�c fish

Vert�cal l�ne, drop l�ne, fish traps, cast net, scoop net, gaff

57 l�cences 284 0.75

Demersal F�shery(NTFJA)

Waters from15 naut�cal m�les from the low water mark to the l�m�t of the Austral�an F�sh�ng Zone (exclud�ng the area of the T�mor Reef F�shery).

Goldband snapper, red snapper, red emperor, cods

Dropl�nes, traps

60 l�cences(6 act�ve)

79 0.49

F�nfish Trawl F�shery(NTFJA)

Waters east of Darw�n to the l�m�t of the Austral�an F�sh�ng Zone (Exclud�ng the area of the T�mor Reef F�shery).

Red snapper Trawl 1 operator 814.4 Not ava�lable

Source: Northern Terr�tory Department of Pr�mary Industry, F�sher�es and M�nes, Fishery Status Reports 2006, Fishery Report No. 87

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Human Activities

Employment in commercial fisheries

The 2006 Census �nd�cates that the commerc�al fish�ng

�ndustry �s a small employer �n the ma�nland and coastal

areas adjacent to the Reg�on. Approx�mately 0.6 per

cent of the populat�on work �n commerc�al fish�ng,

compared, for example, w�th the two per cent employed

�n agr�culture and two per cent �n the m�n�ng �ndustry.

The exact level of employment �n the commerc�al fish�ng

�ndustry �s hard to assess g�ven the seasonal nature of

act�v�ty.

Karumba has the h�ghest proport�on of people employed

�n the commerc�al fish�ng �ndustry. Normanton,

Burketown, We�pa and Darw�n are also �mportant centres

for employment �n the fisher�es sector (figure 5.9).

The h�gh value of fisher�es product�on �n the Reg�on

contrasts w�th the low number of people employed �n

the �ndustry. Th�s can �n part be expla�ned by the port

of or�g�n of much of the Northern Prawn Trawl fleet and

other fishery operators. The major�ty of vessels work�ng

�n the Northern Prawn F�shery are based at ports d�stant

from the Reg�on, pr�nc�pally Ca�rns, Br�sbane, Perth and

Fremantle.

Industr�es that support the commerc�al fish�ng sector

�nclude commerc�al sl�pways, boat and mach�nery

refitters, and fre�ght and fuel supply compan�es.

Figure 5.9 Fishing sector employment in the North Marine Region

Clownfish are a commerc�ally fished aquar�um spec�es. Photo: Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne Park Author�ty.

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Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

Illegal fore�gn fish�ng �s a s�gn�ficant �ssue �n Austral�a’s

northern waters. Illegal fore�gn fish�ng has �mpl�cat�ons

for quarant�ne, the susta�nab�l�ty of Austral�a’s fish

stocks, and the preservat�on of Austral�a’s mar�ne l�fe

and ecosystem funct�on.

H�stor�cally, �llegal fore�gn fishers or�g�nated from

commun�t�es close to Austral�a us�ng bas�c sa�l-powered

vessels to targeted trochus, trepang (sea cucumber)

and reef fish. More recently, the number of modern,

mechan�sed �llegal fore�gn fish�ng vessels has been

grow�ng, and �ncreas�ng numbers of �llegal fishers have

been apprehended closer to or at Austral�a’s coastl�ne.

There has also been a sh�ft �n the methods used by

�llegal fishers, from l�ne and pot, to nets that target

sharks. Anecdotal ev�dence suggests that these nets are

somet�mes abandoned by �llegal fishers when confronted

by Austral�an author�t�es and they now contr�bute to

northern Austral�a’s s�gn�ficant mar�ne debr�s problem

(box 5.5).

The presence of mar�ne turtle eggs on apprehended

vessels and camps found by Ind�genous ranger groups

confirms that �llegal fore�gn fishers are land�ng on the

Austral�an coastl�ne �n some areas.

Coastwatch s�ght�ngs of �llegal fore�gn fish�ng vessels

�nd�cated a substant�al �ncrease �n �llegal fish�ng act�v�ty

�n Austral�a’s northern waters between 2004 and 2005.

In response to th�s �ncreased threat, the Austral�an

Government announced a substant�al response (�n

2006–2007) wh�ch has s�gn�ficantly �ncreased Austral�a’s

capac�ty to combat �llegal fore�gn fish�ng, �nclud�ng

�ncreased enforcement and surve�llance act�v�ty,

greater coord�nat�on of border secur�ty agenc�es,

better management of apprehended �llegal fore�gn

fishers and fish�ng vessels, �ncreased resources to

undertake �nvest�gat�ons and prosecut�ons, and focused

engagement �n South-East As�a to combat the problem

at �ts source. New patrol boats w�th �ncreased capab�l�ty,

�mproved quarant�ne and b�osecur�ty measures have

been �ntroduced, p�lot Ind�genous mar�t�me surve�llance

programmes have been establ�shed, and cooperat�ve

publ�c �nformat�on campa�gns w�th the Indones�an

Government are now �n place.

W�th the �ntroduct�on of these measures, Coastwatch

have adv�sed that s�ght�ngs of �llegal vessels �n northern

waters dropped by 58 per cent �n 2006–2007 (compared

w�th 2005–2006) and are cont�nu�ng to decl�ne, �n

part�cular close to the Austral�an ma�nland. Dur�ng the

first s�x months of 2007 the number of s�ght�ngs of

motor�sed �llegal fore�gn vessels was 90 per cent fewer

than the number of s�ght�ngs dur�ng the first s�x months

of 2006.

Box 5.4 Operation Breakwater

In March 2006, a two-week major a�r and sea

operat�on target�ng fore�gn fish�ng boats was carr�ed

out as a jo�nt undertak�ng by Customs, Coastwatch,

Royal Austral�an A�r Force, Royal Austral�an Navy,

Austral�an F�sher�es Management Author�ty,

Austral�an Quarant�ne and Inspect�on Serv�ce, and

the Department of Imm�grat�on and C�t�zensh�p. The

operat�on focused on an area near Cape Wessel �n the

Northern Terr�tory and resulted �n the se�zure of 23

�llegal vessels, �nclud�ng 13 small shark boats, two

Ch�nese-flagged trawlers, and e�ght large Indones�an-

flagged �ce sh�ps. The operat�on resulted �n the

detent�on of 197 people and the confiscat�on of

58 791 kg of fish.Indones�an fish�ng vessel w�th Austral�an Customs vessel. Photo: Kr�ton Glenn, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

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Box 5.5 Marine debris

L�tter, derel�ct fish�ng nets (ghost nets), and other

waste or�g�nat�ng from land and mar�ne-based

act�v�t�es, collect�vely referred to as ‘mar�ne debr�s’, �s

a common s�ght �n the Reg�on and the adjacent waters

and coastl�ne. Mar�ne debr�s, part�cularly derel�ct

fish�ng nets, poses a s�gn�ficant threat to mar�ne

spec�es and hab�tats. It may also have a negat�ve

econom�c �mpact on reg�onal commerc�al fisher�es

resources. It presents a ser�ous nav�gat�onal hazard and

threat to human health and safety and can act as a

vector for the �ntroduct�on of mar�ne pests.

Though mar�ne debr�s �s found �n many coastal

areas of Austral�a, northern Austral�a appears to

be espec�ally vulnerable to debr�s or�g�nat�ng from

fisher�es operat�ons. Th�s �s l�kely to be due to the

prox�m�ty of �ntens�ve (both legal and �llegal) fisher�es

�n ne�ghbour�ng waters, d�fficult�es �n surve�llance

and enforcement of waste management obl�gat�ons,

and character�st�c ocean c�rculat�on patterns w�th

seasonal w�nds that transport debr�s large d�stances,

concentrat�ng �t �n coastal waters.

It �s not known exactly where fish�ng debr�s

accumulates �n the h�ghest concentrat�ons, but

surveys by the Dh�murru Land Management Abor�g�nal

Corporat�on have shown that on some beaches �n

north-east Arnhem Land, 30–70 derel�ct fish�ng

nets per k�lometre wash ashore each year. Ev�dence

collected by other Abor�g�nal commun�ty groups,

through surveys coord�nated by the Northern

Terr�tory Government and a Gulf of Carpentar�a-w�de

commun�ty �n�t�at�ve known as the Carpentar�a Ghost

Net Programme, suggests that there are a number of

other hotspots along the northern Austral�an coastl�ne

where fish�ng debr�s and other l�tter washes ashore �n

large quant�t�es.

Surveys to date suggest that most fish�ng debr�s found

on beaches adjacent to the Reg�on or�g�nates from

fore�gn fisher�es operat�ng outs�de Austral�an waters as

well as nets abandoned by �llegal fore�gn fishers w�th�n

Austral�a’s jur�sd�ct�on.

It �s d�fficult to quant�fy the �mpact of mar�ne debr�s

as most �nformat�on, where ava�lable, tends to be ad

hoc and l�m�ted to land-based observat�ons. Ava�lable

�nformat�on suggests that a number of threatened

spec�es are be�ng harmed and k�lled by mar�ne

debr�s, and that the �mpacts on spec�es, hab�tats and

people are very h�gh compared w�th other reg�ons �n

Austral�a.

A regular mon�tor�ng programme run by rangers

from the Dh�murru Land Management Abor�g�nal

Corporat�on s�nce 1996 has recorded more than 360

mar�ne turtles found stranded �n derel�ct fish�ng nets

along a short stretch of coastl�ne �n north-east Arnhem

Land. Of these turtles, around 55 per cent were found

al�ve and released. It �s uncerta�n how many of these

released turtles subsequently per�sh due to �njur�es

caused by the�r entanglement.

Washed up fish�ng nets on an Arnhem Land beach. Photo: Dh�murru Land Management Abor�g�nal Corporat�on.

A number of efforts target�ng mar�ne debr�s have been

�n�t�ated �n recent years �n response to grow�ng

concerns about �ncreas�ng quant�t�es and �mpacts of

debr�s on Austral�an mar�ne env�ronments and spec�es.

For example, �n August 2003 ‘Injury and fatal�ty to

vertebrate mar�ne l�fe caused by �ngest�on of, or

entanglement �n, harmful mar�ne debr�s’ was l�sted as a

key threaten�ng process under the EPBC Act. Through

the Natural Her�tage Trust, the Austral�an Government

�s support�ng coastal commun�t�es �n the Gulf of

Carpentar�a to address the �mpacts of ghost nets

through a programme known as the Carpentar�a Ghost

Net Programme.

G�ven the �nternat�onal or�g�ns of much fish�ng debr�s,

the Austral�an Government has also taken a lead�ng

role �n relevant �nternat�onal fora �nclud�ng the Un�ted

Nat�ons General Assembly and As�a Pac�fic Econom�c

Cooperat�on (APEC) to promote collaborat�ve responses

to the �ssue.

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5.3.3 Mar�ne-based tour�sm

Tour�sm �s already a v�tal econom�c dr�ver of the

Northern Terr�tory and Queensland econom�es and �s

forecast to cont�nue �ts strong growth �n future years.

Mar�ne-based tour�sm �n northern Austral�a �s ma�nly

assoc�ated w�th recreat�onal fish�ng (d�scussed �n sect�on

5.3.1), but also �ncludes cru�se sh�pp�ng, SCUBA d�v�ng

and b�rd watch�ng.

There �s l�ttle �nformat�on ava�lable on tour�sm

or�g�nat�ng from Queensland areas adjacent to the

Reg�on. Tour�sm or�g�nat�ng from the Northern Terr�tory

has a broad �mpact upon many other �ndustry sectors

and generates a s�gn�ficant number of jobs. A soc�o-

econom�c rev�ew �n 2006 est�mated that one �n e�ght

people employed �n the Northern Terr�tory has a job �n

the tour�sm sector.

Cruise shipping and yachting

Cru�se sh�pp�ng and yacht�ng occurs w�th�n and adjacent

to the Reg�on. On average approx�mately 30 cru�se sh�ps

v�s�ted Darw�n each year between 2001 and 2004. The

total number of cru�se sh�ps �ncreased by 50 per cent �n

2005 and by a further 33 per cent �n 2006. Th�s was �n

part because of the h�gher number of v�s�ts by fore�gn

cru�se sh�ps. Over 11 000 cru�se passengers v�s�ted

Darw�n �n 2005.

Work �s progress�ng on the Darw�n Waterfront

Development project wh�ch �ncludes a new purpose-

bu�lt �nternat�onal cru�se sh�p term�nal. Th�s w�ll replace

cru�se fac�l�t�es at the ex�st�ng deepwater port at Fort H�ll

Wharf. Forward book�ngs for cru�se sh�p berths at the new

term�nal �nd�cate further �ncreases �n cru�se sh�p v�s�tat�on

and year-on-year growth �n passenger numbers.

Several domest�c operators also offer luxury gu�ded

v�s�ts to a number of remote and undeveloped coastal

areas and �slands outs�de Darw�n �n small cru�se vessels.

Internat�onal yachts first arr�v�ng �n Austral�a’s north

must enter through Darw�n, Melv�lle Bay or We�pa ports

to complete quarant�ne, customs and �mm�grat�on

requ�rements.

Diving and bird watching

A d�ve company operates from Darw�n, focuss�ng on

wrecks �n Darw�n Harbour. Charter boats also operate

b�rd watch�ng cru�ses out of Normanton and Karumba,

w�th large numbers of v�s�tors be�ng attracted to

�mportant nest�ng and feed�ng areas for m�gratory b�rd

spec�es across the northern Austral�an coastl�ne.

Cru�se sh�p at Darw�n Port. Photo: Darw�n Port Author�ty.

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5.3.4 Ports and sh�pp�ng

Sea transport �s an �mportant act�v�ty w�th�n the Reg�on

and �n coastal waters adjacent to the Reg�on. The Reg�on

�s a major �nternat�onal trans�t route and sh�pp�ng lanes

through the Reg�on are some of the nat�on’s bus�est.

Austral�an agenc�es do not collect data on the volume of

sh�pp�ng traffic bypass�ng the Reg�on, but up to 40 per

cent of sh�pp�ng mov�ng through the Reg�on �s est�mated

as not be�ng engaged �n voyages to or from Austral�an

ports. Est�mates also suggest that approx�mately 3000

�nternat�onal trad�ng vessels passed through the Reg�on

and Torres Stra�t �n 1998 (figure 5.10).

Sh�ps operat�ng w�th�n the Reg�on are generally l�nked

w�th m�n�ng act�v�ty. Raw mater�als are sh�pped from

several key ports �n Queensland and the Northern

Terr�tory, pr�mar�ly Darw�n, Melv�lle Bay (Nhulunbuy),

M�lner Bay (Groote Eylandt), B�ng Bong (McArthur

R�ver), Karumba, We�pa and Skardon R�ver. Of these,

We�pa, Karumba, Melv�lle Bay, and Darw�n are currently

the most s�gn�ficant �n terms of v�s�tat�on by sh�ps,

volume and value of fre�ght.

Figure 5.10 Shipping movements throughout the North Marine Region

Port of Darw�n. Photo: Darw�n Port Author�ty.

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The largest port �n coastal waters adjacent to the Reg�on

�s the Port of Darw�n. The Port of Darw�n �s �mportant

for trad�ng vessels, fish�ng vessels, navy sh�ps and

cru�se sh�ps and has recently seen expans�on �n �ts use

�n l�ne w�th act�v�ty assoc�ated w�th the operat�on of

the AustralAs�a Ra�lway and the T�mor Sea o�l and gas

developments (Bayu-Undan to Darw�n p�pel�ne).

The ports of We�pa and Karumba together process about

10 per cent of Queensland’s total sh�pp�ng volume. The

Port of We�pa’s ma�n act�v�ty �s the export of baux�te

(alum�n�um ore). R�o T�nto operates the port fac�l�t�es

and has on-shore baux�te handl�ng, process�ng and

stockp�l�ng fac�l�t�es, as well as conveyors runn�ng

to Lor�m Po�nt Wharf for sh�p load�ng. The Ports

Corporat�on of Queensland has reported that �n 2006–

2007, We�pa handled 443 sh�ps carry�ng 19 580 335

tonnes of baux�te, 101 158 tonnes of fuel and 31 380

tonnes of general cargo. Though smaller �n volume,

the value of z�nc and lead sh�pments from the Z�n�fex

m�ne out of Karumba exceeds that of We�pa by a factor

of around three. Karumba �s also the ma�n port for l�ve

cattle exports from the Gulf of Carpentar�a though there

have been few l�ve cattle sh�pments �n recent years.

Melv�lle Bay, M�lner Bay and B�ng Bong also handle

cons�derable amounts of m�n�ng products. W�th the

expans�on of m�n�ng act�v�t�es currently underway �n

all three of these locat�ons sh�pp�ng traffic �s also l�kely

to �ncrease. The �mpl�cat�ons of �ncreased mar�t�me

transport act�v�t�es generally �nclude both the potent�al

for h�gher rates of �nteract�ons between vessels and

protected spec�es and an �ntens�ficat�on of the potent�al

threats assoc�ated w�th sh�pp�ng act�v�t�es such as

�nvas�ve mar�ne spec�es (box 5.6).

Due to shallow water �n the southern Gulf of

Carpentar�a, sh�ps us�ng Karumba and B�ng Bong ports

are requ�red to anchor offshore (�.e. �n the Reg�on), w�th

metal concentrates transferred by barges. Off the Port

of Karumba, a roadstead has been procla�med under the

Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973, wh�ch extends the

l�m�ts of the Terr�tor�al Sea for the purpose of anchor�ng

vessels. Th�s allows the Austral�an Government to

exerc�se sovere�gnty over the waters conta�ned �n the

roadstead to �nspect sh�ps and ensure Commonwealth

safety and env�ronmental requ�rements are met.

It �s unclear how much employment �s generated

through sh�pp�ng act�v�t�es and ports adjacent to the

Reg�on. A report publ�shed �n 2006 est�mated that the

Port of Karumba employed 91 full-t�me employees and

generated 132 flow-on jobs.

Port development �s generally regulated by the Ports

Corporat�on of Queensland and by �nd�v�dual m�n�ng

company regulat�ons �n the Northern Terr�tory; the

Port of Darw�n �s regulated by the Darw�n Ports

Corporat�on. Where a proposed port expans�on or new

port development �s l�kely to have a s�gn�ficant �mpact

on a Commonwealth matter of nat�onal env�ronmental

s�gn�ficance, the Austral�an Government may become

�nvolved. Any port development �nvolv�ng dredg�ng and

dump�ng of mater�al at sea requ�res a Commonwealth

Sea Dump�ng Perm�t under the Environment Protection

(Sea Dumping) Act 1981.

Barges are used extens�vely for transport around the

shallow coastal waters adjacent to the Reg�on, and

are cr�t�cal to coastal commun�t�es who rely on them

for most mater�als and goods. The Northern Terr�tory

Government ma�nta�ns 14 barge land�ngs on the coast

and offshore �slands.

Transportat�on barge. Photo: Ilse K�essl�ng, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

111

Human Activities

Box 5.6 Invasive marine species

Vessels enter�ng the Reg�on and adjacent ports (�n

part�cular from overseas) may �ntroduce �nvas�ve

mar�ne spec�es or extend the�r range. Translocat�on

of �nvas�ve mar�ne spec�es can occur through the

exchange of ballast water or from foul�ng on vessel

hulls. Invas�ve mar�ne spec�es can have s�gn�ficant

econom�c and env�ronmental �mpacts through

the �nfestat�on of mar�ne �nfrastructure and the

d�splacement of nat�ve spec�es.

There are two recorded �ncurs�ons of �nvas�ve mar�ne

spec�es �n northern Austral�a. These are the black

str�ped mussel (Mytilopsis sallei), and the tube worm

(Hydroides santaecrucis). Both these spec�es were found

�n Darw�n Harbour and are bel�eved to have been

�ntroduced on yacht and fish�ng vessel hulls. The

black str�ped mussel was erad�cated by po�son�ng, and

the Northern Terr�tory Government has a programme

to prevent further mar�ne pest �ncurs�ons through

ongo�ng mon�tor�ng at a number of ports, rout�ne

vessel �nspect�ons, and, where necessary, emergency

response and erad�cat�on. Queensland �s also

undertak�ng s�m�lar mon�tor�ng for �nvas�ve mar�ne

spec�es at We�pa.

Commerc�al sh�pp�ng�n the Reg�on �ncludes LNG tankers. Photo: Woods�de Petroleum.

To reduce the r�sk of translocat�ng mar�ne pests

through the movement of �nternat�onal vessels, the

Austral�an Quarant�ne and Inspect�on Serv�ce are

develop�ng regulat�ons to be �mplemented �n July

2008. Voluntary domest�c b�ofoul�ng gu�del�nes are

also be�ng developed for var�ous mar�ne sectors to help

reduce the threat of translocat�ons of ex�st�ng mar�ne

pests.

Ballast water exchange �s a part�cularly �mportant �ssue

for the Reg�on g�ven the h�gh levels of sea transport

to and through the Reg�on. The �ntroduct�on of

ballast water management requ�rements for vessels on

voyages between Austral�an ports �s planned for July

2009, as Austral�a moves to �mplement the International

Convention on the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast

Water and Sediments. Dur�ng domest�c voyages where

there �s r�sk of transport�ng �nvas�ve mar�ne spec�es,

sh�ps w�ll need to exchange the�r ballast water at

least 12 naut�cal m�les from the coastl�ne, where the

threat of �ntroduc�ng self-susta�n�ng populat�ons of

�nvas�ve mar�ne spec�es �s m�n�mal. These requ�rements

do not currently apply �n the Great Barr�er Reef

as requ�rements for th�s reg�on are st�ll under

development.

Sh�ps on �nternat�onal voyages to Austral�a are already

requ�red to exchange the�r ballast water outs�de

Austral�a’s terr�tor�al sea under the Quarantine Act

1908. Ballast water exchange �s also regulated under

the Austral�an Quarant�ne Inspect�on Serv�ce’s Ballast

Water Guidelines. The �ntroduct�on of ballast water

exchange requ�rements on domest�c routes (wh�ch

currently apply only on voyages to V�ctor�an ports)

w�ll mean that greater volumes of ballast water w�ll be

d�scharged and taken up w�th�n the Reg�on. Under the

convent�on, plans are underway to phase out ballast

water exchange by 2016 �n favour of super�or methods

of treat�ng ballast water to k�ll entra�ned organ�sms.

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5.3.5 Border protect�on act�v�t�es

There are a number of offshore mar�t�me threats �n

Austral�a’s north, �nclud�ng �llegal fish�ng, proh�b�ted

�mports and exports, quarant�ne threats, and �llegal

act�v�ty �n protected areas, that requ�re ongo�ng

detect�on, report�ng and response to ma�nta�n mar�t�me

safety and env�ronmental �ntegr�ty.

Border Protect�on Command �s a mult�-agency command

centre establ�shed �n 2005 to protect Austral�a’s mar�t�me

borders through del�very of a coord�nated approach

to offshore mar�t�me secur�ty. Involv�ng the resources

and expert�se of the Austral�an Customs Serv�ce,

the Department of Defence, the Austral�an F�sher�es

Management Author�ty, the Austral�an Quarant�ne and

Inspect�on Serv�ce, and other Austral�an Government

agenc�es, Border Protect�on Command �s located �n

Canberra and �s respons�ble to the Ch�ef of the Defence

Force for m�l�tary funct�ons and the Ch�ef Execut�ve

Officer Customs for c�v�l funct�ons. Border Protect�on

Command’s area of �nterest �ncludes the Austral�an

coastl�ne, Austral�a’s offshore terr�tor�es, the Austral�an

F�sh�ng Zone, the Austral�an Exclus�ve Econom�c Zone

and adjacent areas. The pr�nc�pal m�l�tary element of

Border Protect�on Command �s Headquarters Northern

Command (HQNORCOM) wh�ch �s located �n Darw�n.

HQNORCOM coord�nates and controls m�l�tary operat�ons

�n Austral�a’s north. Its pr�mary respons�b�l�t�es �nclude

the defence of northern Austral�a (�nclud�ng waters

adjacent to northern Queensland, the Northern

Terr�tory and the northern half of Western Austral�a),

d�saster management support, and coord�nat�on of the

Department of Defence’s reg�onal relat�onsh�ps w�th

Indones�a and Papua New Gu�nea. HQNORCOM also has

respons�b�l�ty for collat�on and analys�s of �ntell�gence

spec�fically assoc�ated w�th �llegal �mm�grants and �llegal

fish�ng �n the northern waters of Austral�a as well as

day-to-day coord�nat�on of the Austral�an Defence Force

surve�llance and response effort known as Operation

Resolute. Th�s operat�on commenced �n July 2006 and

�s a�med at streaml�n�ng the operat�ons of all three

Austral�an Defence Force serv�ces (Army, Navy and

A�r Force) �n whole-of-government efforts to protect

Austral�a’s northern waters.

There are large areas of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal

waters allocated to defence tra�n�ng (refer to figure

5.11) �nclud�ng m�l�tary exerc�ses. The Defence Force

employs a s�gn�ficant proport�on of the populat�on l�v�ng

adjacent to the Reg�on. The number of Defence Force

personnel and the�r fam�l�es �n the Northern Terr�tory

has grown from about 6200 �n 1992 to an est�mated

13 000 today. The North-west Mob�le Force (or

NORFORCE), a spec�al�sed un�t respons�ble for patroll�ng

coastal marg�ns of the Northern Terr�tory, �s also the

largest employer of Ind�genous people �n the Northern

Terr�tory.

The Austral�an Customs Serv�ce contr�butes to Austral�a’s

coord�nated approach to offshore mar�t�me secur�ty

through a fleet of e�ght seago�ng patrol vessels and

add�t�onal charter vessels when requ�red. Customs

Border Protect�on Command coord�nates a fleet of

spec�al�sed fixed w�ng a�rcraft and hel�copters �n

electron�c and v�sual surve�llance of Austral�a’s coastl�ne

and offshore mar�t�me areas. Austral�an Customs patrol

vessels are often deployed across northern Austral�an

waters �n jo�nt operat�ons �nvolv�ng Navy patrol boats

and Coastwatch a�rcraft.

The Customs Coastwatch Dash 8 a�r fleet detect and report unlawful act�v�ty �n Austral�an waters. Photo: Austral�an Customs Serv�ce.

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Figure 5.11 Defence training areas of the North Marine Region

5.3.6 Offshore o�l, gas and m�neral

explorat�on

There �s currently no extract�on of o�l, gas or m�nerals

�n the North Mar�ne Reg�on. However, o�l and gas

extract�on does occur �n parts of the Bonaparte Bas�n

adjacent to the Reg�on, and to the west and the north-

west of the Reg�on. In recent years, output has been

dom�nated by o�l product�on from the Lam�nar�a–

Corall�na o�l fields �n the T�mor Sea, but product�on w�ll

start to decl�ne as reserves are depleted. In the short

to med�um term future, �t �s l�kely that product�on w�ll

be dom�nated by gas and condensate product�on from

Bayu-Undan.

A number of offshore bas�ns �n the Reg�on are

cons�dered h�ghly prospect�ve for econom�cally v�able

finds of o�l and gas depos�ts. Table 5.4 l�sts these bas�ns

and prov�des a br�ef outl�ne of the�r potent�al for

extract�on. Explorat�ons to date have made world-class

gas d�scover�es that �nclude the Sunr�se, Evans Shoal,

Cald�ta and Barossa fields. Petroleum and gas leases

currently cover a s�gn�ficant proport�on of the Reg�on to

the west w�th one relat�vely small lease area �n the east

�n the Gulf of Carpentar�a (figure 5.12). In 2006–07, 14

explorat�on perm�ts, four retent�on leases (Cash

Maple, Audac�ous, Petrel and Argus) and one product�on

l�cence (Montara) were held by var�ous nat�onal and

�nternat�onal operators.

Accord�ng to the 2006 Census data, 520 people were

employed �n the petroleum �ndustry and 1708 �n the

m�n�ng �ndustry �n the coastal waters and land adjacent

to the Reg�on. In Queensland, the metal ore m�n�ng

�ndustry employed a h�gher proport�on of people than

the petroleum �ndustry, but many support workers �n

coastal areas rely on the o�l, gas and m�neral �ndustr�es.

Nat�onw�de for the o�l and gas �ndustry, 234

env�ronmental �nc�dents were reported to the Austral�an

Petroleum Product�on and Explorat�on Assoc�at�on �n

2005 and 104 �n 2006. Almost all of these �nc�dents were

categor�sed as low to negl�g�ble/near m�ss �mpact. Some

29 per cent of the �nc�dents occurred offshore. In the

Austral�an mar�ne env�ronment �n 2006, the upstream

o�l and gas �ndustry acc�dentally d�scharged 1011 l�tres

(0.8 tonnes). The �ndustry cont�nues to work closely

w�th government to develop and �mplement measures

to prevent o�l sp�lls and to respond qu�ckly should an

�nc�dent occur.

The Austral�an petroleum �ndustry �s regulated under

the EPBC Act and the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)

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Management of Environment Regulations 1999 (PSLA MOE

Regulat�ons). Se�sm�c explorat�on act�v�t�es that may

�mpact on cetaceans are assessed under the EPBC Act

and gu�del�nes currently ex�st on Interactions between

Offshore Seismic Exploration and Whales (May 2007). Through

the PSLA MOE Regulat�ons, a number of fora have been

establ�shed to engage �ndustry and commun�ty on

emerg�ng �ssues, �nclud�ng �ndustry best pract�ce and

cons�stency �n appl�cat�on of regulat�ons across the

mar�ne env�ronment.

In the future, �ncreas�ng demand for energy and fall�ng

Austral�an product�on of petroleum �s expected to

s�gn�ficantly �ncrease explorat�on act�v�ty �n the Reg�on.

In terms of output, m�n�ng �s the largest �ndustry �n the

Northern Terr�tory, account�ng for 19 per cent of gross

state product �n 2004–2005 (compared w�th five per

cent nat�onally).

Recorded m�neral occurrences w�th�n the Reg�on �nclude

baux�te near We�pa, and d�amonds just to the west of

the Reg�on �n the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf (see Austral�an

Offshore M�neral Locat�ons at <www.ga.gov.au/�mage_

cache/GA8484.pdf>). The manganese depos�t on Groote

Eylandt �s known to extend offshore, and d�amonds are

known to occur onshore �n the south-west of the Gulf of

Carpentar�a and may occur �n offshore areas.

Other onshore m�neral commod�t�es, such as heavy

m�neral sands currently be�ng explored along the west

coast of Cape York, may also extend offshore, but w�ll

only be located through further explorat�on.

The Reg�on has not been subjected to systemat�c

m�neral explorat�on and the full extent of both m�neral

occurrences and m�neral potent�al �s v�rtually unknown.

The technology of offshore m�neral explorat�on �s st�ll �n

the very early stages of development (although deep-sea

gold and base metal m�n�ng �s planned to commence off

the north coast of Papua New Gu�nea �n 2009).

Figure 5.12 Oil and gas activities in the North Marine Region

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Table 5.4 Offshore basins in the North Marine Region

Basin Location Current extraction

in the Region

Potential

Bonaparte Bas�n T�mor Sea, west of Darw�n

None Have been world class gas d�scover�es, o�l d�scover�es, and extens�ve explorat�on. O�l and gas extract�on occurs �n parts of the bas�n outs�de the Reg�on.

Money Shoal Bas�n North of Darw�n None N�ne explorat�on wells have been dr�lled. Potent�al for o�l and gas.

Arafura Bas�n Arafura Sea, north of Arnhem Land

None N�ne wells have been dr�lled, w�th the best result be�ng an o�l and gas show at Arafura-1. Desp�te the current lack of commerc�al success, there are numerous �nd�cators for untested petroleum potent�al, part�cularly �n the undr�lled northern reg�on of the bas�n.

Carpentar�a Bas�n Gulf of Carpentar�a None One explorat�on well has been dr�lled (Duyken 1). No commerc�al d�scover�es.

O�l platform �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: BHP B�ll�ton.

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5.3.7 Aquaculture

Aquaculture �s the fastest grow�ng pr�mary �ndustry �n

the Indo–Pac�fic. To date, aquaculture act�v�t�es have

been concentrated �n coastal waters adjacent to the

Reg�on and there are currently no offshore fac�l�t�es

establ�shed �n the Reg�on.

Commerc�al aquaculture ventures �n the coastal waters

of northern Austral�a �nclude pearl farm�ng, barramund�

and prawns. In 2004, the two h�ghest product�on value

aquaculture �ndustr�es were pearl�ng ($17.1 m�ll�on)

and barramund� farm�ng ($9.4 m�ll�on). Although �t

�s a s�gn�ficant �ndustry for the Northern Terr�tory,

much of the modern pearl�ng �ndustry �s based �n

Western Austral�a. Th�s �s largely due to the fact that

the Northern Terr�tory, unl�ke north-west Western

Austral�a, does not have econom�cally v�able w�ld-stock

pearl fisher�es and rel�es predom�nantly on hatchery

product�on.

The Northern Terr�tory pearl�ng �ndustry �s quota-

regulated and �s expand�ng as latent quota �s ut�l�sed.

Current product�on �n the Northern Terr�tory occurs

pr�mar�ly on the Cobourg Pen�nsula and farms also

operate along the east coast of Arnhem Land. The

Northern Terr�tory �ndustry �s adm�n�stered under the

Fisheries Act 1988.

It �s poss�ble that ‘w�ld farm’ aquaculture act�v�t�es w�ll

be developed �n the Commonwealth mar�ne area �n the

future. There �s also s�gn�ficant �nterest �n the potent�al

for aquaculture �ndustry development among many

Ind�genous commun�t�es.

Aquaculture �s regulated under the EPBC Act and

relevant State and Terr�tory leg�slat�on. In 2006, the

Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the

Arts released the EPBC Act Policy Guidelines 2.2 – Offshore

Aquaculture to ass�st proponents to dec�de whether

proposed act�ons requ�re assessment and approval under

the EPBC Act.

Pearl aquaculture. Photo: Katar�na Wos, Paspaley Pearl�ng Company Pty Ltd.

117

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Ocean-go�ng vessel at sea. Photo: Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

5.3.8 Sea dump�ng

Austral�a regulates the dump�ng of waste at sea under

the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 (Sea

Dump�ng Act) and the Environment Protection (Sea

Dumping) Amendment Act 1986. The Sea Dump�ng Act �s

adm�n�stered by the Department of the Env�ronment,

Water, Her�tage and the Arts, and appl�es from the

low water mark out to the l�m�ts of the Exclus�ve

Econom�c Zone. Perm�ts are requ�red for all sea

dump�ng operat�ons. Currently around 30 perm�ts

are �ssued nat�onally each year, ma�nly for dump�ng

uncontam�nated dredge spo�l.

Sea dump�ng �n and adjacent to the Reg�on �s low

compared w�th other areas of Austral�a. D�sposal of

dredge spo�l, generally cons�st�ng of fine sands and

s�lt from port and harbour ma�ntenance, occurs from

a number of ports adjacent to the Reg�on �nclud�ng at

Groote Eylandt, We�pa and Karumba.

Ammun�t�on dump s�tes establ�shed dur�ng World War

II are found �n the Reg�on north of Darw�n. An area

north of Bathurst Island �n the Northern Terr�tory was

des�gnated as an area for d�sposal of chem�cal warfare

agents, but �t �s bel�eved that the s�te was never used

for th�s purpose. Sea dump�ng has also been used as a

method for d�spos�ng of �llegal fish�ng vessels.

A perm�t �s requ�red under the Sea Dump�ng Act

to author�se the dump�ng, and the load�ng for the

purposes of dump�ng, of any wastes or other matter

�nto Austral�an waters, or from an Austral�an vessel, or

platform, anywhere at sea. Further �nformat�on on sea

dump�ng and leg�slat�ve requ�rements �s ava�lable at

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/pollut�on/dump�ng>.

No spat�al closures or exclus�on zones are �n effect

around sea dump�ng s�tes �n the Reg�on, but the locat�on

of some dumped vessels are reported on hydrograph�c

charts.

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Rose petal bubble shell (Hydatina physis). Photo: Matt Carr, Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne Park Author�ty.

5.3.9 Submerged p�pel�nes and

submar�ne telecommun�cat�on cables

One offshore gas p�pel�ne passes through the Reg�on.

The Bayu-Undan to Darw�n Gas P�pel�ne extends from

the Bayu-Undan gas and condensate field located �n

the T�mor Gap Zone of Cooperat�on to the proposed

process�ng plant at W�ckham Po�nt on M�ddle Arm

Pen�nsula �n Darw�n Harbour. The p�pel�ne �s around

500 km �n length. Of th�s total length around 92 km

�s adm�n�stered under the Northern Terr�tory Energy

Pipelines Act, 367 km �s adm�n�stered under the Petroleum

(Submerged Lands) Acts (Commonwealth and Northern

Territory), and the rema�n�ng 42 km �s adm�n�stered by

the T�mor Gap Zone of Cooperat�on Jo�nt Author�ty.

There �s a proposal to construct a second gas p�pel�ne

�n the Reg�on. Th�s forms part of the Papua New

Gu�nea–Queensland Gas P�pel�ne project, wh�ch �ncludes

a proposed p�pel�ne offshoot from We�pa to Nhulunbuy

across the Gulf of Carpentar�a.

There are no submar�ne telecommun�cat�ons cables of

nat�onal s�gn�ficance under the Telecommunications and

Other Legislation Amendment (Protection of Submarine Cables

and Other Measures) Act 2005 currently �n serv�ce �n the

Reg�on.

Wh�le there �s a range of regulat�ons govern�ng the

lay�ng and protect�on of cables, the EPBC Act �s the

ma�n leg�slat�ve �nstrument concerned w�th the

env�ronmental �mpact of cables. Under the Act, any

proposals for submar�ne cables must be referred to the

M�n�ster for the Env�ronment, Her�tage and the Arts for

assessment and approval �f they are cons�dered l�kely to

have a s�gn�ficant �mpact on the Commonwealth mar�ne

env�ronment or other matters of nat�onal env�ronmental

s�gn�ficance.

5.3.10 Mar�ne b�oprospect�ng

B�oprospect�ng �s the search for new drugs and other

products der�ved from b�olog�cal processes, systems or

organ�sms. B�oprospect�ng �n the mar�ne env�ronment

�s a grow�ng area of �nterest for researchers and

pharmaceut�cal compan�es. Wh�le th�s research �s only �n

�ts �nfancy �n the Reg�on, act�v�ty �s expected to �ncrease

due to advances �n b�otechnology and the grow�ng

knowledge of the b�od�vers�ty of mar�ne spec�es �n the

Reg�on.

Management of the access to, and the benefits from,

genet�c and b�ochem�cal resources found �n nat�ve

spec�es �n Commonwealth areas �s governed by recently

�ntroduced regulat�ons under the EPBC Act – Part

8A Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

Regulations 2000. The document Genetic resources

management in Commonwealth areas deta�ls what the new

regulat�ons mean and outl�nes the process for ga�n�ng

access to these resources. The document can be found at

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/b�od�vers�ty/publ�cat�ons/

access/regs/pubs/regs.pdf>.

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5.3.11 Land-based act�v�t�es

Terrestr�al freshwater run-off �s �mportant to phys�cal

and ecolog�cal processes �n the Reg�on (See chapter 2).

Changes to freshwater flows, flood�ng reg�mes and

nutr�ent fluxes �n coastal waters have the potent�al to

s�gn�ficantly �nfluence offshore mar�ne env�ronments.

Other than a number of local�sed land-based m�n�ng

operat�ons adjacent to the Reg�on, substant�al

mod�ficat�on of coastal lands through onshore act�v�t�es

�s currently l�m�ted. The major�ty of land �n Queensland

adjacent to the Reg�on �s pastoral leasehold land that

�s used for graz�ng. The major�ty of the land �n the

Northern Terr�tory adjacent to the Reg�on �s Ind�genous

land w�th l�ttle assoc�ated development. However, wh�le

agr�cultural, hort�cultural and forestry act�v�t�es adjacent

to the Reg�on are currently small-scale, the potent�al of

so�ls �s generally relat�vely h�gh and there have been

s�gn�ficant �nvest�gat�ons �nto the development of

water �nfrastructure �nvolv�ng water harvest�ng and

development of water storage areas (dams) on currently

unregulated r�vers to support proposed developments.

Ac�d sulphate so�ls are w�despread �n many coastal

areas of the Northern Terr�tory, and are also common

throughout the coastal pla�ns of the southern Gulf

and the Wellesley Islands �n Queensland. Dra�nage

and mod�ficat�on of these so�ls as a result of land-

based act�v�t�es has the potent�al to cause ac�d�c water

outflows, wh�ch may have a negat�ve effect on mar�ne

ecosystems.

Karumba port. Photo: Ilse K�essl�ng, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

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Austral�an Bureau of Stat�st�cs, 2006, 2006 Census

<www.abs.gov.au/webs�tedbs/d3310114.nsf/home/

Census+data> accessed March 08.

Austral�an Petroleum Product�on and Explorat�on

Assoc�at�on, 2007, APPEA Year in Review 2006-2007, APPEA

Canberra <www.appea.com.au/content/pdfs_docs_xls/

Publ�cat�ons/AnnualReports/2008_year_�n_rev�ew.pdf>,

accessed February 08.

Gre�ner, R., Herr, H. and Larson, S., 2006, Literature

Review of Relevant Socio-economic Information Available for

the Northern Planning Area, F�nal Report, prepared for the

Nat�onal Oceans Office, CSIRO.

Henry, G. and Lyle, J. (eds), 2003, The National Recreational

and Indigenous Fishing Survey, Commonwealth of Austral�a,

Department of Agr�culture, F�sher�es and Forestry.

Nat�onal Oceans Office, 2004, Living on Saltwater Country,

Review of Literature about Aboriginal Rights, Use, Management

and Interests in Northern Australian Marine Environments,


Northern Terr�tory Department of Pr�mary Industry,

F�sher�es and M�nes, 2006, Fishery Status Report 2006

– Fishery report No.87, Northern Terr�tory Government

<www.nt.gov.au/dp�fm/Content/F�le/p/F�sh_Rep/FR87.

pdf>, accessed March 08.

Northern Terr�tory Tour�st Comm�ss�on (now Tour�sm

NT), 2002, Northern Terr�tory Tour�sm Strateg�c Plan

2003-2007, Government Pr�nt�ng Office.

Office of Econom�c and Stat�st�cal Research, 2006, Socio-

economic Overview of the North Marine Region, prepared

for the Nat�onal Oceans Office, Office of Econom�c and

Stat�st�cal Research, Queensland Government.

Ports Corporat�on of Queensland, 2008, Port of Weipa

<www.pcq.com.au/we�pa.cfm>, accessed March 08.

Queensland Department of Pr�mary Industr�es

and F�sher�es, 2008, Coastal Hab�tat Resources

Informat�on System (CHRIS), Commercial Catch Data,

<chr�sweb.dp�.qld.gov.au/chr�s>, accessed February 08.

S�nnamon, V., 1997, ‘Co-management and Self-

governance: Contemporary Ind�genous Natural Resource

Management’, �n Hale, P. and Lamb D. Conservation Outside

Nature Reserves, Un�vers�ty of Queensland, pp.10–16.

Smyth, D., 1993, A Voice in all Places: Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islanders Interests in Australia’s Coastal Zone, report

prepared for Resource Assessment Comm�ss�on Coastal

Zone Inqu�ry, Canberra.

Smyth, D., 1994, Understanding Country: The Importance of

Land and Sea in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Societies,

report prepared for Counc�l for Abor�g�nal Reconc�l�at�on.

AGPS, Canberra.

Wallace, J. and 12 Commun�ty Rangers, 1992, ‘Abor�g�nal

Involvement �n Nat�onal Parks: Abor�g�nal Rangers’

Perspect�ves’, �n B�rkhead, J., de Lacey, T., and Sm�th

L. (eds) Aboriginal Involvement in National Parks and

Protected Areas, Austral�an Inst�tute of Abor�g�nal Stud�es,

Canberra, pp.29–38.

Map Data

Figure 5��1 Population density and major ports in areas adjacent to the North Marine Region


Austral�an Bureau of Stat�st�cs (2006): Austral�a, Stat�st�cal Local Areas

Austral�an Bureau of Stat�st�cs (2007): Austral�a, Est�mated Res�dent Populat�ons

Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts (2003): Austral�an Ports (Nat�onal Geospat�al-Intell�gence Agency)











Figure 5��2 Population growth and major ports in areas adjacent to the North Marine Region



121

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Austral�an Bureau of Stat�st�cs (2007): Austral�a, Est�mated Res�dent Populat�ons












Figure 5��3 Indigenous land management arrangements adjacent to the North Marine Region


CSIRO Land and Water (2000): Land Tenure �n Austral�a Rangelands 1999

Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts (2004): Collaborat�ve Austral�an Protected Areas Database – CAPAD 2004 - Terrestr�al






Ind�genous Land Corporat�on (2005): Legal Ind�genous Land Interests

Nat�onal Nat�ve T�tle Tr�bunal (2007): Ind�genous Land Use Agreements

PSMA Austral�a (2005): Local Government Areas of Austral�a (LGA) - 2005

West Austral�an Department of Ind�genous Affa�rs (2005): Western Austral�an Abor�g�nal Lands Trust Estate





Figure 5��4 Native title in and adjacent to the North Marine Region







Nat�onal Nat�ve T�tle Tr�bunal (2007): Nat�ve T�tle Determ�nat�ons

Nat�onal Nat�ve T�tle Tr�bunal (2007): Schedule of Nat�ve T�tle Appl�cat�ons





Figure 5��5 Indigenous language groups adjacent to the North Marine Region






South Austral�a Museum: T�ndale Tr�bal Boundar�es





Figure 5��6 Declared Indigenous Protected Areas adjacent to the North Marine Region



Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts (2007): Ind�genous Protected Areas (Ind�genous Protected Area) – Declared



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Figure 5��7 Estimated recreational fishing catch within the North Marine Region


Bureau of Rural Sc�ences (2001): Austral�an Nat�onal Recreat�onal and Ind�genous F�sh�ng Survey – Recreat�onal Catch Mapp�ng












Figure 5��8 Combined catch of all fisheries in the North Marine Region (2000 to 2002)


Bureau of Rural Sc�ences (2005): Nat�onal Atlas of Mar�ne F�sher�es and Coastal Commun�t�es












Figure 5��9 Fishing sector employment in the North Marine Region


Austral�an Bureau of Stat�st�cs (2001): Austral�a, Census of Populat�on and Hous�ng













Figure 5��10 Shipping movements throughout the North Marine Region

Austral�an Mar�t�me Safety Author�ty (2006): Austral�an Sh�p Report�ng Records






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Human Activities







Figure 5��11 Defence training areas of the North Marine Region


Austral�an Hydrograph�c Serv�ce (2003): Not�ces to Mar�ners












Figure 5��12 Petroleum activities in the North Marine Region





Encom Petroleum Informat�on (2008): GP�nfo Petroleum Explorat�on Database





Geosc�ence Austral�a (2008): 2008 Offshore Petroleum Explorat�on Areas





Seagrass meadow, Goomadeer Po�nt. Photo: Anthony Roelofs, Queensland Department of Pr�mary Industr�es and F�sher�es.

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Great egret fish�ng �n b�llabong. Photo: Andrew Tatnell.

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Next Steps

Chapter 6 Developing a North Marine Bioregional Plan: Next Steps

Th�s B�oreg�onal Profile descr�bes the character�st�cs and

conservat�on values of the North Mar�ne Reg�on and the

adjacent coastal waters and land. Th�s �nformat�on w�ll

gu�de development of a Draft Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan

for the Reg�on.

The Reg�on �ncludes the largest shallow trop�cal sea �n

the world and �s a globally s�gn�ficant m�grat�on route

for sea b�rds and nest�ng ground for s�x of the seven

spec�es of mar�ne turtle. A total of 115 spec�es known to

occur �n the Reg�on are protected under the Environment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC

Act), as e�ther threatened, m�gratory, cetacean or l�sted

mar�ne spec�es. Of these, eleven spec�es are l�sted as

threatened, �nclud�ng one cr�t�cally endangered, three

endangered and seven vulnerable spec�es. A number of

key ecolog�cal features that are of conservat�on value

because of the role they play �n the mar�ne env�ronment

of the Reg�on have been �dent�fied, �nclud�ng s�x

reg�onally s�gn�ficant geomorph�c features and n�ne

reg�onally �mportant commun�t�es and hab�tats.

Cl�mat�c modell�ng of mar�ne systems �n the South-

East As�a reg�on suggest that the waters of northern

Austral�a w�ll become �ncreas�ngly �mportant hab�tat and

a potent�al refuge for a broad range of trop�cal mar�ne

spec�es.

The Reg�on �s the only part of Austral�a’s Exclus�ve

Econom�c Zone that �s �n close prox�m�ty to the land

masses of ne�ghbour�ng countr�es. It has developed �nto

an �mportant corr�dor for trade and commun�cat�on

between the southern Pac�fic and the north-eastern

Ind�an Oceans. Today, the Reg�on supports a range of

human uses and act�v�t�es. The major human act�v�t�es

�nclude commerc�al and recreat�onal fish�ng, sh�pp�ng,

petroleum explorat�on and product�on, and surve�llance

act�v�t�es. The Reg�on has been �mportant �n the

act�v�t�es of coastal Ind�genous commun�t�es for many

thousands of years.

The ecosystems of the Reg�on are exper�enc�ng �ncreas�ng

pressure from human act�v�t�es. The econom�es of the

Northern Terr�tory and Queensland cont�nue to grow,

based pr�mar�ly on extract�on and ut�l�sat�on of natural

resources. Expans�on �n the onshore m�n�ng and offshore

petroleum and gas sectors �s l�kely to be a key factor �n

shap�ng future development trends. Also �mportant �s

the �ncreas�ng �nterest �n agr�cultural �ntens�ficat�on �n

the north of Austral�a as a result of water management

�ssues �n the south and east of the cont�nent.

Next steps in the planning process

Th�s Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Profile �s the first product �n

the mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng process. It forms the

�nformat�on base for development of the Draft Mar�ne

B�oreg�onal Plan, the next major product �n the process.

The development of the Draft Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan

comprom�ses two major act�v�t�es;

an assessment that exam�nes the conservat�on

values of the Reg�on, analyses the threats to those

values, and �dent�fies the most appropr�ate ex�st�ng

and new measures requ�red to conserve the values

to meet the requ�rements of the EPBC Act; and

mar�ne protected area development, wh�ch

�dent�fies representat�ve areas to �nclude �n a

mar�ne protected area network for the North

Mar�ne Reg�on.

The Draft Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan w�ll �nclude

gu�del�nes for meet�ng the requ�rements of the EPBC

Act, conservat�on and protect�on measures and new

act�ons proposed, �nclud�ng the mar�ne protected area

network. The Draft Plan w�ll be released for a per�od of

formal publ�c comment, as requ�red under the EPBC Act.

A final Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan w�ll then be developed

for cons�derat�on and approval by the M�n�ster for the

Env�ronment, Her�tage and the Arts.

Once final�sed, the M�n�ster w�ll be gu�ded by the final

Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan �n all dec�s�ons made under

the EPBC Act for wh�ch the Plan has relevance. The

release of the final Plan w�ll also tr�gger a further formal

consultat�on process for declarat�on of the mar�ne

protected area network.

Linkages with State and Territory planning

Although mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng �s an Austral�an

Government program undertaken under Commonwealth

leg�slat�on, the plann�ng process occurs �n consultat�on

w�th State and Terr�tory governments. Th�s consultat�on

�s �mportant because the governments of the Northern

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Terr�tory and Queensland are also undertak�ng plann�ng

and mar�ne protected area development processes �n

state and terr�tory waters.

Consultation during the planning process

Consultat�on w�th stakeholders w�ll focus on �ssues

and act�v�t�es relevant to the North Mar�ne Reg�on.

Workshops w�ll be held early, m�d-way and late �n the

process of develop�ng the Draft Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan

to prov�de an update on progress and to d�scuss and

seek feedback on plann�ng approaches. In add�t�on to

these workshops, the Department of the Env�ronment,

Water, Her�tage and the Arts w�ll also undertake targeted

consultat�on w�th stakeholders or sectors on spec�fic

aspects of the plann�ng process.

As the Draft Plan �s be�ng prepared under the EPBC

Act, on release consultat�ons w�th stakeholders w�ll be

undertaken �n accordance w�th the requ�rements of the

Act and �ts Regulat�ons. The consultat�on phase w�ll

be at least 60 days, dur�ng wh�ch the Department w�ll

contact stakeholders and hold publ�c meet�ngs where

needed to fac�l�tate and d�scuss feedback on the Draft

Plan.

V�ews expressed by stakeholders dur�ng th�s t�me w�ll be

cons�dered by the Government before the B�oreg�onal

Plan �s final�sed and adopted for the Reg�on.

At a nat�onal scale, �nformat�on sess�ons w�ll be

organ�sed for key nat�onal stakeholder groups as

necessary. At these sess�ons, the Department w�ll

prov�de a general br�efing on the progress of the mar�ne

b�oreg�onal plann�ng process across Austral�an waters. If

requ�red, the Department w�ll also meet w�th nat�onal

stakeholder groups to address spec�fic nat�onal �ssues

relevant to the mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng process.

Statutory consultation on the candidate marine protected area network

Once the M�n�ster has adopted the final Mar�ne

B�oreg�onal Plan, the declarat�on process for the

proposed Mar�ne Protected Area network w�ll commence.

The consultat�on process w�ll �nclude:

a 60 day per�od �nv�t�ng publ�c subm�ss�ons on the

proposed declarat�on;

preparat�on of a report by the D�rector of Nat�onal

Parks for the M�n�ster for the Env�ronment,

Her�tage and the Arts that �ncludes each subm�ss�on

rece�ved and the D�rector's v�ews on each;

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Follow�ng declarat�on of the MPA network, the process

for determ�n�ng how the new MPAs w�ll be managed

beg�ns. Two rounds of consultat�on w�ll occur as the

management plan for each MPA �s developed. The first

round of consultat�on w�ll be a publ�c �nv�tat�on to

comment on a proposal to prepare a draft management

plan for a part�cular MPA, and the second round w�ll

�nvolve a publ�c �nv�tat�on to comment on the draft

management plan prepared for a part�cular MPA.

More information and feedback

Further �nformat�on and updates on the mar�ne

b�oreg�onal plann�ng process for the North

Mar�ne Reg�on can be found on the webs�te at


The Department welcomes comments on the B�oreg�onal

Profile and any add�t�onal �nformat�on that may ass�st

�n develop�ng the North Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan.

Comments and add�t�onal �nformat�on can be sent by

ema�l to <mbp.north@env�ronment.gov.au> or to:

The D�rector

Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plann�ng – North

Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts

GPO Box 787

Canberra ACT 2601

preparat�on of a Regulat�on Impact Statement

approved by the Office of Best Pract�ce Regulat�on;

and

development of �nter�m management arrangements

w�th key stakeholder groups.

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Next Steps

Northern Terr�tory sunset. Photo: Kerry Trapnell.

Sandbanks, Boucout Bay. Photo: Anthony Roelofs, Queensland Department of Pr�mary Industr�es and F�sher�es.

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Saltwater crocod�le. Photo: Wet Trop�cs Management Author�ty, Queensland.

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International Conventions and Agreements

Appendix A International Conventions and Agreements on the Marine Environment

At the �nternat�onal level, the use and management

of mar�ne doma�ns and resources �s subject to a range

of �nternat�onal treat�es, to wh�ch Austral�a �s a party.

These can be broadly d�v�ded �nto two categor�es: those

relat�ng spec�fically to the conservat�on of b�od�vers�ty

and those concerned w�th regulat�ng act�v�t�es to

protect the mar�ne env�ronment. The follow�ng sect�ons

outl�ne the �nternat�onal agreements �n place to

conserve b�od�vers�ty and those regulat�ng mar�t�me

act�v�t�es to protect the mar�ne env�ronment.

International agreements regulating maritime activities to protect the marine environment

United Nations Convention on the Law of

the Sea (UNCLOS) 1994

The Austral�an Government has r�ghts and respons�b�l�t�es

for manag�ng seas adjacent to �ts coastl�ne under the

Un�ted Nat�ons Convent�on on the Law of the Sea

(UNCLOS) �n force s�nce 1994. Under UNCLOS, coastal

states are able to cla�m r�ghts and respons�b�l�t�es for

seas out to 200 naut�cal m�les and to the end of the

cont�nental shelf. In th�s area coastal states can explo�t,

develop, manage and conserve all resources (assoc�ated

w�th the water column, seabed or subso�l) (figure A I).

Under UNCLOS, all part�es have an obl�gat�on to protect

and preserve the mar�ne env�ronment.

Agreement for the Implementation of the

Provisions of the United Nations Convention

on the Law of the Sea of 10 December

1982 relating to the Conservation and

Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and

Highly Migratory Fish Stocks 1995 (Fish

Stocks Agreement)

Th�s �mplement�ng agreement to UNCLOS prov�des

add�t�onal and enhanced rules on the conservat�on and

management of h�ghly m�gratory and straddl�ng fish

stocks that occur on the h�gh seas and w�th�n areas

of nat�onal jur�sd�ct�on. The F�sh Stocks Agreement

promotes cooperat�on w�th other states part�es,

part�cularly through the establ�shment of reg�onal

fisher�es management bod�es. The F�sh Stocks Agreement

also �ncludes appl�cat�on of the precaut�onary approach

and requ�res cons�derat�on of �mpacts on the broader

ecosystem.

Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-

fouling Systems on Ships (Adopted 2001)

Th�s convent�on proh�b�ts the use of harmful organot�ns

�n ant�-foul�ng pa�nts used on sh�ps and w�ll establ�sh

a mechan�sm to prevent the potent�al future use of

other harmful substances �n ant�-foul�ng systems. Th�s

Figure A I Maritime zones for management arrangements under UNCLOS

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convent�on w�ll enter �nto force �nternat�onally on 17

September 2008, and �s expected to come �nto force for

Austral�a on the same date.

Convention for the Control and Management

of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments

(Adopted 2004)

The art�cles and annex of th�s convent�on set out

techn�cal standards and requ�rements �n the regulat�ons

for the control and management of sh�ps’ ballast water

and sed�ments. Austral�a s�gned the convent�on, subject

to rat�ficat�on, on 27 May 2005, and has commenced

undertak�ng the processes necessary for rat�ficat�on.

Convention Relating to Intervention on the

High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties

1969

Th�s convent�on affirms the r�ght of coastal states to

take such measures on the h�gh seas as may be necessary

to prevent, m�t�gate or el�m�nate danger to �ts coastl�ne

or related �nterests from pollut�on by o�l or the threat

thereof, follow�ng upon a mar�t�me casualty. The 1973

protocol to the convent�on extended the convent�on to

cover substances other than o�l.

Convention on Oil Pollution, Preparedness,

Response and Cooperation 1990

Th�s convent�on fac�l�tates �nternat�onal cooperat�on

for prepar�ng for and respond�ng to major o�l pollut�on

�nc�dents and encourages countr�es to develop and

ma�nta�n an adequate capab�l�ty to deal w�th o�l

pollut�on emergenc�es. In Austral�a the prov�s�ons of

the convent�on are g�ven effect through adm�n�strat�ve

arrangements of the Austral�an Mar�t�me Safety

Author�ty and other government agenc�es.

Convention for the Prevention of Pollution

from Ships 1973/78 (MARPOL)

Acc�dental and operat�onal d�scharges of pollutants

from vessels are controlled under th�s convent�on. The

annexes of MARPOL apply to var�ous k�nds of pollutants,

and the follow�ng are �n force for Austral�a:

Annex I (O�l) s�nce 14 January 1988

Annex II (Nox�ous L�qu�d Substances) s�nce 14

January 1988

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Annex III (Harmful Substances �n Packaged Forms)

s�nce 10 January 1995

Annex IV (Sewage) s�nce 27 May 2004

Annex V (Garbage) s�nce 14 November 1990

Annex VI addresses a�r pollut�on from sh�ps,

�nclud�ng eng�ne em�ss�ons s�nce 10 November

2007

Commonwealth leg�slat�on g�v�ng effect to MARPOL

�s adm�n�stered by the Austral�an Mar�t�me Safety

Author�ty and cons�sts of:

Protect�on of the Sea (Prevent�on of Pollut�on from

Sh�ps) Act 1983

Nav�gat�on Act 1912 (D�v�s�ons 12, 12A, 12B and 12C)

Protect�on of the Sea (Prevent�on of Pollut�on from

Sh�ps) (Orders) Regulat�ons

Mar�ne Orders, Parts 91, 93, 94, 95, 96 and 97

The States and Northern Terr�tory have enacted

complementary leg�slat�on to �mplement MARPOL �n

the�r waters.

Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution

Damage 1969

The convent�on requ�res o�l tankers to have �nsurance

aga�nst pollut�on damage l�ab�l�t�es. The convent�on

appl�es to o�l pollut�on damage �n Austral�an terr�tory

(�nclud�ng the terr�tor�al sea) and the Exclus�ve

Econom�c Zone, w�th the tanker owner’s l�ab�l�ty l�m�t

dependent on the s�ze of the tanker.

Convention on the Establishment of an

International Fund for Compensation for Oil

Pollution Damage 1992

Th�s convent�on appl�es �f the cost of a clean-up of an

o�l sp�ll exceeds the tanker owner’s l�m�t of l�ab�l�ty

set under the International Convention on Civil Liability

for Oil Pollution Damage 1969. Under the convent�on, o�l

�mporters are requ�red to contr�bute to a fund wh�ch

pays compensat�on so that the aggregate max�mum

amount payable by the tanker owner and the fund does

not exceed 203 m�ll�on Spec�al Draw�ng R�ghts (SDRs –

these are a form of �nternat�onal money created by the

Internat�onal Monetary Fund).

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1996 Protocol to the Convention on the

Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping

of Wastes and Other Matter 1972 (London

Protocol)

Under th�s protocol, dump�ng �s defined as del�berate

d�sposal of wastes or other matter �n the sea that do not

const�tute normal operat�ons. In Austral�a, the protocol

�s �mplemented under the Environment Protection (Sea

Dumping) Act 1981, wh�ch requ�res perm�ts to be �ssued

for the dump�ng of mater�als at sea. Amendments to

the London Protocol and the Sea Dump�ng Act allow for

sequestrat�on of carbon d�ox�de streams �n sub-seabed

geolog�cal format�ons. These amendments came �nto

force on 10 February 2007.

Protocol on Preparedness, Response and

Co-operation to pollution Incidents by

Hazardous and Noxious Substance 2000

L�ke the Convention on Oil Pollution, Preparedness, Response

and Cooperation 1990, the protocol a�ms to prov�de

a global framework for �nternat�onal co-operat�on

�n combat�ng major �nc�dents or threats of mar�ne

pollut�on. Part�es to the protocol w�ll be requ�red to

establ�sh measures for deal�ng w�th pollut�on �nc�dents,

e�ther nat�onally or �n co-operat�on w�th other countr�es.

Sh�ps w�ll be requ�red to carry a sh�pboard pollut�on

emergency plan to deal spec�fically w�th �nc�dents

�nvolv�ng the protocol.

Regional Fisheries Management Organisations

The Department of Agr�culture, F�sher�es and Forestry

develops pol�c�es and programmes to address Austral�a’s

�nternat�onal r�ghts and obl�gat�ons, and represents

Austral�a’s �nterests �n a number of �nternat�onal

fora. Ch�ef amongst these fora are Reg�onal F�sher�es

Management Organ�sat�ons, wh�ch are bod�es establ�shed

to govern the management of fish stocks.

Commission for the Conservation of Southern

Bluefin Tuna 1994

The convent�on formal�sed the voluntary management

arrangements between Austral�a, Japan and New

Zealand that had been establ�shed on a voluntary

bas�s. The convent�on creates the Comm�ss�on for the

Conservat�on of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT). The

Republ�c of Korea and the F�sh�ng Ent�ty of Ta�wan have

s�nce jo�ned the comm�ss�on. Cooperat�ng non-members

part�c�pate fully �n the bus�ness of CCSBT but cannot

vote. S�nce 2003 the Ph�l�pp�nes, South Afr�ca and the

European Commun�ty have been formally accepted as

cooperat�ng non-members. The comm�ss�on establ�shes

b�nd�ng conservat�on and management measures for the

southern bluefin tuna fishery, �nclud�ng a total allowable

catch and nat�onal allocat�ons. A range of mon�tor�ng,

control and surve�llance measures are be�ng developed

by the comm�ss�on. The comm�ss�on also cons�ders �ssues

related to the �mpact of the fishery on ecolog�cally

related spec�es.

Indian Ocean Tuna Commission 1993

The Agreement for the Establ�shment of the Ind�an

Ocean Tuna Comm�ss�on (IOTC), �n force s�nce 1996,

promotes cooperat�on �n the conservat�on of tuna and

tuna-l�ke spec�es �n the Ind�an Ocean, �nclud�ng w�th�n

areas of nat�onal jur�sd�ct�on for coastal states (�nclud�ng

Austral�a). The comm�ss�on promotes ut�l�sat�on, and

the susta�nable development of the fisher�es. The IOTC

has deferred management of the southern bluefin tuna

fishery to the CCSBT where they are located �n �ts area

of competence. The IOTC currently has 26 Members

wh�ch are the coastal states of the reg�on and d�stant

water fish�ng nat�ons.

Other fisheries arrangements

Austral�a also part�c�pates �n a number of fora wh�ch a�m

to promote reg�onal development through susta�nable

fisher�es management. These �nclude:

the Food and Agr�culture Organ�sat�on, through �ts

Comm�ttee on F�sher�es

the As�a-Pac�fic Econom�c Cooperat�on (APEC)

F�sher�es Work�ng Group, and

Pac�fic F�sher�es Fora (�nclud�ng Austral�a’s

�nvolvement �n the Pac�fic Island Countr�es–US

Treaty)

Austral�a ma�nta�ns a strong and product�ve d�alogue

w�th �ts close ne�ghbours �n order to promote reg�onal

fisher�es cooperat�on. Austral�a conducts b�lateral

meet�ngs w�th �ts ne�ghbours to tackle �ssues such as

shared and h�ghly m�gratory fish stock management,

�llegal, unreported and unregulated fish�ng, and fisher�es

and aquaculture development. There are also a number of

b�lateral agreements or arrangements between Austral�a

and ne�ghbour�ng countr�es to ensure the susta�nable

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use of shared resources. The ne�ghbour�ng countr�es w�th

wh�ch Austral�a shares cooperat�ve t�es �nclude:

Indones�a

East T�mor

Papua New Gu�nea (�nclud�ng Torres Stra�t �ssues)

New Zealand

There are also several overarch�ng mult�lateral

agreements and arrangements to wh�ch Austral�a �s a

s�gnatory or a party. These �nclude:

Code of Conduct for Respons�ble F�sher�es

Agreement to Promote Compl�ance w�th

Internat�onal Conservat�on and Management

Measures by F�sh�ng Vessels on the H�gh Seas

(Compl�ance Agreement)

International agreements designed to conserve biodiversity

Convention on Biological Diversity 1992

Austral�a �s a s�gnatory to the Convent�on on B�olog�cal

D�vers�ty (CBD), wh�ch was made at the 1992 Earth

Summ�t �n R�o de Jane�ro. The convent�on establ�shes

three ma�n goals: the conservat�on of b�olog�cal

d�vers�ty, the susta�nable use of �ts components, and the

fa�r and equ�table shar�ng of the benefits from the use

of genet�c resources. Much of the CBD’s work �s founded

on ‘Programmes of Work’ across many of the convent�on’s

cross-cutt�ng and themat�c �ssues. The programme of

work on mar�ne and coastal b�od�vers�ty focuses on

�mplement�ng the Jakarta Mandate, wh�ch �ncludes

�ntegrated mar�ne and coastal area management, the

susta�nable use of l�v�ng resources, mar�ne and coastal

protected areas, mar�culture and al�en spec�es. The

mar�ne and coastal and the protected areas programmes

of work together prov�de an �mportant platform for

pursu�ng pol�cy and �n�t�at�ves on mar�ne protected areas

and other related tools to conserve mar�ne b�od�vers�ty,

coral reef ecosystems and global fish stocks. Obl�gat�ons

and gu�del�nes for act�on on mar�ne and coastal

b�od�vers�ty are pr�mar�ly based on the Conference of

the Part�es (COP) 7 Dec�s�ons VII/5 (mar�ne and coastal

b�od�vers�ty) and VII/28 (protected areas).

Convention Concerning the Protection of the

World Cultural and Natural Heritage 1972

(World Heritage Convention)

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The World Her�tage Convent�on a�ms to promote

cooperat�on among nat�ons to protect her�tage from

around the world that �s of such outstand�ng un�versal

value that �ts conservat�on �s �mportant for current

and future generat�ons. It �s �ntended that, unl�ke the

seven wonders of the anc�ent world, propert�es on

the World Her�tage L�st w�ll be conserved for all t�me.

States part�es to the convent�on comm�t themselves

to ensure the �dent�ficat�on, protect�on, conservat�on,

and presentat�on of World Her�tage Propert�es. States

recogn�se that the �dent�ficat�on and safeguard�ng of

her�tage located �n the�r terr�tory �s pr�mar�ly the�r

respons�b�l�ty. They agree to do all they can, us�ng

the�r own resources and, at t�mes w�th �nternat�onal

ass�stance, to protect the�r World Her�tage Propert�es.

Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic

Marine Living Resources 1980

Th�s convent�on was establ�shed �n response to concerns

that an �ncrease �n kr�ll catches �n the Southern Ocean

could have a ser�ous effect on populat�ons of kr�ll and

other mar�ne l�fe, part�cularly on b�rds, seals and fish

wh�ch ma�nly depend on kr�ll for food. The a�m of the

convent�on �s thus to conserve mar�ne l�fe of the

Southern Ocean by ensur�ng that all harvest�ng and

research act�v�t�es are conducted �n accordance w�th the

convent�on; to formulate, adopt and rev�se conservat�on

measures; to comp�le, analyse and d�ssem�nate

�nformat�on on the status of resources; and to fac�l�tate

research act�v�t�es.

Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic

Seals 1972

The convent�on was set up to protect all s�x spec�es of

seal found �n the Antarct�c follow�ng concerns about a

poss�ble resumpt�on of commerc�al seal�ng �n the reg�on

�n the m�d-1960s. However, commerc�al seal�ng has not

been resumed �n the Antarct�c.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory

Species of Wild Animals 1979

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species

of Wild Animals (also known as CMS or the Bonn

Convent�on) a�ms to conserve terrestr�al, mar�ne and

av�an m�gratory spec�es throughout the�r range. All

spec�es l�sted under CMS that naturally occur �n Austral�a

are l�sted under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

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Convention on International Trade in

Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

1973

Th�s convent�on (often referred to as ‘CITES’) a�ms to

ensure that �nternat�onal trade �n spec�mens of w�ld

an�mals and plants does not threaten the�r surv�val.

CITES works by subject�ng �nternat�onal trade �n

spec�mens of selected spec�es to certa�n controls. All

�mport, export, re-export and �ntroduct�on from the

sea of spec�es covered by the convent�on has to be

author�zed through a l�cens�ng system. The spec�es

covered by CITES are l�sted �n three append�ces,

accord�ng to the degree of protect�on they requ�re. Each

party to the convent�on must des�gnate one or more

management author�t�es �n charge of adm�n�ster�ng that

l�cens�ng system and one or more sc�ent�fic author�t�es

to adv�se them on the effects of trade on the status of

the spec�es.

Convention for the Regulation of Whaling

1946

The International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling

was s�gned on 2 December 1946. The purpose of the

convent�on �s ‘to prov�de for the proper conservat�on

of whale stocks and thus make poss�ble the orderly

development of the whal�ng �ndustry’. Over the decades,

most member countr�es have abandoned whal�ng

but cont�nued to v�ew the Internat�onal Whal�ng

Comm�ss�on (IWC) as the best forum to focus on the

conservat�on of whales. For over 26 years, the Austral�an

Government has pursued a permanent �nternat�onal ban

on commerc�al whal�ng and worldw�de protect�on for all

cetaceans through the IWC.

Convention on Wetlands of International

Importance (Ramsar Convention) 1971

The Ramsar Convent�on’s broad a�ms are to halt the

worldw�de loss of wetlands, and to conserve, through

w�se use and management, those that rema�n. Th�s

requ�res �nternat�onal cooperat�on, pol�cy mak�ng,

capac�ty bu�ld�ng and technology transfer. The Ramsar

Convent�on encourages the des�gnat�on of s�tes

conta�n�ng representat�ve, rare or un�que wetlands, or

wetlands that are �mportant for conserv�ng b�olog�cal

d�vers�ty. Once des�gnated, these s�tes are added to

the convent�on’s L�st of Wetlands of Internat�onal

Importance and become known as Ramsar s�tes. In

des�gnat�ng a wetland as a Ramsar s�te, countr�es agree

to manage the wetlands �n a way that ensures the�r

�nternat�onally �mportant ecolog�cal values and character

are ma�nta�ned or �mproved over t�me. Wetlands can

be �ncluded on the L�st of Wetlands of Internat�onal

Importance because of the�r ecolog�cal, botan�cal,

zoolog�cal, l�mnolog�cal or hydrolog�cal �mportance.

Bilateral Migratory Bird Agreements (JAMBA,

CAMBA, ROKAMBA)

For nearly 30 years, Austral�a has played an �mportant

role �n �nternat�onal cooperat�on to conserve m�gratory

b�rds �n the East As�an–Australas�an Flyway wh�ch

stretches from Alaska and the Russ�an Far East, through

the countr�es of East and South-East As�a, to Austral�a

and New Zealand. Pr�nc�pally, Austral�a has worked

to negot�ate and �mplement b�lateral agreements

– agreements wh�ch are made d�rectly w�th the

governments of other countr�es – to protect m�gratory

b�rds.

To date Austral�a has s�gned b�lateral agreements w�th

Japan, Ch�na and Korea. These are:

The Agreement for the Protection of Migratory Birds and

their Environment between the Government of Australia

and the Government of Japan 1974 (JAMBA);

The Agreement for the Protection of Migratory Birds and


and the People’s Republic of China 1986 (CAMBA);

Agreement between the Government of Australia and the

Government of the Republic of Korea on the Protection

of Migratory Birds 2007 (ROKAMBA) Th�s agreement

came �nto force �n July 2007.

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Barge land�ng at Ram�ng�n�ng. Photo: Ilse K�essl�ng, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

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Overview of the Legislative Framework

Appendix B An Overview of the Legislative Framework for Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation in Commonwealth Waters

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

Act 1999 (EPBC Act) streaml�nes nat�onal env�ronmental

assessment and approvals processes, protects Austral�an

b�od�vers�ty, and �ntegrates management of �mportant

natural and cultural places. Alongs�de the EPBC Act,

the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 (Sea

Dump�ng Act) and the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 are

the ma�n p�eces of leg�slat�on that g�ve effect to the

Austral�an Government’s respons�b�l�t�es for protect�ng

and conserv�ng the env�ronmental and her�tage assets

that ex�st �n Commonwealth waters. L�ke the EPBC Act,

these acts are the respons�b�l�ty of the M�n�ster for the

Env�ronment, Her�tage and the Arts. Other key p�eces

of leg�slat�on and regulat�ons that �nclude prov�s�ons

for the protect�on of the env�ronment are the Petroleum

(Submerged Lands) (Management of Environment) Regulations

1999, made under the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act

1967, and the Fisheries Management Act 1991. Another

�mportant law that �nteracts w�th the EPBC Act �s the

Native Title Act 1993. Th�s append�x prov�des a summary

of the ways �n wh�ch these p�eces of leg�slat�on �nteract

and outl�nes the leg�slat�ve context �n wh�ch mar�ne

b�oreg�onal plann�ng �s tak�ng place.

The EPBC Act

Mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng

Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plans are be�ng developed under

sect�on 176 of the EPBC Act. Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plans

w�ll apply to Commonwealth mar�ne areas, wh�ch

generally stretch from three naut�cal m�les to 200

naut�cal m�les from the coast. The States and the

Northern Terr�tory are respons�ble for manag�ng the

mar�ne env�ronment �n State and Northern Terr�tory

coastal waters (coastal waters are a belt of water that

extends from the terr�tor�al sea basel�ne, three naut�cal

m�les seaward. The normal basel�ne �s the low water

mark measured along the coast). As many ecolog�cal

processes work across both State and Commonwealth

waters, the Austral�an Government a�ms to work

cooperat�vely w�th the States and the Northern Terr�tory

�n develop�ng and �mplement�ng the plans.

Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plans w�ll br�ng together

comprehens�ve �nformat�on and prov�de gu�dance on

dec�s�ons made under the EPBC Act and to sectoral

managers and �ndustry about the key conservat�on

�ssues and pr�or�t�es �n each Mar�ne Reg�on. Under the

EPBC Act, the M�n�ster for the Env�ronment, Her�tage

and the Arts must have regard to B�oreg�onal Plans

when mak�ng any dec�s�on under the Act to wh�ch the

Plan �s relevant. Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plans also a�m to

streaml�ne conservat�on and env�ronmental management

and w�ll �dent�fy Mar�ne Protected Areas w�th�n the

Commonwealth mar�ne area, thereby further�ng the

development of the Nat�onal Representat�ve System of


Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plann�ng �s be�ng undertaken by

the Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage

and the Arts �n consultat�on w�th all agenc�es w�th

respons�b�l�ty for mar�ne-based act�v�t�es and w�th �nput

from stakeholders. The release of the North B�oreg�onal

Profile �s the first m�lestone �n the development of the

North Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plan. The Draft Plan �s due

to be released for publ�c comment m�d 2009. Mar�ne

B�oreg�onal Plans w�ll be progress�vely completed for the

other Mar�ne Reg�ons b 2010.

Referral, assessment and approval

Central to the EPBC Act �s the concept of matters of

nat�onal env�ronmental s�gn�ficance. Matters of nat�onal

env�ronment s�gn�ficance tr�gger the referral, assessment

and approval of act�v�t�es under the EPBC Act. The

EPBC Act requ�res that proposals for act�ons that have,

w�ll have or are l�kely to have a s�gn�ficant �mpact on

a matter of nat�onal env�ronmental s�gn�ficance be

referred to the M�n�ster for the Env�ronment, Her�tage

and the Arts for assessment and approval (unless some

other prov�s�on of the Act allows the act�on to be taken

w�thout assessment and approval).

The EPBC Act �dent�fies seven matters of nat�onal

env�ronmental s�gn�ficance: World Her�tage propert�es,

nat�onal her�tage places (from 1 January 2004),

wetlands of �nternat�onal s�gn�ficance l�sted under

the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance

(Ramsar Convent�on) 1971, l�sted threatened spec�es

and ecolog�cal commun�t�es (exclud�ng spec�es l�sted

as ext�nct or conservat�on dependant), l�sted m�gratory

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spec�es, the Commonwealth mar�ne env�ronment, and

nuclear act�ons (�nclud�ng uran�um m�n�ng). Of these

seven matters of nat�onal env�ronmental s�gn�ficance,

three are part�cularly relevant to mar�ne b�oreg�onal

plann�ng: l�sted threatened spec�es, l�sted m�gratory

spec�es and the Commonwealth mar�ne env�ronment.

Further �nformat�on on the Commonwealth mar�ne

area and �ts status as matter of nat�onal env�ronmental

s�gn�ficance �s prov�ded �n box B I.

A number of EPBC Act Pol�cy Statements have been

developed to prov�de gu�dance on when act�ons should

be referred to the M�n�ster for the Env�ronment,

Her�tage and the Arts for a dec�s�on as to whether

assessment and approval w�ll be requ�red under the

EPBC Act. The follow�ng EPBC Act Pol�cy Statements

have been developed to prov�de gu�dance about the

types of act�ons that should be referred for assessment

and approval:

EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact

Guidelines – Matters of National Environmental

Significance (May 2006). These gu�del�nes prov�de

proponents of act�v�t�es �n Commonwealth mar�ne

areas w�th gu�dance about whether or not the

act�ons they propose to take w�ll requ�re assessment

and approval under the EPBC Act;

EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.2 Significant Impact

Guidelines – Actions On, or Impacting Upon,

Commonwealth Land and Actions by Commonwealth

Agencies (May 2006). These gu�del�nes prov�de

gu�dance on land-based act�ons that should be

referred for approval under the EPBC Act. They

should be read �n conjunct�on w�th the EPBC Act

Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines –

Matters of National Environmental Significance;

EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.2 Industry – Offshore

Aquaculture (August 2006) These gu�del�nes are

des�gned to ass�st proponents of mar�ne aquaculture

act�v�t�es to determ�ne whether or not the act�ons

they propose to take w�ll requ�re assessment and

approval under the EPBC Act. These gu�del�nes

should be read �n conjunct�on w�th the EPBC Act

Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines –

Matters of National Environmental Significance;

EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1 Industry – Interaction

Between Offshore Seismic Exploration and Whales (May

2007). These gu�del�nes are des�gned to ass�st

proponents of offshore se�sm�c operat�ons to

address the�r obl�gat�ons under the EPBC Act w�th

regard to �nteract�ons w�th whales. These gu�del�nes

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should be read �n conjunct�on w�th the assoc�ated

background paper and the EPBC Act Policy Statement

1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines – Matters of National

Environmental Significance; and

Nat�onally Threatened Spec�es and Ecolog�cal

Commun�t�es Gu�del�nes have been prepared for

a number of land-based threatened spec�es and

ecolog�cal commun�t�es. To date no Nat�onally

Threatened Spec�es and Ecolog�cal Commun�t�es

Gu�del�nes have been developed for mar�ne

threatened spec�es or commun�t�es.

Cop�es of all these EPBC Act pol�cy statements and

gu�del�nes are ava�lable at <www.env�ronment.gov.au/

epbc>.

•

Box B I The Commonwealth Marine Area

The Commonwealth mar�ne area �s defined �n the

EPBC Act as any part of the sea, �nclud�ng the waters,

seabed, and a�rspace, w�th�n Austral�a’s Exclus�ve

Econom�c Zone and/or over the cont�nental shelf

of Austral�a, exclud�ng State and Northern Terr�tory

coastal waters. Generally, the Commonwealth mar�ne

area stretches from three naut�cal m�les from the

terr�tor�al sea basel�ne to the outer l�m�t of the

Exclus�ve Econom�c Zone (around 200 naut�cal m�les

from the basel�ne). It may extend further where the

edge of the cont�nental shelf extends beyond the

outer l�m�ts of the Exclus�ve Econom�c Zone. The

terr�tor�al sea basel�ne �s normally the low water

mark along the coast.

A person must not take an act�on w�th�n the

Commonwealth mar�ne area that has, w�ll have or �s

l�kely to have a s�gn�ficant �mpact on the env�ronment

w�thout approval from the Commonwealth M�n�ster

for the Env�ronment, Her�tage and the Arts. Also, a

person must not take an act�on w�thout approval

outs�de the Commonwealth mar�ne area but �n the

Commonwealth jur�sd�ct�on that has, w�ll have

or �s l�kely to have a s�gn�ficant �mpact on the

Commonwealth mar�ne area.

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Protect�ng mar�ne b�od�vers�ty

A number of �nstruments, measures and programs

are �n place under the EPBC Act for the protect�on,

conservat�on and recovery of mar�ne b�od�vers�ty. The

EPBC Act conta�ns prov�s�ons wh�ch protect members

of l�sted threatened spec�es, l�sted m�gratory spec�es,

l�sted mar�ne spec�es and cetaceans. Commonly, spec�es

l�sted under the EPBC Act are referred to as protected

spec�es as �t �s an offence to k�ll, �njure, take, trade,

keep or move a l�sted spec�es w�thout author�sat�on.

These prov�s�ons apply generally �n the Commonwealth

mar�ne area (as well as other Commonwealth areas),

and to members of spec�es taken �n the Commonwealth

mar�ne area (as well as other Commonwealth areas) and

subsequently moved from the area.

Spec�es l�sted as threatened under the EPBC Act are

those that have been �dent�fied as fac�ng ser�ous r�sk of

ext�nct�on �n the w�ld (as determ�ned �n accordance w�th

cr�ter�a spec�fied �n the Regulat�ons). Under the EPBC

Act l�sted threatened spec�es must be class�fied �nto

one of the follow�ng s�x categor�es: ext�nct, ext�nct �n

the w�ld, cr�t�cally endangered, endangered, vulnerable

or conservat�on dependent. The EPBC Act also allows

for the l�st�ng of threatened ecolog�cal commun�t�es,

although to date no ecolog�cal commun�t�es �n the

Commonwealth mar�ne env�ronment have been l�sted.

The Commonwealth M�n�ster for the Env�ronment,

Her�tage and the Arts can also �dent�fy and l�st hab�tat

cr�t�cal to the surv�val of a l�sted threatened spec�es or

ecolog�cal commun�ty on the Reg�ster of Cr�t�cal Hab�tat.

In relat�on to threatened spec�es and commun�t�es, the

EPBC Act also prov�des for the �dent�ficat�on and l�st�ng

of key threaten�ng processes and the preparat�on of

threat abatement plans and spec�es recovery plans.

All whales, dolph�ns and porpo�ses are protected under

the EPBC Act as cetaceans, as the Austral�an Government

recogn�ses that whales, dolph�ns and porpo�ses requ�re

protect�on to ensure the�r long-term conservat�on.

The EPBC Act also establ�shes the Austral�an Whale

Sanctuary, wh�ch extends from the three naut�cal m�le

State/Terr�tory coastal waters l�m�t out to the boundary

of the Exclus�ve Econom�c Zone. W�th�n the Austral�an

Whale Sanctuary, and �n waters beyond the outer l�m�ts

of the Sanctuary, �t �s an offence for Austral�an res�dents

to k�ll, �njure or �nterfere w�th cetaceans. Cetaceans are

also protected �n State and Terr�tory waters.

M�gratory spec�es l�sted under the EPBC Act are spec�es

that are already l�sted under �nternat�onal agreements

to wh�ch Austral�a �s a s�gnatory and have been

�dent�fied as spec�es that requ�re or would s�gn�ficantly

benefit from �nternat�onal cooperat�on. Internat�onal

arrangements that Austral�a works to �mplement for

m�gratory spec�es are d�scussed �n append�x A. Mar�ne

spec�es l�sted under the EPBC Act are spec�es occurr�ng

naturally �n the Commonwealth mar�ne area that the

Austral�an Government recogn�ses requ�re protect�on to

ensure the�r long-term conservat�on.

In Austral�a, the EPBC Act also controls the �nternat�onal

movement of w�ldl�fe, w�ldl�fe spec�mens, and products

made or der�ved from w�ldl�fe. These controls apply to

all transact�ons undertaken by commerc�al and non-

commerc�al organ�sat�ons and �nd�v�duals. In add�t�on,

controls under the Quarantine Act 1908 may also apply.

Under the EPBC Act, a perm�t �s requ�red to:

�mport or export CITES l�sted spec�mens (CITES �s

the Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora);

export spec�mens der�ved from nat�ve spec�es not

�ncluded �n the l�st of exempt nat�ve spec�mens; or

�mport l�ve plants or an�mals �ncluded �n part 2

of the l�st of plants and an�mals su�table for l�ve

�mport.

See <www.env�ronment.gov.au/b�od�vers�ty/trade-use/

perm�ts> for more deta�ls.

Commonwealth mar�ne reserves

Part 15 of the EPBC Act prov�des for the declarat�on

of Commonwealth reserves over areas occurr�ng �n

Commonwealth waters. D�v�s�on 4, part 15 of the EPBC

Act sets out the legal requ�rements for establ�sh�ng

and manag�ng Commonwealth reserves, wh�ch �nclude

mar�ne protected areas. The Act prov�des also for

the preparat�on and enforcement of a management

plan. Many act�v�t�es are �llegal �n Commonwealth

reserves unless carr�ed out �n accordance w�th relevant

management plans, perm�ts and determ�nat�ons. Part 12

of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

Regulations 2000 deta�ls the proh�b�t�ons or restr�ct�ons

on many act�v�t�es �n Commonwealth reserves.

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F�sher�es assessments

Under the EPBC Act, the env�ronmental performance

of all fisher�es managed under Commonwealth

leg�slat�on, and State-managed fisher�es that have an

export component, must be assessed. The purpose of

the assessment �s to ensure that, over t�me, fisher�es

are managed �n an ecolog�cally susta�nable way. The

Guidelines for the Ecologically Sustainable Management of

Fisheries outl�ne spec�fic pr�nc�ples and object�ves that

are used to assess fisher�es management arrangements.

Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976

Austral�a’s h�stor�c sh�pwrecks form an �nvaluable,

l�m�ted and �rreplaceable her�tage resource. The Historic

Shipwrecks Act 1976 protects h�stor�c wrecks and rel�cs �n

the terr�tor�al sea (�nclud�ng State and Terr�tory coastal

waters) and waters above the cont�nental shelf. The Act

does not apply to wrecks and rel�cs �n waters w�th�n the

l�m�ts of a State or Terr�tory. Each of the States and the

Northern Terr�tory has complementary leg�slat�on wh�ch

protects h�stor�c sh�pwrecks �n waters w�th�n the l�m�ts

of the State and the Northern Terr�tory.

The H�stor�c Sh�pwrecks Act a�ms to ensure that h�stor�c

sh�pwrecks are protected for the�r her�tage values and

ma�nta�ned for recreat�onal and educat�onal purposes.

It also seeks to control act�ons wh�ch may result �n

damage, �nterference, removal or destruct�on of an

h�stor�c sh�pwreck or assoc�ated rel�c. D�vers can use

wreck s�tes for recreat�onal purposes but rel�cs must not

be removed from the wreck s�te and the phys�cal fabr�c

of the wreck must not be d�sturbed, unless a perm�t has

been obta�ned.

Some h�stor�c sh�pwrecks l�e w�th�n protected or no-

entry zones. These zones may cover an area up to

a rad�us of 200 ha around a wreck s�te, and may be

declared where c�rcumstances place �t at part�cular

r�sk of �nterference. Th�s declarat�on proh�b�ts all entry

�nto th�s zone �n the absence of a perm�t. Perm�ts are

also requ�red to undertake any act�v�t�es otherw�se

proh�b�ted or restr�cted by the Act.

Under the H�stor�c Sh�pwrecks Act, all wrecks wh�ch are

more than 75 years old are protected, together w�th

the�r assoc�ated rel�cs. The M�n�ster for the Env�ronment,

Her�tage and the Arts can also make a declarat�on to

protect any h�stor�cally s�gn�ficant wrecks or art�cles and

rel�cs that are less than 75 years old.

The Act �s adm�n�stered by the Austral�an Government �n

conjunct�on w�th delegates from each of the States, the

Northern Terr�tory and Norfolk Island.

Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981

Dump�ng at sea �s a h�ghly regulated act�v�ty �n

Austral�an waters. The Environment Protection (Sea Dumping)

Act 1981 was enacted to fulfil Austral�a’s �nternat�onal

respons�b�l�t�es under the 1996 London Protocol, wh�ch

Austral�a rat�fied �n 2001. Under the protocol, Austral�a

�s obl�ged to proh�b�t ocean d�sposal of waste mater�als

cons�dered too harmful to the mar�ne env�ronment and

regulate the perm�tted dump�ng of wastes at sea to

ensure that the env�ronmental �mpact �s m�n�m�sed. In

dec�d�ng whether to grant a perm�t, cons�derat�on �s

g�ven to the type of mater�al proposed to be dumped,

the dump s�te and the potent�al �mpacts on the mar�ne

env�ronment.

The Sea Dump�ng Act, the adm�n�strat�on of wh�ch �s

the respons�b�l�ty of the Commonwealth M�n�ster for the

Env�ronment, Her�tage and the Arts, appl�es �n respect

of all Austral�an waters (other than waters w�th�n the

l�m�ts of the jur�sd�ct�on of a State or the Northern

Terr�tory, such as harbours and r�ver estuar�es), from

the low water mark out to the l�m�t of the Exclus�ve

Econom�c Zone.

The Sea Dump�ng Act regulates the del�berate load�ng

and dump�ng of wastes and other matter at sea. Perm�ts

are requ�red for all sea dump�ng operat�ons. Currently

about 30 perm�ts are �ssued �n Austral�a per year, ma�nly

for the dump�ng of uncontam�nated dredge spo�l,

d�sposal of �llegal vessels, or for bur�als at sea. Another

relat�vely uncommon act�v�ty that requ�res a perm�t

under the Act �s the creat�on of art�fic�al reefs.

In dec�d�ng whether to grant a perm�t, cons�derat�on �s

g�ven to the type of mater�al proposed to be dumped,

the dump s�te and the potent�al �mpacts on the mar�ne

env�ronment. Mar�ne B�oreg�onal Plans w�ll prov�de

add�t�onal �nformat�on spec�fic to the Reg�on to take

�nto account �n dec�s�ons about sea dump�ng.

The Sea Dump�ng Act appl�es to all vessels, a�rcraft or

platforms �n Austral�an waters (other than vessels or

a�rcraft belong�ng to the naval, m�l�tary or a�r forces

of a fore�gn country) and to all Austral�an vessels or

a�rcraft �n any part of the sea. The Act does not cover

operat�onal d�scharges from sh�ps, such as sewage and

139


galley scraps. These operat�onal d�scharges are regulated

by the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from

Ships) Act 1983. The most common mater�al to be

d�sposed of at sea �s dredge spo�l. The National Ocean

Disposal Guidelines (2002) have been prepared to ass�st

proponents �n undertak�ng a number of act�v�t�es

assoc�ated w�th perm�t appl�cat�on and cond�t�ons,

�nclud�ng assess�ng sed�ment contam�nat�on, select�ng

offshore d�sposal s�tes, and management and mon�tor�ng

of d�sposal operat�ons. These gu�del�nes are ava�lable at

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/pollut�on/dump�ng/

gu�del�nes>.

Fisheries Management Act 1991

The Fisheries Management Act 1991 establ�shes the

Austral�an F�sh�ng Zone and underp�ns Austral�a’s

domest�c compl�ance and enforcement powers

wh�ch enable Austral�a to protect �ts valuable fishery

resources. Under the F�sher�es Management Act and

Fisheries Administration Act 1991, the Austral�an F�sher�es

Management Author�ty (AFMA) has an obl�gat�on to

develop plans and �mplement pol�cy to manage fisher�es

�n the Austral�an F�sh�ng Zone (waters w�th�n the outer

l�m�ts of the Exclus�ve Econom�c Zone, except for State

and Terr�tory coastal waters and waters w�th�n the l�m�ts

of a State or Terr�tory). The F�sher�es Management Act

also sets out the leg�slat�ve bas�s for Statutory F�sh�ng

R�ghts, l�cences and perm�ts.

The F�sher�es Management Act requ�res that

management plans are prepared for all fisher�es unless

AFMA has determ�ned that a management plan for a

part�cular fishery �s not warranted. Each management

plan sets out the object�ves of the plan, measures by

wh�ch the object�ves are to be atta�ned and performance

cr�ter�a aga�nst wh�ch the measures taken may be

assessed. These plans are prepared �n consultat�on w�th

part�c�pants �n the fishery, and all draft plans are made

ava�lable for publ�c comment before they are final�sed.

Sect�on 3(1) (b) of the F�sher�es Management Act

sets out the Austral�an Government’s respons�b�l�t�es

�n relat�on to the pursu�t of ecolog�cally susta�nable

development. The F�sher�es Management Act thus

requ�res fisher�es to be managed for the long term

susta�nab�l�ty of fisher�es resources for the benefit

of all users and �nterest groups both now and �n the

future. Th�s requ�res that stocks be ma�nta�ned at a

susta�nable level and, where necessary, rebu�lt to ensure

�nter-generat�onal equ�ty. It also requ�res that fisher�es

management m�n�m�ses the �mpact of fish�ng act�v�ty on

b�olog�cal d�vers�ty and ecosystems.

The F�sher�es Management Act �nteracts w�th the EPBC

Act, as under the EPBC Act all Commonwealth-managed

fisher�es must be �ndependently assessed to ensure that

they are managed �n an ecolog�cally susta�nable way.

Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967

The Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 (PSLA) regulates

the explorat�on for and explo�tat�on of offshore

petroleum resources.

Petroleum �n State and Northern Terr�tory coastal

waters �s regulated by State and Terr�tory leg�slat�on.

Respons�b�l�ty for petroleum operat�ons �n Austral�a’s

offshore areas beyond coastal waters to the edge

of the cont�nental shelf rests w�th the Austral�an

Government. The Austral�an Government and the States/

Northern Terr�tory jo�ntly adm�n�ster and superv�se

�ndustry act�v�t�es �n th�s area through Jo�nt Author�ty

arrangements.

Under the Act, Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Management

of Environment Regulations 1999 requ�re that an operator

subm�ts an env�ronment plan before commenc�ng any

petroleum act�v�ty. An env�ronment plan establ�shes the

legally b�nd�ng env�ronmental management cond�t�ons

that must be met by the operator of an offshore

petroleum act�v�ty.

Sea Installations Act 1987

The Sea Installations Act 1987 prov�des the leg�slat�ve bas�s

for the Commonwealth to:

ensure that sea �nstallat�ons �nstalled �n adjacent

areas, �n respect of a State or Terr�tory, are operated

w�th regard to the safety of the people us�ng them,

and the people, vessels and a�rcraft near them;

apply appropr�ate laws �n relat�on to such sea

�nstallat�ons; and

ensure that such sea �nstallat�ons are operated �n

a manner that �s cons�stent w�th the protect�on of

the env�ronment.

A sea �nstallat�on refers to any man-made structure

that when �n, or brought �nto phys�cal contact w�th,

the seabed, or when float�ng, can be used for an

env�ronment-related act�v�ty.

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An env�ronment-related act�v�ty �s defined as: any

act�v�ty relat�ng to tour�sm or recreat�on; the carry�ng

on of a bus�ness; explor�ng, explo�t�ng or us�ng the l�v�ng

resources of the sea, seabed or subso�l of the seabed;

mar�ne archaeology; or any other prescr�bed act�v�ty.

Examples of the sorts of structures that are defined

as sea �nstallat�ons �nclude float�ng hotels, tour�sm

pontoons, art�fic�al �slands and submar�ne power cables.

There are also a number of exclus�ons wh�ch are set out

under the Act.

The Sea Installat�ons Act appl�es to waters w�th�n

the outer l�m�ts of the Exclus�ve Econom�c Zone or

the cont�nental shelf (where th�s extends beyond the

Exclus�ve Econom�c Zone), exclud�ng State and Terr�tory

coastal waters. It appl�es from the coast seawards �n the

case of external Terr�tor�es.

Proponents w�sh�ng to �nstall and/or operate a

sea �nstallat�on must apply to Department of the

Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts, or the

Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne Park Author�ty (GBRMPA) �f

the �nstallat�on �s proposed to be �nstalled or operated

w�th�n the Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne Park, for a perm�t

or exempt�on cert�ficate.

Appl�cat�ons for perm�ts and exempt�on cert�ficates w�ll

be assessed for the env�ronmental �mpl�cat�ons and the

safety of the proposal. If the �nstallat�on or operat�on

of the �nstallat�on �s l�kely to s�gn�ficantly affect the

env�ronment, the Department of the Env�ronment,

Water, Her�tage and the Arts (or GBRMPA) w�ll also refer

the proposal for assessment under the EPBC Act, �n

accordance w�th d�v�s�on 4 of part 11 of that Act.

Native Title Act 1993

The Native Title Act 1993 prov�des a framework for

recogn�s�ng and protect�ng nat�ve t�tle �n Austral�a.

Nat�ve t�tle r�ghts and �nterests are the communal, group

or �nd�v�dual r�ghts and �nterests of Abor�g�nal people

and Torres Stra�t Islanders �n relat�on to land or waters.

The Nat�ve T�tle Act seeks to regulate acts that �mpact

on the nat�ve t�tle r�ghts of Ind�genous Austral�ans.

The Native Title Act and the EPBC Act

The EPBC Act does not affect the operat�on of the

Nat�ve T�tle Act, wh�ch prov�des for the recogn�t�on and

protect�on of nat�ve t�tle and establ�shes ways �n wh�ch

deal�ngs affect�ng nat�ve t�tle may proceed.

The Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage

and the Arts, �n adm�n�ster�ng the EPBC Act, has

respons�b�l�t�es to promote the �nvolvement of

Ind�genous peoples and the�r knowledge of b�od�vers�ty

�n develop�ng strateg�es for ecolog�cally susta�nable

development and b�od�vers�ty conservat�on, �nclud�ng

through mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng and assoc�ated

conservat�on measures. The Department also has

respons�b�l�t�es under the her�tage prov�s�ons of the

EPBC Act to assess and manage l�sted Ind�genous

her�tage values, �nclud�ng those found �n the mar�ne

env�ronment.

In mak�ng dec�s�ons under the EPBC Act the M�n�ster for

the Env�ronment, Her�tage and the Arts �s bound by the

prov�s�ons of the Nat�ve T�tle Act.

The application of native title legislation to the offshore area

‘Offshore place’ �s defined under the Nat�ve T�tle Act as

any land or waters other than those lands and waters

w�th�n the l�m�ts of a State or Terr�tory. Sect�on s�x of

the Act extends the operat�on of the Nat�ve T�tle Act to

each external Terr�tory, to the coastal sea of Austral�a

and of each external Terr�tory, and to any waters over

wh�ch Austral�a asserts sovere�gn r�ghts under the Seas

and Submerged Lands Act 1973. In the Nat�ve T�tle Act,

coastal sea �s defined �n accordance w�th sect�on 15B (4)

of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

The recogn�t�on of nat�ve t�tle offshore was confirmed

�n the H�gh Court �n The Commonwealth v Yarmirr; [2001]

HCA 56 (11 October 2001). In th�s case, the major�ty of

the H�gh Court concluded that non-exclus�ve nat�ve t�tle

could ex�st �n offshore areas. The nat�ve t�tle r�ghts over

areas of water may �nclude the r�ght to use and enjoy

the reefs and assoc�ated water; the r�ght to hunt and

gather, �nclud�ng for dugongs and mar�ne turtles; and

the r�ght to use the resources for food, trapp�ng fish,

rel�g�ous, cultural and ceremon�al purposes.. Exclus�ve

nat�ve t�tle (wh�ch allows nat�ve t�tle holders to control

access to an area) was not found to ex�st at law because

exclus�v�ty of t�tle would be �ncons�stent w�th the r�ght

of �nnocent passage under �nternat�onal law and the

common law r�ghts to nav�gate and fish.

141


Preservation of Indigenous fishing rights

The Nat�ve T�tle Act recogn�ses that there may be

Commonwealth, State or Terr�tory laws that could

proh�b�t or restr�ct nat�ve t�tle holders from hunt�ng,

fish�ng, gather�ng or carry�ng out cultural and sp�r�tual

act�v�t�es offshore. Under sect�on 211 of the Nat�ve T�tle

Act, nat�ve t�tle holders are not proh�b�ted or restr�cted

from carry�ng on such act�v�t�es, or ga�n�ng access for

these purposes, so long as they are carry�ng out these

act�v�t�es as an exerc�se of the�r nat�ve t�tle r�ghts

and only for the purpose of sat�sfy�ng the�r personal,

domest�c or non-commerc�al communal needs. As a

result, the relevant law’s val�d�ty �s un�mpa�red but �ts

operat�on w�ll be suspended �n relat�on to the exerc�se of

nat�ve t�tle r�ghts and �nterests. Th�s exempt�on does not

apply �n relat�on to leg�slat�on a�med at env�ronmental

protect�on, research or publ�c health or safety.

Coastal scenery, Arnhem Land. Photo: Ilse K�essl�ng, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

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Seahorse on sponge. Photo: Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne Park Author�ty.

143

Nationally Protected Species in the North Marine Region

Appendix C Nationally Protected Species in the North Marine Region

Current at February 2008. For updates see


Spec�es l�sted under the Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) are commonly

referred to as protected spec�es because �t �s an offence

to k�ll, �njure, take, trade, keep or move a l�sted spec�es

w�thout author�sat�on. Under the EPBC Act, spec�es

can be l�sted as threatened, m�gratory, cetaceans, or as

mar�ne spec�es:

Threatened spec�es are those spec�es that have been

�dent�fied as be�ng �n danger of becom�ng ext�nct.

M�gratory spec�es are those spec�es that are l�sted

under:

the Convention for Migratory Species of Migratory

Species of Wild Animals 1979 (CMS or Bonn

Convent�on);


and the Government of Japan for the Protection of

Migratory Birds in Danger of Extinction and their

Environment 1974 (JAMBA);


Australia and the Government of the People’s

Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory

Birds and their Environment 1986 (CAMBA); or


Australia and the Government of the Republic of

Korea- on the Protection of Migratory Birds, 2007

(ROKAMBA) wh�ch came �nto place on the 13

July 2007; and

any other �nternat�onal agreement, or

�nstrument made under other �nternat�onal

agreements approved by the M�n�ster for the

Env�ronment, Her�tage and the Arts. Further

�nformat�on on the CMS, JAMBA, CAMBA and

ROKAMBA �s prov�ded �n Append�x A.

Cetaceans – whales, dolph�ns and porpo�ses – are

protected under the EPBC Act to ensure the�r long-

term conservat�on.

•

•

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•

•

•

•

•

L�sted mar�ne spec�es are those spec�es that the

Austral�an Government recogn�ses as requ�r�ng

protect�on to ensure the�r long-term conservat�on

(�n accordance w�th Sect�on 248 of the EPBC Act).

L�sted mar�ne spec�es occurr�ng �n the North Mar�ne

Reg�on �nclude spec�es of:

dugongs (fam�ly Dugong�dae);

seasnakes (fam�l�es Hydroph��dae and

Lat�caud�dae);

mar�ne turtles (fam�l�es Chelon��dae and

Dermochely�dae);

crocod�les (fam�ly Crocodyl�dae);

seahorses, p�pefish and ghost p�pefish (fam�l�es

Syngnath�dae and Solenostom�dae); and

b�rds (seab�rds, shoreb�rds, waterb�rds and

a number of other coastal or m�gratory b�rds

that occur naturally �n mar�ne env�ronments).

All protected spec�es are also �ncluded under Part 13A

of the EPBC Act wh�ch regulates the �nternat�onal

movement of w�ldl�fe and w�ldl�fe products, �nclud�ng

the:

export of Austral�an nat�ve spec�es other than those

�dent�fied as exempt;

export and �mport of spec�es �ncluded �n the

append�ces to the Convention on International Trade

in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 1973

(CITES); and

�mport of l�ve plants and an�mals that (�f they

became establ�shed �n Austral�a) could adversely

affect nat�ve spec�es or the�r hab�tats.

Th�s append�x l�sts spec�es protected under the EPBC Act

that are known to occur (table C I), or that may occur

�nfrequently (table C II), �n the Reg�on. Spec�es that may

occur �nfrequently are defined as:

spec�es that are vagrants �n the Reg�on; or

spec�es that, on the bas�s of ava�lable �nformat�on

about the�r range, are cons�dered as spec�es that

may occur �n the Reg�on.

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•

•

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Table C I Protected species known to occur in the North Marine Region

Species EPBC Conservation

Status

Distribution Known Use of the

Region

Important Areas in

or adjacent to the

Region

Cart

ilag

inou

s Fi

sh

Whale shark(Rhincodon typus)

Vulnerable, M�gratory[also l�sted under CITES (Append�x II) and CMS (Append�x II)]

Occurs �n approx�mately 124 countr�es worldw�de, between lat�tudes 30°N and 35°S. Commonly seen off northern WA, NT and Qld.

Known to feed �n the Reg�on and may also breed �n the Reg�on.

Data defic�ent.

Speartooth shark (Glyphis spec�es A)

Cr�t�cally endangered Rare. Found �n r�vers enter�ng Van D�emen Gulf and adjacent areas. Also found �n r�vers of Cape York, Qld.

Feed�ng and ontogenet�c m�grat�ons offshore, and �nshore to breed, although data �s l�m�ted.

Data defic�ent. Records from the northern Qld and NT coast, espec�ally shallow and estuar�ne areas.

Northern r�ver shark (Glyphis spec�es C)

Endangered Rare. Found �n r�vers enter�ng Van D�emen Gulf and adjacent areas. Also found �n r�vers of K�mberley reg�on, WA.

Feed�ng and ontogenet�c m�grat�ons offshore and �nshore to breed, although data �s l�m�ted.

Data defic�ent. Records from the northern WA and NT coast, espec�ally shallow and estuar�ne areas.

Freshwater sawfish(Pristis microdon)

Vulnerable [also l�sted under CITES (Append�x II)]

Potent�al d�str�but�on �n all large r�ver systems �n northern Austral�a from F�tzroy R�ver WA to west Cape York Qld. Known from Indones�a and New Gu�nea. D�str�but�on from 22°N - 39°S, 20°E - 154°E.

Feed�ng and ontogenet�c m�grat�ons offshore, although data �s l�m�ted.

Estuar�ne and freshwater reaches of r�vers adjacent to the Reg�on. Port Musgrave of part�cular note.

Green sawfish (Pristis zijsron)

Vulnerable [also l�sted under CITES (Append�x I)]

Current d�str�but�on thought to be severely depleted however �s w�dely d�str�buted �n Northern Ind�an Ocean to South Afr�ca, Indones�a and Austral�a. In Austral�a found North of Ca�rns Qld to Shark Bay WA.

Feed�ng and ontogenet�c m�grat�ons offshore, although data �s l�m�ted.

Data defic�ent.

Bony

Fis

h

Three-keel p�pefish(Campichthys tricarinatus)

Mar�ne Th�s spec�es �s an Austral�an reef endem�c and cons�dered to be rare.

Rocky reef and mangrove assoc�ates. Recorded adjacent to the Reg�on at Darw�n Harbour, New Year Island and M�l�ng�mb� NT.

None �dent�fied.

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Status


Region

Important Areas in

or adjacent to the

Region

Bony

Fis

h

Pac�fic short-bod�ed p�pefish, short-bod�ed p�pefish(Choeroichthys brachysoma)

Mar�ne W�despread �n the trop�cal Indo–West Pac�fic reg�on; �t occurs �n Mozamb�que, Maur�t�us, the East Ind�es and Austral�a.

Inhab�ts seagrass, reef and coral hab�tats at depths less than 5 m but found �n waters up to 27 m depth. Recorded from Darw�n Harbour, Cobourg Pen�nsula, the Gove Pen�nsula and Bremer Island, and Vanderl�n Islands �n the southern Gulf of Carpentar�a NT.


P�g-snouted p�pefish(Choeroichthys suillus)

Mar�ne Th�s spec�es occurs from southern WA around the north of Austral�a and along the Qld coastl�ne. Also found �n New Gu�nea.

Th�s spec�es occurs �n �nshore reef hab�tats, ma�nly �n trop�cal northern Austral�a.

Data defic�ent. McCluer Island NT only known local�ty �n the Reg�on.

F�j�an banded p�pefish, brown-banded p�pefish(Corythoichthys amplexus)

Mar�ne Th�s spec�es occurs �n the trop�cal Indo–West Pac�fic reg�on.

The spec�es �s assoc�ated w�th hard and soft corals, �nclud�ng outer reefs, reef edges, coral gutters, bomboras, reef walls, rubble, lagoons, sand and fine s�lt.

Data defic�ent – none �dent�fied.

Reef-top p�pefish(Corythoichthys haematopterus)

Mar�ne Th�s spec�es occurs �n the trop�cal Indo–West Pac�fic reg�on, from the E coast of Afr�ca to Vanuatu and Japan. Recorded from the NT and the Great Barr�er Reef Qld �n Austral�an waters.

Assoc�ated w�th coral reef hab�tats. L�kely to occur around Gove Pen�nsula and the Wessel Islands NT due to coral reef hab�tats �n these areas.

Data defic�ent.

Banded p�pefish, r�nged p�pefish(Dunckerocampus dactyliophorus)

Mar�ne Th�s spec�es occurs from the W Ind�an Ocean through Indones�a and northern Austral�a, to Japan and Samoa.

Assoc�ated w�th coral reef hab�tats. Recorded from New Year Island and Darw�n Harbour NT.


G�rdled p�pefish(Festucalex cinctus)

Mar�ne Th�s spec�es �s endem�c to Austral�an waters.

Is assoc�ated w�th rubble bottom seafloors, sponge and seagrass hab�tats and found at water depths 1-31 m. Recorded from Gove Pen�nsula and Darw�n Harbour (spec�fically Woods Inlet) NT.

Data defic�ent - none �dent�fied.

Red-ha�r p�pefish, Duncker’s p�pefish(Halicampus dunckeri)

Mar�ne Th�s spec�es occurs �n the Red Sea, W and E Ind�an Ocean and the Pac�fic Ocean.

Assoc�ated w�th coral reefs, reef flats, l�ve corals, sponges, seagrass, algae, coral rubble, lagoons, sand and s�lt. Has been recorded from Oxley Island and Darw�n NT.


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Status


Region

Important Areas in

or adjacent to the

RegionBo

ny F

ish

Mud p�pefish, Grey’s p�pefish(Halicampus gray�)

Mar�ne Th�s spec�es occurs �n the W Ind�an Ocean, off Sr� Lanka, �n the Gulf of Tha�land and east to Japan. It occurs around the northern half of Austral�a south to the Great Barr�er Reef Qld.

Th�s spec�es �s usually well-camouflaged �n muddy and s�lty sed�ments from �nshore to offshore waters. Recorded from Darw�n Harbour and �n the western Gulf of Carpentar�a NT.


R�bboned seadragon, r�bboned p�pefish(Haliichthys taeniophorus)

Mar�ne In Austral�an waters th�s spec�es �s known from Shark Bay WA around the northern half of the cont�nent to Cape York Pen�nsula Qld.

Occurs �n shallow water �n weedy zones border�ng open substrates such as t�dal channels, to depths of about 16 m; also occurs �n deeper waters on soft bottom substrates. Recorded from Darw�n Harbour, Arnhem Land coast and Gulf of Carpentar�a NT.


Blue-speckled p�pefish, blue-spotted p�pefish(Hippichthys cyanospilos)

Mar�ne Th�s spec�es occurs from the Red Sea east to F�j� and Japan. In Austral�an waters �t occurs from the NT to Moreton Bay Qld.

Assoc�ated w�th t�dal channels, reef flats, rock, coral rubble, gravel, mud and sand �n depths of 0–10 m. Recorded from Nayarnp� Creek, Cusher Island, Darw�n Harbour and K�ng R�ver Estuary �n East Arnhem Land NT.


W�nged seahorse(Hippocampus alatus)

Mar�ne [also l�sted under CITES (Append�x II)]

Recorded from the Damp�er Arch�pelago WA through the Gulf of Carpentar�a to the t�p of Cape York Qld; SE New Gu�nea.

Collected �n assoc�at�on w�th seagrasses, hydro�ds, sponges, sea urch�ns, shells, rubble, mud and sand �n a depth range of 10–80 m. Recorded from M�ddle Arm Darw�n Harbour; west of Cape York �n Gulf of Carpentar�a Qld.


B�g-head seahorse(Hippocampus grandiceps)


Th�s spec�es appears to be restr�cted to the Gulf of Carpentar�a Qld. Its l�m�ted geograph�c range may be a reflect�on of �ts un�que hab�tat preferences.

Th�s spec�es �s ma�nly known from prawn trawl and dredge collect�ons �n shallow waters (to 18 m), probably �n assoc�at�on w�th soft bottom substrates.

Data defic�ent.

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Northern sp�ny seahorse(Hippocampus multispinus)


Recorded from the Damp�er Arch�pelago �n WA to the W s�de of the Gulf of Carpentar�a Qld and S New Gu�nea.

Th�s spec�es has been trawled from soft-bottom hab�tats �n depths of 12–60 m. Recorded from Arafura Sea, T�mor Sea, Darw�n Harbour, Gulf of Carpentar�a and Shepparton Shoal NT.


T�depool p�pefish(Micrognathus micronotopterus)

Mar�ne Known from N and W Austral�a., W Indones�a, S�ngapore, the Ph�l�pp�nes and southern Japan.

Assoc�ated w�th coral reefs, t�dal rock pools, coral heads, coral rubble, mud, s�lt, sand, seagrasses and mangroves. Recorded from Oxley Island, Darw�n Harbour, Y�rrkala and M�l�ng�mb� NT.


P�pehorse(Solegnathus hardwickii)

Mar�ne Known to occur �n the South Ch�na Sea and Japan. Also occurs �n WA, the Arafura Sea, Qld and NSW.

Trawled �n a depth range of 12–100 m. recorded from the Arafura Sea NT.


All�gator p�pefish, Indones�an p�pefish, Gunther’s p�pehorse(Solegnathus lettiensis)

Mar�ne Known from Indones�an waters to Austral�a, Ind�an Ocean WA and the Arafura Sea NT.

Trawled �n assoc�at�on w�th coral, soft corals, sponges and sand �n a depth range of 42–180 m, but only one record was from less than 90 m depth. Recorded from the Arafura Sea NT.


Blue-finned ghost p�pefish, robust ghost p�pefish (Solenostomus cyanopterus)

Mar�ne Occurs �n trop�cal waters of the Ind�an and Pac�fic Oceans and has been recorded from S Afr�ca, the Red Sea, Maur�t�us, the Mald�ves, Indones�a, S Japan, Guam, Papua New Gu�nea, Austral�a and F�j�.

Occurs �n seagrass beds and deeper coastal reefs to depths of 15–25 m. Th�s spec�es l�ves a predom�nantly pelag�c l�festyle unt�l settl�ng on a su�table substrate for breed�ng.

Data defic�ent.

Harlequ�n ghost p�pefish, ornate ghost p�pefish (Solenostomus paradoxus)

Mar�ne Th�s spec�es occurs �n trop�cal and subtrop�cal waters of the Indo–West Pac�fic reg�on. Also occurs on the NT coast, the T�mor Sea and the E coast of Austral�a.

Collected from l�ve corals, cr�no�ds (basket stars), green weed, kelp beds, lagoons, pools, rubble slopes and rocky and sandy hab�tats �n depths of 1–54 m. Recorded from the T�mor Sea NT.


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Double-ended p�pehorse, all�gator p�pefish (Syngnathoides biaculeatus)

Mar�ne Occurs from Durban across the whole W Ind�an Ocean and over much of the trop�cal W Pac�fic Ocean; also known from New Caledon�a and throughout the �slands of M�crones�a.

Is assoc�ated w�th weedy hab�tats �n coastal shallows although juven�les somet�mes found offshore. Recorded from Port Ess�ngton and B�ng Bong Creek (McArthur R�ver) NT.


Long-nosed p�pefish, stra�ght st�ck p�pefish (Trachyrhamphus longirostris)

Mar�ne Recorded from the Ind�an Ocean (�nclud�ng Madagascar, Zanz�bar, the Red Sea, Ind�a and Sr� Lanka) to Indones�a, the Ph�l�pp�nes, New Gu�nea, Japan and Austral�a �n the W Pac�fic Ocean.

Assoc�ated w�th channels, sponges, sea pens, hydro�ds, algae, weed, gravel, shells, mud and sand. Recorded from the Arafura Sea and Darw�n Harbour NT.


Rep

tile

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Saltwater crocod�le, estuar�ne crocod�le(Crocodylus porosus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne [also l�sted under CITES (Append�x I, II)]

Occurs from Ind�a, through SE As�a, the Ph�l�pp�nes and New Gu�nea. In Austral�a from Rockhampton �n Qld throughout coastal NT to K�ng Sound �n WA.

Feeds and/or breeds �n t�dal r�vers, coastal floodpla�ns and channels, b�llabongs and swamps.

H�gh dens�t�es found adjacent to the Reg�on �n the r�ver systems of Kakadu and the Mary R�ver. Also found throughout the Gulf of Carpentar�a w�th most product�ve recru�t�ng �n th�s area between Aurukun and Port Musgrave, from Port Musgrave to Bamaga, and on the Norman and Bynoe R�vers Qld.

Loggerhead turtle(Caretta caretta)

Endangered, M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CMS (Append�x I, II) and CITES (Append�x I)]

Global trop�cal and subtrop�cal d�str�but�on. Breeds �n WA and southern Qld.

M�gratory v�s�tor to the Reg�on. Forag�ng range encompasses the eastern Arafura Sea, Gulf of Carpentar�a and Torres Stra�t.

None �dent�fed.

Green turtle(Chelonia mydas)

Vulnerable, M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CMS (Append�x I, II) and CITES (Append�x I)]

Global trop�cal and subtrop�cal d�str�but�on.

Gulf of Carpentar�a has �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant rooker�es and at least one feed�ng ground.

Rooker�es �n the S Gulf of Carpentar�a, �n part�cular on the Wellesley Islands, N and S Bount�ful �slands, P�son�a Island, Rocky Island and on the S�r Edward Pellew Group.

Leatherback turtle, leathery turtle(Dermochelys coriacea)

Vulnerable, M�gratory, Mar�ne [also l�sted under CMS (Append�x I, II) and CITES (Append�x I)]

Global d�str�but�on �n trop�cal and temperate oceans.

M�gratory v�s�tor to the Reg�on. Only �solated s�ght�ngs �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a. No major breed�ng concentrat�ons have been recorded �n Austral�a.

Cobourg Pen�nsula NT �s one of two focal areas for nest�ng �n Austral�a.

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Hawksb�ll turtle(Eretmochelys imbricata)

Vulnerable, M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CMS (Append�x I, II) and CITES (Append�x I)]

Global trop�cal and subtrop�cal d�str�but�on.

Nest�ng adjacent to Reg�on �n NE Arnhem Land and the far NE of the Gulf of Carpentar�a; on the coastl�ne and �slands.

Rooker�es on Crab Island and the coastl�ne south of the Jard�ne R�ver Qld.Groote Eylandt.

Pac�fic r�dley turtle, ol�ve r�dley turtle(Lepidochelys olivacea)

Endangered, M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CMS (Append�x I, II) and CITES (Append�x I)]

Global trop�cal d�str�but�on �nclud�ng N Austral�a.

Nest on the coastl�ne and �slands; feed on benth�c commun�t�es over the Austral�an cont�nental shelf.

H�ghest dens�ty nest�ng has been recorded on �slands along the Arnhem Land coast: Engl�sh Company, Wessel, Crocod�le and Grant Islands, McCluer Island Group, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Melv�lle and Bathurst Islands NT.

Flatback turtle(Natator depressus)

Vulnerable, M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CMS (Append�x II) and CITES (Append�x I)]

Flatback turtles are endem�c to the cont�nental shelf between N Austral�a and S New Gu�nea.

Nest on the coastl�ne and �slands. Feeds �n the Reg�on �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a and the Arafura Sea.

S�gn�ficant rookery on Crab Island �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a; other rooker�es S of the Jard�ne R�ver on the Cape York Pen�nsula Qld, on the coast of Arnhem Land, the S�r Edward Pellew Group NT, and the Wellesley Islands Qld. Feed�ng grounds along the E coast of the Gulf of Carpentar�a Qld.

Horned seasnake(Acalyptophis peronii)

Mar�ne Occurs �n trop�cal N Austral�a, the Coral Sea Islands, New Caledon�a, the S coast of New Gu�nea, Tha�land and Hong Kong.

Typ�cally found on sandy substrates. Feeds and breeds �n the Reg�on.


Dubo�s’s seasnake(Aipysurus duboisii)

Mar�ne Found �n trop�cal N Austral�a, New Gu�nea and New Caledon�a.

Inhab�ts a var�ety of substrates �nclud�ng soft muddy bottoms, sand areas between reefs, and coral reef fr�nges. Found �n water depths less than 50 m although most often observed �n shallow water near protected coral reefs at depths of 3–4 m. Feeds and breeds �n the Reg�on.


Sp�ne-ta�led seasnake(Aipysurus eydouxii)

Mar�ne Found �n trop�cal N Austral�a, Indones�a, New Gu�nea and Tha�land.

Inhab�ts shallow bays and estuar�es, where �t �s commonly assoc�ated w�th soft muddy substrates rather than rock or coral. Feeds and breeds �n the Reg�on.


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Ol�ve seasnake(Aipysurus laevis)

Mar�ne Inhab�ts trop�cal and subtrop�cal coastal and coral reef waters �n N Austral�a and the SW Pac�fic Ocean, from Exmouth �n WA to New Caledon�a, and from New Gu�nea to S Qld.

Found along lower reef edges and upper lagoon slopes of leeward reefs. Feeds and l�kely to breed �n the Reg�on.


Stokes’ seasnake(Astrotia stokesii)

Mar�ne In trop�cal coastal areas from the Arab�an Sea to the Ta�wan Stra�t and the N coast of Austral�a.

Occurs on muddy substrates at depths of 10 m, and has been found �n coastal t�dal pools. Recorded from trawl�ng at depths of 11–20 m. Feeds and l�kely to breed �n the Reg�on.


Spectacled seasnake(Disteira kingii)

Mar�ne Occurs only �n Austral�a, between Barrow Island Qld and Safety Bay WA.

Usually occurs �n a var�ety of hab�tats �n deep water. Feeds and l�kely to breed �n the Reg�on.


Ol�ve-headed seasnake(Disteira major)

Mar�ne Th�s spec�es �s w�dely d�str�buted �n trop�cal N Austral�a and S New Gu�nea, and �n the SW Pac�fic Ocean as far as New Caledon�a.

Occurs �n sand and mud hab�tats �n water depths from 3–10 m. Feeds and breeds �n the Reg�on.

None �dent�fed.

Beaked seasnake(Enhydrina schistosa)

Mar�ne W�dely d�str�buted from the Pers�an Gulf to Ch�na, Malays�a, Indones�a, New Gu�nea and N Austral�a.

Inhab�ts mud and sand env�ronments �n estuar�es, harbours and shallow bays and frequently travels �nto the fresh water reaches of r�vers. L�kely to feed and breed �n the Reg�on.

Data defic�ent.

Black-headed seasnake(Hydrophis atriceps)

Mar�ne Occurs across South-East As�a and the Indo–Malays�an reg�on; N Austral�a, Sahul Shelf and New Gu�nea. Uncommon �n the Reg�on.

Data defic�ent. Has been captured �n trawl�ng nets at depths of 20–40 m.


Dwarf seasnake(Hydrophis caerulescens)

Mar�ne Occurs from Ind�a to Ch�na and S to Indones�a and N Austral�a.

Data defic�ent. L�ttle �s known of the hab�tats occup�ed by th�s spec�es but spec�mens have been collected from trawl fields �n depths less than 5 m.

Data defic�ent.

F�ne sp�ned seasnake(Hydrophis czeblukovi)

Mar�ne The spec�es �s recorded only from WA and N Austral�an waters, and the N coast of New Gu�nea.

Data defic�ent. Th�s spec�es has been taken �n trawl nets at depths between 93–103 m..

Data defic�ent.

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Elegant seasnake(Hydrophis elegans)

Mar�ne Restr�cted to Austral�an seas from Shark Bay WA to New Gu�nea and Moreton Bay Qld.

Inhab�ts mar�ne and estuar�ne hab�tats 2–80 m water depth. Feeds and l�kely to breed �n the Reg�on.

Data defic�ent.

Pla�n seasnake(Hydrophis inornatus)

Mar�ne Occurs �n the Ph�l�pp�nes, Indones�a, the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Data defic�ent. L�ttle known of preferred hab�tats; some spec�mens captured over muddy substrates.

Data defic�ent.

Small-headed seasnake(Hydrophis mcdowelli)

Mar�ne Appears to be restr�cted to N Austral�an and WA waters.

Has been caught on the N Austral�an cont�nental shelf �n depths up to 50 m, and �n r�ver estuar�es and other turb�d �nshore waters. Feeds and l�kely to breed �n the Reg�on.

Data defic�ent.

Ornate seasnake(Hydrophis ornatus)

Mar�ne W�dely d�str�buted �n coastal areas of N Austral�a, S New Gu�nea, New Caledon�a, Indones�a, the Ph�l�pp�nes and the South Ch�na Sea.

Occurs �n a var�ety of hab�tats, �nclud�ng clear water near coral reefs and turb�d water �n estuar�es. Feeds and breeds �n the Reg�on.

Data defic�ent.

Large-headed seasnake(Hydrophis pacificus)

Mar�ne W�dely scattered �n the seas of N Austral�a and New Gu�nea. Th�s spec�es �s cons�dered rare, �s known only from scattered local�t�es and �s rarely caught.

Th�s spec�es ma�nly occurs where the sea bed cons�sts of soft sed�ments, �n areas used for prawn trawl�ng. L�kely to feed and breed �n the Reg�on.

Data defic�ent.

Pla�n-banded seasnake(Hydrophis vorisi)

Mar�ne Only a handful of spec�mens have been recorded from Austral�an waters. Spec�mens have or�g�nated from the reg�on of the Fly R�ver �n New Gu�nea.

Data defic�ent. Data defic�ent.

Sp�ne-bell�ed seasnake (Lapemis hardwickii)

Mar�ne Occurs �n the Pers�an Gulf, Bay of Bengal, Gulf of S�am, the Ph�l�pp�nes, Borneo, E Indones�a and N Austral�a.

Inhab�ts coastal hab�tats rang�ng from shallow reefs w�th clear water to turb�d �nshore estuar�es, and usually occurs �n water less than 30 m deep. Feeds and breeds �n the Reg�on.


Yellow-bell�ed seasnake(Pelamis platurus)

Mar�ne E coast of Afr�ca through to Ind�an Ocean and Pac�fic Ocean.

Data defic�ent. A pelag�c spec�es that �nhab�ts the sl�cks and dr�ft l�nes of ocean currents.

Data defic�ent.

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Common sandp�per(Actitis hypoleucos)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA and CMS (Append�x II)]

Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere. Non-breed�ng m�grat�on to Afr�ca, As�a and regularly to New Gu�nea and Austral�a. W�despread and abundant on coast adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Forages �n a w�de range of coastal wetlands and some �nland wetlands.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n the Beagle Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Common noddy, brown noddy(Anous stolidus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA and JAMBA]

W�despread �n trop�cal and subtrop�cal seas. Occurs �n the Atlant�c, Ind�an and Pac�fic Oceans. Rare and restr�cted on the coast of NT.

Breeds on vegetated coastal lands and moves offshore �nto Reg�on or adjacent coastal waters to feed dur�ng non-breed�ng per�od.

Only one known breed�ng locat�on adjacent to the Reg�on on H�gg�nson Islet north of the Gove Pen�nsula.

Great egret, wh�te egret(Ardea alba)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, and JAMBA]

W�despread across Austral�a. Common res�dent on coast adjacent to the Reg�on.

Fl�es over the Reg�on. Breeds colon�ally �n at least 29 confirmed colon�es �n the NT. Feeds and roosts �n a w�de range of wetland and t�dal hab�tats that �nclude mangroves and reefs.

S�gn�ficant breed�ng colon�es and roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf, Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Castlereagh Bay, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, L�mmen B�ght and Port McArthur.

Ruddy turnstone(Arenaria interpres)


Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere. W�despread around coast of Austral�a dur�ng non-breed�ng season. Common on N coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. In SE Gulf of Carpentar�a, feed only on mangrove mudflats. Strongly prefer rocky shores or beaches.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Beagle Gulf, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Castlereagh Bay, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, Port McArthur and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Sharp-ta�led sandp�per(Calidris acuminata)


Breeds �n S�ber�a w�th non-breed�ng m�grat�on to Austral�a. W�despread and common on coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Prefers to forage on muddy edges of shallow fresh or brack�sh wetlands.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Van D�emen Gulf, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Port McArthur and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Sanderl�ng(Calidris alba)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA and CMS (Append�x ll)]

C�rcumpolar breed�ng d�str�but�on, non-breed�ng m�grat�on south. W�despread and common on coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Inhab�ts coastal and �nshore waters, mostly on open sandy beaches exposed to open sea-swell.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, Beagle Gulf, Boucaut Bay and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

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Red knot(Calidris canutus)


Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere. Non-breed�ng d�str�but�on all around Austral�a. W�despread and common on coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Ma�nly �nhab�ts �ntert�dal mudflats, sandflats and sandy beaches of sheltered coasts, �n estuar�es, bays, �nlets, lagoons and harbours.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Beagle Gulf, Castlereagh Bay, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, L�mmen B�ght and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Curlew sandp�per(Calidris ferruginea)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA and CMS (Append�x ll)]

Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere. Non-breed�ng m�grat�on south. W�despread and common on coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Ma�nly �nhab�ts �ntert�dal mudflats �n sheltered coastal areas, also known to occur �n both fresh and brack�sh waters.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Van D�emen Gulf, Blue Mud Bay, L�mmen B�ght, Port McArthur and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Pectoral sandp�per(Calidris melanotos)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under JAMBA, ROKAMBA and CMS (Append�x ll)]

Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere. Non-breed�ng m�grat�on to Austral�a. Recorded sparsely all around Austral�a at both �nland and coastal wetlands. W�despread and common on coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Forages �n a w�de var�ety of open shallow wetlands.


Red-necked st�nt(Calidris ruficollis)


Breeds �n S�ber�a and W Alaska and m�grates to non-breed�ng areas �n SE As�a and Australas�a. W�despread �n Austral�a and common on coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Mostly found �n sheltered �nlets, bays, lagoons and estuar�es w�th �ntert�dal mudflats.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Van D�emen Gulf, Coburg Pen�nsula, Melv�lle Island, around M�l�ng�mb�, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, L�mmen B�ght, Port McArthur and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Great knot (Calidris tenuirostris)


Breeds �n NE S�ber�a, m�grat�ng �n non-breed�ng season to As�a and Austral�a. W�despread and common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Inhab�ts coastal and �nshore waters, and �s known to forage on �ntert�dal flats, �n soft mud or sand. Roosts �n sheltered s�tes on sp�ts, banks, �slets or beaches.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Beagle Gulf, Melv�lle Island, Van D�emen Gulf, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Boucaut Bay, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, L�mmen B�ght, Port McArthur and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Streaked shearwater(Calonectris leucomelas)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, JAMBA and ROKAMBA]

Breeds �n northern summer �n NW Pac�fic. M�grates dur�ng non-breed�ng season to trop�cal W Pac�fic. In Austral�a found pr�mar�ly �n N Austral�an seas.

Inhab�ts and feeds �n offshore waters; �n Gulf of Carpentar�a ~100km from land, elsewhere �n N Austral�a >18 km from coast. W�despread and common offshore of the NT.


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Greater sand plover, large sand plover(Charadrius leschenaultii)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA and CMS (Append�x II)]

Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere. In Austral�a, non-breed�ng populat�ons pr�mar�ly occur �n the north. W�despread and common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Almost ent�rely coastal; found �n l�ttoral and estuar�ne hab�tats.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Beagle Gulf, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Boucaut Bay, L�mmen B�ght and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Lesser sand plover, Mongol�an plover(Charadrius mongolus)


Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere and m�grates to Austral�a for non-breed�ng season. W�despread along the ent�re E coast of Austral�a.Common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Usually coastal, �n l�ttoral and estuar�ne env�ronments. It uses beaches of sheltered bays, harbours and estuar�es w�th large �ntert�dal sandflats or mudflats.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Beagle Gulf, Melv�lle Island, Van D�emen Gulf, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, L�mmen B�ght, Port McArthur and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a

Red-capped plover(Charadrius ruficapillus)

Mar�ne W�despread �n Austral�a, found both �nland and on the coast. Common res�dent on coast of N Austral�a adjacent to the Reg�on.

Fl�es over the Reg�on and breeds �n coastal lands adjacent to the Reg�on. In the Darw�n d�str�ct, �s found �nland dur�ng the dry season and on beaches dur�ng the wet season.

S�gn�ficant populat�ons occur �n sal�ne wetlands on the F�nn�ss and Adela�de R�vers, around M�l�ng�mb�, L�mmen B�ght, around Port McArthur and on Morn�ngton Island.

Wh�skered tern(Chlidonias hybridus)

Mar�ne Occur �n scattered d�str�but�on across most reg�ons of ma�nland Austral�a except for the ar�d zones. W�despread and common res�dent on coast of N Austral�a adjacent to the Reg�on.

Fl�es over and may occas�onally hunt �n offshore waters of the Reg�on. Prefers shallow terrestr�al freshwater wetlands, often seen around floodwaters. H�gher numbers are found on coast adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the dry season.

S�gn�ficant populat�ons occur �n Anson Bay, Perron Islands, Beagle Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Blue Mud Bay and L�mmen B�ght.

Wh�te-w�nged tern, wh�te-w�nged black tern(Chlidonias leucopterus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, JAMBA, and ROKAMBA]

Breed �n the Northern Hem�sphere. Ma�nly �n N Austral�a, w�th scattered records elsewhere �n non-breed�ng season. W�despread and common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on and may occas�onally hunt �n offshore waters. Preferred hab�tat �s coastal, fresh or sal�ne wetlands.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Perron Islands, Beagle Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf, L�mmen B�ght and Port McArthur.

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L�ttle egret (Egretta garzetta)

Mar�ne Found �n Afr�ca and from Europe to Japan, New Gu�nea and Austral�a. W�despread and common res�dent on coast of N Austral�a adjacent to the Reg�on.

Fl�es over the Reg�on and breeds colon�ally �n mangrove forests adjacent to the Reg�on. Inhab�ts terrestr�al wetlands (often sal�ne), estuar�ne and l�ttoral hab�tats.

Major�ty of breed�ng �s on the NW of the NT coast. Important breed�ng colon�es and roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf, Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Castlereagh Bay, Boucaut Bay, Blue Mud Bay, N of Karumba and W Cape York Pen�nsula.

Eastern reef egret(Egretta sacra)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA]

Occur w�dely across As�a, SE As�a to New Gu�nea, and ent�re Austral�an coastl�ne. W�despread and common res�dent on coast of N Austral�a adjacent to the Reg�on.

Fl�es over the Reg�on and breeds �n pa�rs or small groups on coastal lands adjacent to the Reg�on. Prefers rocky shores and reefs, coral reefs and �slands, t�dal and estuar�ne mudflats, mangrove forest edges, t�dal r�vers and creeks, sandy beaches where sheltered by rocky headlands.

S�gn�ficant populat�ons occur �n Beagle Gulf, Bathurst and Melv�lle Islands, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Goulburn Islands, Wessel Islands, Gove Pen�nsula, Groote Eylandt and the S�r Edward Pellew Group.

Beach stone-curlew, beach th�ck-knee(Esacus neglectus)

Mar�ne Globally, occurs �n SE As�a, Austral�a and on �slands of SW Pac�fic Ocean.W�despread and common res�dent on coast of N Austral�a adjacent to the Reg�on.

Fl�es over the Reg�on and breeds on coastal lands adjacent to the Reg�on. Exclus�vely coastal, occurr�ng �n mar�ne l�ttoral hab�tats, often on �slands.


Lesser fr�gateb�rd(Fregata ariel)


Globally, d�str�buted throughout trop�cal waters of Ind�an, W and central Pac�fic Oceans �nclud�ng N Austral�a. W�despread and common res�dent of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal lands and waters.

Feeds �n the Reg�on and breeds on offshore �slands adjacent to the Reg�on. A mar�ne spec�es that spends most of �ts t�me �n fl�ght. Hab�tat �ncludes offshore and coastal waters.

Only one known breed�ng locat�on adjacent to the Reg�on on Manowar Island �n the Wellesley Islands. Largest numbers are recorded �n the NW Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Or�ental prat�ncole(Glareola maldivarum)


Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere. Non-breed�ng d�str�but�on �ncludes N Austral�a. Restr�cted but moderately common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Usually occurs on pla�ns, floodpla�ns or grassland w�th l�ttle or no emergent vegetat�on; on grassy flats and mudflats.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n SE Gulf of Carpentar�a, e.g. Karumba Pla�ns.

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Wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle(Haliaeetus leucogaster)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, CMS (Append�x II) and CITES (Append�x II)]

Found from W Ind�a to S Ch�na and through SE As�a to New Gu�nea. D�str�buted around most of the coastl�ne of Austral�a. W�despread and moderately common res�dent of N Austral�a coast adjacent to the Reg�on.

Fl�es over and may occas�onally hunt �n offshore waters of the Reg�on. Breeds on coastal lands adjacent to the Reg�on.

S�gn�ficant populat�ons occur on Bathurst and Melv�lle Islands, Van D�emen Gulf, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Castlereagh Bay, Boucaut Bay, Wessel Islands, Gove Pen�nsula, Blue Mud Bay, Groote Eylandt and the S�r Edward Pellew Group.

Brahm�ny k�te(Haliastur indus)

Mar�ne[also l�sted under CITES (Append�x II)]

W�despread from Ind�a through trop�cal cont�nental As�a to S Ch�na, and through SE As�a to New Gu�nea, Solomon Islands and NW, N and E Austral�a. W�despread and moderately common res�dent of coast adjacent to the Reg�on.

Fl�es over and may occas�onally hunt �n offshore waters of the Reg�on. Breeds on coastal lands adjacent to the Reg�on. Hab�tat �ncludes mar�ne and estuar�ne waters and terrestr�al wetlands.

H�ghest dens�ty of breed�ng adjacent to the Reg�on occurs along the S coast of the Van D�emen Gulf to the east of Darw�n and on Groote Eylandt.

Grey-ta�led tattler (Heteroscelus brevipes)

M�gratory. Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA and CMS (Append�x II)]

Breeds �n S�ber�a, m�grates south for the non-breed�ng season. In Austral�a, pr�mar�ly N coastal d�str�but�on. W�despread and common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Usually forage �n shallow water, on hard �ntert�dal substrates, such as reefs and rock platforms.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Beagle Gulf, Castlereagh Bay, around M�l�ng�mb�, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, Port McArthur and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

S�lver gull(Larus novaehollandiae)

Mar�ne Occurs across Austral�a, New Zealand, most of the outly�ng �slands of New Zealand and New Caledon�a. W�despread and common res�dent of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal lands and waters.

Fl�es over and may occas�onally feed �n offshore waters of the Reg�on. Pr�mar�ly �nhab�ts coastal and �nshore waters, and wetlands. Breeds on �slands adjacent to the Reg�on.

H�ghest dens�ty of breed�ng adjacent to the Reg�on occurs around the S�r Edward Pellew Group. S�gn�ficant colon�es also on Seagull Island (Melv�lle Island) and Mar�a Island (L�mmen B�ght).

Broad-b�lled sandp�per(Limicola falcinellus)


Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere, m�grates south for the non-breed�ng season. Occurs �n small numbers �n N Austral�a. Restr�cted but moderately common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Often favours mudflats fr�nged by mangroves and somet�mes �n estuar�es edged by salt marsh.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Van D�emen Gulf, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, L�mmen B�ght and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

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Bar-ta�led godw�t(Limosa lapponica)


Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere. Non breed�ng d�str�but�on across coastal areas of all states of Austral�a. W�despread and common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Hab�tat �ncludes large �ntert�dal sandflats, mudflats, estuar�es, �nlets, harbours, coastal lagoons and bays; often around beds of seagrass and somet�mes �n nearby salt marsh.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Beagle Gulf, Melv�lle Island, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Boucaut Bay, Castlereagh Bay, M�l�ng�mb�, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, Port McArthur and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Black-ta�led godw�t(Limosa limosa)


Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere. Non-breed�ng m�grat�on ma�nly to W Afr�ca, Red Sea and coast of Kenya. In Austral�a pr�mar�ly found �n the north between Darw�n and We�pa. W�despread and common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Inhab�ts coastal and �nshore waters and wetlands. Forages on w�de �ntert�dal mudflats, sandflats, �n soft mud or shallow water.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Beagle Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Boucaut Bay, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, Port McArthur and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Eastern curlew(Numenius madagascariensis)


Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere. Non-breed�ng d�str�but�on �n all states of Austral�a, part�cularly N, E, and SE reg�ons. W�despread and common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Inhab�ts coastal and �nshore waters. Most commonly assoc�ated w�th sheltered coasts.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Van D�emen Gulf, Castlereagh Bay, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, Port McArthur, Morn�ngton Island and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

L�ttle curlew, l�ttle wh�mbrel(Numenius minutus)


Breeds �n S�ber�a, non-breed�ng b�rds m�grate to the south. In Austral�a, mostly north of 20-21 °S. W�despread and common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Inhab�ts coastal and �nshore waters, wetlands and grasslands.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Beagle Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf, Blue Mud Bay and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a

Wh�mbrel(Numenius phaeopus)


Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere. Regular m�grant to coastal Austral�a and New Zealand. Found �n all states but more common �n the north and w�despread on coast adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Inhab�ts coastal and �nshore waters. Forages on �ntert�dal mudflats of sheltered coasts, harbours, lagoons, estuar�es and r�ver deltas.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Beagle Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf, around M�l�ng�mb�, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, Port McArthur and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

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Osprey(Pandion haliaetus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CMS (Append�x II) and CITES (Append�x II)]

From Scand�nav�a and E Europe to NE Ch�na and Japan. V�s�tor to, and/or res�dent �n, Central and South Amer�ca, Ch�le, Argent�na and Australas�a. W�despread and moderately common res�dent of N Austral�a coast adjacent to the Reg�on.

Fl�es over and may occas�onally hunt �n offshore waters of the Reg�on. Breeds on coastal lands adjacent to the Reg�on. Inhab�ts l�ttoral hab�tats, coastal and �nshore waters and terrestr�al wetlands.

S�gn�ficant populat�ons occur on Bathurst and Melv�lle Islands, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Croker Islands, Castlereagh Bay, Boucaut Bay, Arnhem Bay, Wessel Islands, Gove Pen�nsula, Blue Mud Bay, Groote Eylandt, S�r Edward Pellew Group and the Roper R�ver.

Pac�fic golden plover(Pluvialis fulva)


Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere �n the Arct�c. Non-breed�ng d�str�but�on S �ncludes central Pac�fic, S As�a and fr�nges of Ind�an Ocean. W�despread and moderately common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Inhab�ts coastal and �nshore waters and wetlands. Feeds on beaches and mudflats, sandflats; also harbours, estuar�es and lagoons, �slands, exposed reefs and rocks, and among mangroves or on seagrass beds.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Grey plover(Pluvialis squatarola)


Breeds �n the Arct�c dur�ng Northern Hem�sphere summer. W�despread �n non-breed�ng per�od on coasts of N and S Amer�ca, Afr�ca, As�a and Australas�a. Common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Almost ent�rely coastal. Ma�nly on mar�ne shores, �nlets, estuar�es and lagoons.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Beagle Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf, Boucaut Bay, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Arct�c jaeger, Arct�c skua(Stercorarius parasiticus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under JAMBA and ROKAMBA]

C�rcumpolar breed�ng d�str�but�on �n the Northern Hem�sphere. W�despread �n Southern Hem�sphere �n the non-breed�ng per�od, �nclud�ng small numbers around Austral�a. Most common off SE Austral�a.

Inhab�ts offshore waters of the Reg�on, where �t can be seen follow�ng trawlers. Pelag�c seab�rd but prefers bays and harbours �n other parts of the world. Rare on the coast; recorded at Gove Pen�nsula, Lee Po�nt (Darw�n), �n the T�mor Sea and Torres Stra�ts.


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L�ttle tern(Sterna albifrons)


Occurs across much of Europe, As�a and Australas�a. W�despread and common res�dent of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal lands and waters.

Fl�es over and may feed �n offshore and coastal mar�ne waters �n the Reg�on. Forages �n shallow estuar�es, coastal lagoons and lakes adjacent to the Reg�on. Breeds on ma�nland and �sland beaches �n autumn and w�nter.

S�gn�ficant breed�ng colon�es occur �n Beagle Gulf, Melv�lle Island, Croker Islands, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Goulburn Islands, around M�l�ng�mb�, Gove Pen�nsula, N�col Island (Blue Mud Bay), Groote Eylandt, S�r Edward Pellew Group and the Wellesley Islands.

Br�dled tern(Sterna anaethetus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, JAMBA]

Trop�cal and subtrop�cal coasts and waters off E and W Afr�ca, As�a and Austral�a. W�despread and common res�dent of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal lands and waters.

Fl�es over and feeds �n offshore, coastal and �nshore waters �n and adjacent to the Reg�on. Usually found offshore �n trop�cal and subtrop�cal seas. Breeds colon�ally on offshore �slands adjacent to the Reg�on.

S�gn�ficant breed�ng colon�es occur around Croker Islands, Sandy Islands (Cobourg Pen�nsula), around M�l�ng�mb�, NW and NE Crocod�le Islands, Wessel Islands, H�gg�nson Islet (Gove Pen�nsula), N�col Island (Blue Mud Bay), Groote Eylandt, Low Rock, Sandy Island (L�mmen B�ght) and the S�r Edward Pellew Group.

Lesser crested tern(Sterna bengalensis)


Occurs around most of the Afr�can coast, Arab�an Pen�nsula, Pers�an Gulf, Ind�an subcont�nent, SE As�a �nclud�ng New Gu�nea and N Austral�a. W�despread �n Austral�a from Shark Bay �n WA to SE Qld. Common res�dent of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal lands and waters.

Fl�es over and may feed �n offshore waters of the Reg�on. Prefers sandy coasts and ma�nly forages �n �nshore and coastal waters. Breeds colon�ally on offshore �slands adjacent to the Reg�on.

Only one known breed�ng locat�on adjacent to the Reg�on on Low Rock �n the L�mmen B�ght. S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur on Perron Islands and �n Beagle Gulf.

Crested tern(Sterna bergii)

Mar�ne W�despread d�str�but�on around coasts of Ind�an Ocean and west to the central Pac�fic Ocean. Recorded from all coastal areas of Austral�a. W�despread and common res�dent of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal lands and waters.

Fl�es over and occas�onally feeds �n offshore waters of the Reg�on. Usually forages �n �nshore and coastal waters, on reef flats and �n lagoons. Breeds colon�ally on offshore �slands adjacent to the Reg�on.

S�gn�ficant breed�ng colon�es occur on Seagull Island (Melv�lle Island), Croker Islands, �slands off M�l�ng�mb�, NW and NE Crocod�le Islands, Wessel Islands, H�gg�nson Islet (Gove Pen�nsula), Groote Eylandt, Urquhardt Islet (S�r Edward Pellew Group) and North Bount�ful Island (Wellesley Islands).

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Casp�an tern(Sterna caspia)


Occurs �n N Amer�ca, Europe, Afr�ca, As�a, Austral�a and New Zealand. W�despread and common res�dent of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal lands and waters.

Inhab�ts coastal and �nshore waters and wetlands adjacent to the Reg�on, usually sheltered s�tuat�ons, near �slands. Occas�onally feeds �n or fl�es over the Reg�on. Breeds colon�ally on offshore �slands adjacent to the Reg�on.

S�gn�ficant breed�ng colon�es occur on �slands off Gove Pen�nsula and N�col Island (Blue Mud Bay).

Roseate tern(Sterna dougallii)

Mar�ne Occurs �n N and S Amer�ca, E Atlant�c Ocean, As�a, New Gu�nea and Austral�a. Coastal d�str�but�on �n Austral�a from WA to SE Qld. W�despread and common res�dent of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal lands and waters.

Inhab�ts offshore and coastal and �nshore waters �n and adjacent to the Reg�on. Forages around coral reefs, reef lagoons, cont�nental �slands or offshore. Breeds on offshore �slands adjacent to the Reg�on.

S�gn�ficant breed�ng colon�es occur on �slands off Cobourg Pen�nsula, Croker Islands, M�l�ng�mb�, Wessel Islands, H�gg�nson Islet (Gove Pen�nsula), N�col Island (Blue Mud Bay), Groote Eylandt, Low Rock, Sandy Island (L�mmen B�ght) and S�r Edward Pellew Group.

Sooty tern(Sterna fuscata)

Mar�ne Trop�cal and subtrop�cal Atlant�c Ocean and Ind�an Ocean, extend�ng to W and central Pac�fic Ocean. Occurs �n trop�cal seas off WA and Qld, less abundant off NT.

Pelag�c seab�rd that forages �n offshore waters of the Reg�on. Follows tuna schools m�grat�ng through the N and central Gulf of Carpentar�a. Irregular v�s�tor to coastal waters adjacent to the Reg�on.


Common tern(Sterna hirundo)


Breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere and m�grates south to non-breed�ng areas. W�despread �n NE and SE Austral�a. Common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng late dry to early wet season.

Pelag�c b�rds that feed and roost at sea �n large flocks, predom�nantly 11–55 km from the shore. M�grate regularly across the Reg�on and congregate to feed �n the Reg�on over tuna feed�ng aggregat�ons. Roost on land at n�ght.

S�gn�ficant roosts �nclude Perron Islands, Bathurst and Melv�lle Islands, Beagle Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Goulburn Islands, M�l�ng�mb� coast, Groote Eylandt and S�r Edward Pellew Group.

Gull-b�lled tern(Sterna nilotica)

Mar�ne As�an subspec�es affinis breeds �n the Northern Hem�sphere. Austral�an subspec�es macrotarsa breeds south of 25˚S and moves north dur�ng Austral�an w�nter. W�despread and common non-breed�ng res�dent of N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on.

As�an subspec�es m�grate regularly across the Reg�on. Inhab�ts coastal and �nshore waters and wetlands adjacent to the Reg�on. Prefers shallow, often ephemeral, terrestr�al wetlands, e�ther fresh or sal�ne.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Van D�emen Gulf, around M�l�ng�mb� and Blue Mud Bay.

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Black-naped tern(Sterna sumatrana)


Occurs �n trop�cal areas of the Ind�an and Pac�fic Oceans, SE As�a, New Gu�nea, and N–NE Austral�a. W�despread and common res�dent of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal lands and waters.

Fl�es over and feeds �n offshore, coastal and �nshore waters �n and adjacent to the Reg�on. Forag�ng occurs close to breed�ng s�tes dur�ng breed�ng season, and at sea at other t�mes. Breeds colon�ally on offshore �slands adjacent to the Reg�on.

S�gn�ficant breed�ng colon�es occur on Bare Sand Island (Beagle Gulf), Croker Islands, Sandy Islands (Cobourg Pen�nsula), Goulburn Islands, Wessel Islands, H�gg�nson Islet (Gove Pen�nsula), N�col Island (Blue Mud Bay), Groote Eylandt, Low Rock, Sandy Island (L�mmen B�ght) and the S�r Edward Pellew Group.

Austral�an prat�ncole (Stiltia isabella)

Mar�ne Breeds �nland �n Austral�a and m�grates to N and E �nland Austral�a, Indones�a and New Gu�nea dur�ng the non-breed�ng season. W�despread and common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the dry season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Inhab�ts wetlands adjacent to the Reg�on, somet�mes found on beaches. Prefers areas w�th no vegetat�on, or sparse or low vegetat�on.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n SE Gulf of Carpentar�a and All�gator R�vers (Van D�emen Gulf).

Brown booby(Sula leucogaster)


Occurs through all trop�cal oceans bounded by approx 30˚N and 30˚S. W�despread and common res�dent of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal lands and waters.

Fl�es over and feeds �n offshore waters of the Reg�on, and �n �nshore waters, harbours and estuar�es. Roosts on �slands, beaches, sandbars and rocks. Breeds on offshore �slands adjacent to the Reg�on.

S�gn�ficant breed�ng s�tes occur on Manowar and Rocky Islands (Wellesley Islands).

Radjah shelduck(Tadorna radjah)

Mar�ne New Gu�nea, trop�cal and sub-trop�cal Austral�a. W�despread and common breed�ng res�dent of the Reg�on and adjacent coastal lands and waters.

Fl�es over and may occas�onally sw�m �n offshore waters of the Reg�on. Feeds and aggregates �n freshwater and t�dal wetlands, on beaches and �n �nshore and coastal waters.

S�gn�ficant populat�ons �n the Beagle Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf and on Mooronga Island.

Wood sandp�per(Tringa glareola)


Breed across Euras�a, m�grates ma�nly to SE As�a. In Austral�a, largest numbers recorded �n NW. Moderately common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Inhab�ts freshwater wetlands adjacent to the Reg�on.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur near Darw�n (Beagle Gulf).

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Common greenshank(Tringa nebularia)


Breeds �n N Europe and As�a. M�grates to Afr�ca, As�a, Melanes�a and Australas�a. W�despread and common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Occurs �n sheltered coastal hab�tats and terrestr�al wetlands.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Van D�emen Gulf, Castlereagh Bay, Port McArthur and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Marsh sandp�per, l�ttle greenshank(Tringa stagnatilis)


Breeds �n E Europe, S S�ber�a and N Ch�na. M�grates to Afr�ca, SE As�a and Austral�a. W�despread and common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Inhab�ts wetlands w�th vary�ng sal�n�ty from freshwater lakes to �ntert�dal mudlfats.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Beagle Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Buck�ngham Bay, Arnhem Bay, Blue Mud Bay, Port McArthur and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Terek sandp�per(Xenus cinereus)


Breeds �n N Europe and As�a and m�grates to Afr�ca, SE As�a, Austral�a, New Gu�nea and New Zealand. W�despread and common on N Austral�an coasts adjacent to the Reg�on dur�ng the wet season.

M�grates regularly across the Reg�on. Inhab�ts sal�ne �ntert�dal mudflats, �slets, mudbanks, sandbanks and mangroves.

S�gn�ficant roost�ng/feed�ng aggregat�ons occur �n Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, Anson Bay, Fog Bay, Beagle Gulf, Van D�emen Gulf, Cobourg Pen�nsula, Castlereagh Bay, around M�l�ng�mb� and SE Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Mam

mal

s

Dugong (Dugong dugon)

M�gratory, Mar�ne. [also l�sted under CITES (Append�x I) and CMS (Append�x II)]

Trop�cal and sub-trop�cal coastal and �sland waters of the Indo-West Pac�fic between E Afr�ca to Solomon Islands. Austral�a �s cons�dered one of the last strongholds of dugong �n the world.

Feeds �n coastal waters throughout the Reg�on, espec�ally around �slands, �n protected bays and around seagrass meadows. Breeds w�th�n the Reg�on.

Shallow waters between L�mmen B�ght and the S�r Edward Pellew Group; Wellesley Islands.

Short-finned p�lot whale(Globicephala macrorhynchus)

Cetacean[also l�sted under CITES (Append�x II)]

Trop�cal and temperate waters worldw�de between 41˚S and 45˚N.

Data defic�ent. Inhab�ts edge of cont�nental shelf and �nshore-offshore movements poss�bly t�med w�th squ�d spawn�ng.

Data defic�ent.

Austral�an snubfin dolph�n(Orcaella heinsohni)

Cetacean, M�gratory[also l�sted under CITES (Append�x I) and CMS (Append�x II)]

Endem�c to the Austral�an cont�nental shelf.

Res�dent �n the Reg�on. Found �n �nshore waters throughout the Reg�on, waters less than 15 m deep w�th�n 10 km of the coast and 20 km from nearest r�ver mouth; tend to be closer to r�ver mouths than Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�ns.

NT coastl�ne of Gulf of Carpentar�a, part�cularly Blue Mud Bay and S�r Edward Pellew Group.

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Status


Region

Important Areas in

or adjacent to the

Region

Mam

mal

s

Melon-headed whale(Peponocephala electra)


Occurs �n both hem�spheres, �n the Ind�an, Pac�fic and Atlant�c Oceans between about 35°N and 35°S.

Data defic�ent. Inhab�ts pelag�c and ocean�c waters.

Data defic�ent.

False k�ller whale(Pseudorca crassidens)


Found �n deep trop�cal and temperate waters c�rcumglobally between 45˚S and 45˚N.

Res�dent �n the Reg�on. Inhab�ts pr�mar�ly deep offshore waters although w�ll come �nto coastal waters for prey.

Data defic�ent.

Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�n (Sousa chinensis)


Occurs �n the Ind�an Ocean, from S Afr�ca to the S Ch�na Sea.

Res�dent �n the �nshore waters throughout the Reg�on. Most occur �n waters under 15 m deep and w�th�n 10 km of the coast and 20 km from the nearest r�ver mouth. Breeds �n the Reg�on.

Albatross Bay (w�nter); Groote Eylandt; and S�r Edward Pellew Group NT.

Spotted dolph�n, pantrop�cal spotted dolph�n(Stenella attenuata)

Cetacean[also l�sted under CITES (Append�x II) and CMS (Append�x II)]

Occurs �n both hem�spheres, �n the Pac�fic, Atlant�c and Ind�an Oceans. Occurs over the ent�re North Mar�ne Reg�on.

Res�dent �n the Reg�on. Found �n pelag�c and ocean�c waters but also found on the cont�nental shelf and along the cont�nental slope.

Data defic�ent.

Long-snouted sp�nner dolph�n(Stenella longirostris)


Occurs �n the Northern and Southern Hem�spheres, �n the Ind�an, Pac�fic and Atlant�c Oceans.

Res�dent �n the Reg�on. Found pr�mar�ly �n pelag�c waters but can be ner�t�c �n some reg�ons.

Data defic�ent.

Ind�an Ocean bottlenose dolph�n, spotted bottlenose dolph�n (Tursiops aduncus)

Cetacean, M�gratory[also l�sted under CITES (Append�x II) and CMS (Append�x II)]

Occurs coastally from S Afr�ca to As�a and E Ch�na, and south to Austral�a and New Caledon�a.

Res�dent �n the Reg�on. Occurs �n coastal and estuar�ne hab�tats.


Bottlenose dolph�n(Tursiops truncatus)


Trop�cal to temperate water further offshore than T. aduncus.

Data defic�ent. Occurs �n offshore waters.


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Table C II Protected species that may infrequently occur in the North Marine Region

Species EPBC Conservation StatusBo

ny F

ish

Ha�ry pygmy p�pehorse(Acentronura tenteculata)

Mar�ne

Corrugated p�pefish, barbed p�pefish(Bhanotia fasciolata)

Mar�ne

Davao pughead p�pefish (Bulbonaricus davaoenis)

Mar�ne

Sculptured p�pefish(Choeroichthys sculptus)

Mar�ne

Yellow-banded p�pefish, network p�pefish(Corythoichthys flavofasciatus)

Mar�ne

Austral�an messmate p�pefish, banded p�pefish(Corythoichthys intestinalis)

Mar�ne

Orange-spotted p�pefish, ocellated p�pefish(Corythoichthys ocellatus)

Mar�ne

Paxton’s p�pefish(Corythoichthys paxtoni)

Mar�ne

Shultz’s p�pefish(Corythoichthys schultzi)

Mar�ne

Roughr�dge p�pefish(Cosmocampus banneri)

Mar�ne

Maxweber’s p�pefish(Cosmocampus maxweberi)

Mar�ne

Ind�an blue-str�pe p�pefish, blue-str�pe p�pefish(Doryrhamphus excisus)

Mar�ne

Cleaner p�pefish, Janss’ p�pefish(Doryrhamphus janssi)

Mar�ne

G�bbs’ p�pefish(Festucalex gibbsi)

Mar�ne

T�ger p�pefish(Filicampus tigris)

Mar�ne

Brock’s p�pefish(Halicampus brocki)

Mar�ne

Wh�skered p�pefish, ornate p�pefish(Halicampus macrorhynchus)

Mar�ne

Samoan p�pefish(Halicampus mataafae)

Mar�ne

Gl�tter�ng p�pefish(Halicampus nitidus)

Mar�ne

Sp�ny-snout p�pefish(Halicampus spinirostris)

Mar�ne

Madura p�pefish, ret�culated freshwater p�pefish(Hippichthys heptagonus)

Mar�ne

Short-keeled p�pefish(Hippichthys parvicarinatus)

Mar�ne

Beady p�pefish, Steep-nosed p�pefish(Hippichthys penicillus)

Mar�ne

Belly-barred p�pefish, banded freshwater p�pefish(Hippichthys spicifer)

Mar�ne

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Species EPBC Conservation Status

Bony

Fis

hWestern sp�ny seahorse, narrow-bell�ed seahorse(Hippocampus angustus)


Pygmy seahorse, gorgon�an seahorse(Hippocampus bargibanti)


Low-crown seahorse(Hippocampus dahli)


Flat-face seahorse(Hippocampus planifrons)


Common seahorse (Hippocampus taeniopterus)


Anderson’s p�pefish, shortnose p�pefish(Micrognathus andersonii)

Mar�ne

Thorn-ta�led p�pefish(Micrognathus brevirostris)

Mar�ne

Offshore p�pefish(Micrognathus natans)

Mar�ne

Short-ta�led p�pefish, short-ta�led r�ver p�pefish(Microphis brachyurus)

Mar�ne

Bend st�ck p�pefish, short-ta�led p�pefish(Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus)

Mar�ne

Rep

tile

s

Leaf-scaled seasnake(Aipysurus foliosquama)

Mar�ne

Turtle-headed seasnake(Emydocephalus annulatus)

Mar�ne

Black-r�nged seasnake(Hydrelaps darwiniensis)

Mar�ne

Slender-necked seasnake(Hydrophis coggeri)

Mar�ne

Slender seasnake(Hydrophis gracilis)

Mar�ne

Black-banded robust seasnake(Hydrophis melanosoma)

Mar�ne

W�de-faced sea kra�t, yellow-l�pped sea kra�t(Laticauda colubrina)

Mar�ne

Large-scaled sea kra�t, brown-l�pped sea kra�t(Laticauda laticaudata)

Mar�ne

Northern mangrove seasnake(Parahydrophis mertoni)

Mar�ne

Bird

s

Black noddy, wh�te-capped noddy(Anous minutus)

Mar�ne

Magp�e goose(Anseranas semipalmata)

Mar�ne

Fork-ta�led sw�ft (Apus pacificus)


Cattle egret(Ardea ibis)


Intermed�ate egret(Ardea intermedia)

Mar�ne

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Bird

sLong-toed st�nt (Calidris subminuta)


L�ttle st�nt (Calidris minuta)

Mar�ne[also l�sted under ROKAMBA and CMS (Append�x II)]

Casp�an plover(Charadrius asiaticus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA and CMS (Append�x II)]

L�ttle r�nged plover (Charadrius dubius)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, ROKAMBA and CMS (Append�x II)]

R�nged plover(Charadrius hiaticula)


Or�ental plover, or�ental dotterel(Charadrius veredus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under JAMBA, ROKAMBA and CMS (Append�x II)]

Spangled drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus)

Mar�ne

Dollarb�rd (Eurystomus orientalis)

Mar�ne

Great fr�gateb�rd(Fregata minor)


Latham’s sn�pe, Japanese sn�pe(Gallinago hardwickii)


Sarus crane(Grus antigone)

M�gratory[also l�sted under CAMBA, CMS (Append�x II)and CITES (Append�x II)]

Wh�te tern(Gygis alba)

Mar�ne

Wander�ng tattler(Heteroscelus incanus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, JAMBA and CMS (Append�x II)]

Black-w�nged st�lt(Himantopus himantopus)

Mar�ne

Wh�te-throated needleta�l(Hirundapus caudacutus)


Red-rumped swallow (Hirundo daurica)

Mar�ne[also l�sted under ROKAMBA]

Barn swallow(Hirundo rustica)


As�an dow�tcher(Limnodromus semipalmatus)


Ra�nbow bee-eater(Merops ornatus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne

Black-w�nged monarch(Monarcha frater)


Black-faced monarch(Monarcha melonopsis)


Spectacled monarch(Monarcha trivirgatus)


Sat�n flycatcher(Myiagra cyanoleuca)


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Bird

sEuras�an curlew (Numenius arquata)


Nankeen n�ght heron (Nycticorax caledonicus)

Mar�ne

W�lson’s storm-petrel(Oceanites oceanicus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under JAMBA]

Matsuda�ra’s storm-petrel(Oceanodroma matsudairae)

Mar�ne

Austral�an pel�can (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

Mar�ne

Wh�te-ta�led trop�cb�rd(Phaethon lepturus)


Red-ta�led trop�cb�rd (Phaethon rubricauda)

Mar�ne

Red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus)


Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)


Glossy �b�s(Plegadis falcinellus)


Wedge-ta�led shearwater(Puffinus pacificus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under JAMBA]

Red-necked avocet(Recurvirostra novaehollandiae)

Mar�ne

Rufous fanta�l(Rhipidura rufifrons)


Austral�an pa�nted sn�pe(Rostratula australis)

Vulnerable, M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA]

Pomar�ne jaeger, pomar�ne skua(Stercorarius pomarinus)


Masked booby(Sula dactylatra)


Red-footed booby(Sula sula)


Austral�an wh�te �b�s, sacred �b�s (Threskiornis molucca)

Mar�ne

Straw-necked �b�s(Threskiornis spinicollis)

Mar�ne

Common redshank(Tringa totanus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, ROKAMBA and CMS (Append�x II)]

Mam

mal

s

Antarct�c m�nke whale, dark-shoulder m�nke whale(Balaenoptera bonaerensis)


Bryde’s whale(Balaenoptera edeni)


Blue whale(Balaenoptera musculus)

Endangered, Cetacean, M�gratory[also l�sted under CITES (Append�x I) and CMS (Append�x I)]

Common dolph�n(Delphinus delphis)


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Mam

mal

sP�gmy k�ller whale(Feresa attenuata)


R�sso’s dolph�n, grampus(Grampus griseus)


Pygmy sperm whale(Kogia breviceps)

Cetacean[also l�sted under CITES (Append�x II )]

Dwarf sperm whale(Kogia sima)


Fraser’s dolph�n, Sarawak dolph�n(Lagenodelphis hosei)


Humpback whale(Megaptera novaeangliae)

Vulnerable, Cetacean, M�gratory [also l�sted under CITES (Append�x I) and CMS (Append�x I)]

K�ller whale, orca(Orcinus orca)

Cetacean, M�gratory [also l�sted under CITES (Append�x II) and CMS (Append�x II)]

Sperm whale(Physeter macrocephalus)

Cetacean, M�gratory [also l�sted under CITES (Append�x I) and CMS (Append�x I, II)]

Str�ped dolph�n, euphrosyne dolph�n(Stenella coeruleoalba)


Rough-toothed dolph�n(Steno bredanensis)


Cuv�er’s beaked whale, goose-beaked whale(Ziphius cavirostris)


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Fr�gateb�rds and boob�es. Ben Add�son, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

Coral outcrop �n the T�mor Sea. Susan Forbes, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

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Hard corals at 60 m depth �n the T�mor Sea. Photo: Max Rees and Andrew Heyward, Austral�an Inst�tute of Mar�ne Sc�ence.

171

Protected Species Group Report Cards

Appendix D North Marine Region Protected Species Group Report Cards

These report cards summar�se �nformat�on on those

spec�es that occur �n the Reg�on and are protected under

the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The report cards present relevant

�nformat�on on spec�es groups and are des�gned to

be updated as new �nformat�on becomes ava�lable.

The report cards �ncluded �n th�s append�x are current

at February 2008. Updates of the report cards w�ll be

ava�lable on the web at <www.env�ronment.gov.au/

coasts/mbp/north>.

Protected spec�es occurr�ng �n the Reg�on for wh�ch

spec�es group report cards have been comp�led �nclude:

D1 Cart�lag�nous fish (�nclud�ng sharks and sawfish)

D2 Bony fish (�nclud�ng seahorses, p�pefish and ghost

p�pefish)

D3 Rept�les – mar�ne turtles

D4 Rept�les – seasnakes

D5 Rept�les – saltwater crocod�les

D6 B�rds (�nclud�ng seab�rds, waterb�rds and

shoreb�rds)

D7 Mammals – dugongs

D8 Mammals – cetaceans (�nclud�ng whales and

dolph�ns)

D1 North Marine Region Protected Species Group Report Card – Cartilaginous fish



General �nformat�on

Sharks, rays, skates and ch�maeras (or ghost sharks) are

cart�lag�nous fish belong�ng to the class Chondr�chthyes

w�th�n the subgroup Elasmobranch��. The Nat�onal

Oceans Office (2004) Description of Key Species Groups in

the Northern Planning Area report prov�des an overv�ew of

th�s spec�es group �n the Reg�on.

Sawfish belong to the class Pr�st�dae w�th�n the

subgroup Elasmobranch�� (Hamlett 1999). Sawfish are

un�que creatures that are actually h�ghly mod�fied rays

that have a body s�m�lar to that of a shark, but w�th g�ll

sl�ts s�tuated ventrally on the head l�ke other rays. The

Pr�st�dae compr�se two genera; Pristis and Anoxypristis,

and there are currently up to 7 spec�es known from

Austral�a (Last and Steven 1994). Two of these spec�es,

the freshwater sawfish (Pristis microdon) and the green

sawfish (Pristis zijsron), are l�sted as vulnerable under

the EPBC Act. In June 2007, s�x of the seven spec�es of

sawfish were l�sted under Append�x I of the Convention

on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna

and Flora (CITES), w�th the freshwater sawfish, Pristis

microdon, l�sted under Append�x II for the exclus�ve

purpose of allow�ng �nternat�onal trade �n l�ve an�mals

to appropr�ate and acceptable aquar�a, pr�mar�ly for

conservat�on purposes.

Nat�onally protected spec�es

Three spec�es of shark – the whale shark, speartooth

shark and northern r�ver shark – as well as the

freshwater sawfish and green sawfish, are known to

occur �n the Reg�on and are l�sted as threatened under

the EPBC Act. The whale shark �s also l�sted on Append�x

II of both CITES and the Convention on the ConservationConvention on the Conservation

of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Recovery plans

are �n place for the whale shark and can be found at

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/spec�es/sharks>.

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Table D I Elasmobranch species listed as threatened or migratory under the EPBC Act that are known to occur in the

North Marine Region

•

•

Species Conservation status Australian Government conservation

plans or strategies for the species

Whale shark(Rhincodon typus)

Vulnerable, M�gratory[also l�sted under CITES (Append�x II) and CMS (Append�x II)]

National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (2004)

Whale shark (Rh�ncodon typus) Recovery Plan 2005–2010 (2005)

Speartooth shark(Glyphis spec�es A)

Cr�t�cally endangered

Northern r�ver shark (Glyphis spec�es C)

Endangered

Freshwater sawfish(Pristis microdon)

Vulnerable [also l�sted under CITES (Append�x II)]

Green sawfish(Pristis zijsron)

Vulnerable [also l�sted under CITES (Append�x I)]

Ecology of protected sharks and sawfish

�n the North Mar�ne Reg�on

Whale shark

Whale sharks are w�de-rang�ng spec�es that are usually

observed between lat�tudes 30°N and 35°S �n trop�cal

and warm temperate seas, both ocean�c and coastal.

They are usually found close to or at the surface, often

as s�ngle �nd�v�duals but also occas�onally �n schools or

aggregat�ons of up to hundreds �n number. Although

�t �s bel�eved that th�s spec�es prefers waters w�th

temperatures between 21–25°C, whale sharks s�ghted

�n the North-west Mar�ne Reg�on (N�ngaloo Mar�ne

Park) are predom�nantly found �n waters averag�ng 27°C.

Whale sharks are regarded as h�ghly m�gratory, but the�r

m�grat�on patterns are poorly understood. Research on

whale shark m�grat�on patterns adjacent to the Reg�on

suggests that the whale sharks observed there may have

northerly m�grat�on paths.

Although whale sharks have been observed �n the

Reg�on, there are no known aggregat�on areas. There are

no known threats to th�s spec�es known �n the Reg�on.

Further �nformat�on on whale sharks �s ava�lable at

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/b�od�vers�ty/threatened/

publ�cat�ons/recovery/r-typus>.

Speartooth shark

The speartooth shark (Glyphis glyphis) �s endem�c to

Austral�a and �s l�sted as cr�t�cally endangered under

the EPBC Act. Records of speartooth sharks �n the North

Mar�ne Reg�on are predom�nantly of juven�le spec�es

found �n fresh water and estuar�ne env�ronments,

although the spec�es �s occas�onally seen �n mar�ne

coastal waters (Stevens et al. 2005). Jaw troph�es of

the spec�es and anecdotal reports by commerc�al fishers

operat�ng �n the Reg�on �nd�cate that th�s spec�es

does �nhab�t the Reg�on. L�ttle �s known about the

reproduct�ve b�ology of th�s spec�es.

Northern river shark

The northern r�ver shark (Glyphis garricki sp. nov) �s

l�sted as endangered under the EPBC Act and �s poss�bly

endem�c to Austral�a. L�ttle �s known of the ecology

or reproduct�ve b�ology of th�s shark. Prev�ously the

spec�es was thought to be restr�cted to fresh water and

estuar�ne env�ronments, part�cularly the freshwater

to brack�sh reaches of the Adela�de and All�gator R�ver

systems. However, a spec�men has been recorded at

Doctors Creek �n Western Austral�a (Thornburn et

al. 2003), and other spec�mens have more recently

been found �n coastal waters (Stevens et al. 2005).

Northern r�ver shark spec�mens have recently been

pos�t�vely �dent�fied �n the by-catch of offshore net

fisher�es (Sly, S., 2007, pers. comm.). It �s l�kely that

spec�mens prev�ously caught by fish�ng boats have been

m�s�dent�fied as bull sharks.

Freshwater sawfish

The freshwater sawfish �s l�sted as vulnerable under the

EPBC Act and was recently l�sted under CITES Append�x

II for the exclus�ve purpose of allow�ng �nternat�onal

trade �n l�ve an�mals to appropr�ate and acceptable

aquar�a, pr�mar�ly for conservat�on purposes. Juven�les

and sub-adult freshwater sawfish ma�nly l�ve �n r�vers

and estuar�es, wh�le large mature an�mals tend to occur

more often �n coastal and offshore waters up to 25 m

173


depth (G�les et al. 2006; Stevens et al. 2005). The h�gher

frequency of freshwater sawfish reported �n �nshore

waters than offshore waters �s l�kely to be the result of

greater fish�ng pressure lead�ng to a greater chance of

report�ng �n these waters. Anecdotal ev�dence suggests

that the abundance of large freshwater sawfish has

decl�ned �n recent years.

The known use of the Reg�on by freshwater sawfish

�ncludes sanctuary and forag�ng, w�th sawfish only

return�ng seasonally to �nshore coastal waters adjacent

to the Reg�on to breed and pup. Observat�ons of

reproduct�ve stag�ng �n freshwater sawfish found along

the east coast of the Gulf of Carpentar�a suggest that

pupp�ng occurs through the wet season and cont�nues

unt�l the beg�nn�ng of the dry season �n early May

(Peverell 2005). Freshwater sawfish g�ve b�rth to l�ve

young and have a l�tter s�ze of between 1–11 offspr�ng

(Peverell et al. 2004).

Green sawfish

The green sawfish �s l�sted as vulnerable under the EPBC

Act and under CITES Append�x I. Juven�les and sub-adult

green sawfish ma�nly l�ve �n mar�ne coastal waters, as

well as estuar�es and r�ver mouths at sl�ghtly reduced

sal�n�t�es, but does not venture �nto freshwater. Larger

mature an�mals have been recorded �n coastal waters

and offshore waters up to 70 m depth (Stevens et al.

2005).

The green sawfish �s found throughout northern

Austral�a. However, �ts abundance and spec�fic hab�tat

requ�rements are largely unknown (Stevens et al.

2005). The l�kely use of the Reg�on by green sawfish

�ncludes sanctuary and forag�ng, w�th sawfish return�ng

seasonally to �nshore coastal waters adjacent to the

Reg�on to breed and pup, as occurs for the freshwater

sawfish. Pupp�ng �s l�kely to occur �n the wet season as

for other sawfish spec�es (Peverell 2005). There �s a lack

of data on the reproduct�ve b�ology of the green sawfish

(Stevens et al. 2005).

Important areas for sharks and sawfish


Important areas �n the Reg�on are �dent�fied for those

spec�es l�sted as threatened or m�gratory under the EPBC

Act. The d�str�but�on, abundance, �mportant nursery

areas, and feed�ng hab�ts of the speartooth shark,

northern r�ver shark and freshwater sawfish are largely

unknown. All of the major r�ver systems �n Queensland’s

Gulf of Carpentar�a reg�on support juven�le and sub-adult

freshwater sawfish and are cons�dered as �mportant. The

m�gratory patterns of whale sharks �n the Reg�on are

poorly known.

Van Diemen Gulf (Northern Territory) – the Adela�de and

All�gator R�ver systems adjacent to the Reg�on conta�n

recorded populat�ons of speartooth and northern r�ver

sharks.

Port Musgrave – the Duc�e R�ver and Wenlock R�ver

w�th�n the Port Musgrave reg�on adjacent to the North

Mar�ne Reg�on �s the only area �n Queensland where the

speartooth shark has been �dent�fied �n the last 20 years.

The Wenlock R�ver also supports a healthy populat�on of

juven�le freshwater sawfish.

Known �nteract�ons, threats and

m�t�gat�on measures

Fisheries

Sharks are part�cularly suscept�ble to fish�ng pressure

because of the�r b�ology. They generally show slow

growth, late atta�nment of sexual matur�ty, low

fecund�ty and a close stock-recru�tment relat�onsh�p.

Unl�ke finfish, sharks and rays do not have a larval

d�spersal stage to the�r l�fe cycle, and recru�tment can

Freshwater sawfish. Photo: R�chard P�llans, CSIRO.

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be very poor �n certa�n areas. Juven�le sharks and rays

generally have local�sed home ranges, often rema�n�ng

close to where pupp�ng occurs. Th�s behav�our leaves

juven�le sharks and rays vulnerable to local�sed deplet�on

espec�ally �n areas of moderate to h�gh fish�ng pressure

or hab�tat mod�ficat�on. In part�cular, the speartooth and

northern r�ver shark are l�kely to have small populat�on

s�zes and may be subject to pressures by commerc�al

g�ll-nett�ng and recreat�onal fish�ng (St�rrat and Larson

2002). The demand and pr�ces for shark products,

�nclud�ng fins, �s h�gh, wh�ch �s l�kely to contr�bute to

fish�ng pressures on some shark spec�es.

Commercial fishing

G�ll-nett�ng and l�ne-fish�ng �n estuar�es may have

an �mpact on populat�ons of northern r�ver sharks

(Thorburn et al. 2003) and speartooth sharks (Sal�n�

et al. 2007). For example, �n 2004, a fishery observer

recorded 17 speartooth sharks caught �n five net casts

�n the Adela�de R�ver, where the Northern Terr�tory

Barramund� F�shery operated at the t�me (Sal�n� et al.

2007). The �ntroduct�on of leg�slat�on �n February 2005

that excludes commerc�al barramund� fishers from r�vers

where the speartooth shark �s recorded �n the Northern

Terr�tory, �s l�kely to have largely reduced the �mpact

of g�llnet fish�ng on th�s spec�es. Northern r�ver and

speartooth sharks may also be caught �n commerc�al

operat�ons further offshore. The speartooth shark has

been recorded as by-catch �n the Queensland Gulf of

Carpentar�a Inshore F�nfish F�shery, wh�ch operates from

the shore to seven naut�cal m�les offshore (Sal�n� et al.

2007). In add�t�on, some spec�es of small sharks and

juven�les of large estuar�ne sharks may be used as ba�t �n

mud crab fisher�es. Northern r�ver and speartooth sharks

have been m�s�dent�fied as bull sharks �n the past and

fishers are encouraged to release these sharks �f caught.

Sawfish share s�m�lar b�olog�cal character�st�cs to

sharks �n the�r long gestat�on per�ods, g�v�ng b�rth to

l�ve young, late sexual maturat�on, and �nterm�ttent

breed�ng (Stobutzk� et al. 2002). Sawfish of all s�ze

classes are vulnerable to net fish�ng because of the�r

toothed rostrum and thus alter�ng gear types and s�zes

has l�ttle �nfluence �n reduc�ng entanglement of sawfish

�n net fisher�es. Sawfish tend to �nteract more w�th

coastal fisher�es and g�ll-nets than offshore fisher�es. Net

fish�ng has been �dent�fied as contr�but�ng to a rap�d

decl�ne �n sawfish populat�ons globally (Peverell et al.

2004). Tag and release measures or exclus�on of fishers

from areas �s the most effect�ve means of m�t�gat�ng

sawfish �nteract�ons w�th net fish�ng gear. Sawfish

were �dent�fied at threat from over fish�ng due to

the�r l�fe h�story character�st�cs (Stobutzk� et al. 2002)

and thus also may be at h�gher threat �n by-catch as a

consequence of trawl�ng operat�ons.

Whale shark. Photo: Gav�n Leese, Queensland Department of Pr�mary Industr�es and F�sher�es.

175


Recreational fishing

Both the speartooth and northern r�ver shark are

cons�dered to be at r�sk of be�ng taken by recreat�onal

fishers us�ng nets or l�nes (Pogonosk� et al. 2002).

Spec�mens are generally returned al�ve, d�scarded dead

or ut�l�sed as ba�t. Management of recreat�onal fish�ng

l�es w�th State and Terr�tory fisher�es management

agenc�es.

The level of �nteract�on between Glyphis and recreat�onal

fishers �s unknown. Th�s may reflect a low level of

�nteract�on and/or a lack of report�ng on the part of

fishers (�nclud�ng deta�l and accuracy of report�ng and

lack of knowledge of report�ng requ�rements).

Over a ten day per�od, Stevens et al. (2005) observed

e�ght speartooth sharks of 50–70 cm total length be�ng

captured �n the same locat�on on the Adela�de R�ver. All

were k�lled and e�ther eaten or left on the bank. Th�s

observat�on from only one locat�on across numerous

recreat�onal fish�ng spots �n northern Austral�a h�ghl�ghts

the potent�al threat to the spec�es from the �ncreas�ng

number of recreat�onal fishers access�ng these remote

locat�ons (Thorburn et al. 2003).

Data on sawfish capture by recreat�onal l�ne fishers

�s l�m�ted (based on Queensland records). Sawfish

exh�b�t both scaveng�ng and predatory behav�our and

w�ll commonly take dead or l�ve ba�t and as such are

vulnerable to capture by ba�ted l�ne (Last and Stevens,

1994; Peverell, 2007, pers. comm.). Th�s threat �s more

ser�ous dur�ng the end of the dry season when food

resources w�th�n dry�ng waterholes become scarce.

Recreat�onal fishers �n Queensland and the Northern

Terr�tory are perm�tted to use bow and arrow as a form

of fish�ng apparatus, w�th sawfish recogn�sed as trophy

an�mals. Bow hunt�ng �s not perm�tted �n non-t�dal

waters and a number of regulated spec�al use zones

have been �ntroduced to manage th�s act�v�ty under the

Queensland Fisheries Act 1994 (Peverell et al. 2004).

Indigenous harvest

Sawfish have a s�gn�ficant cultural and sp�r�tual

relevance to Ind�genous people �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a

(McDav�tt 2001). The level of Ind�genous harvest of

sawfish �s unknown, although anecdotal reports suggests

that Ind�genous fish�ng may be contr�but�ng to local�sed

decl�nes �n sawfish populat�ons (Peverell et al. 2004).

Illegal fishing

The �mpact of �llegal net and l�ne fish�ng from fore�gn

fish�ng vessels �n the Reg�on and adjacent waters on

cart�lag�nous fish �s unknown, although the �llegal catch

�s thought to be s�gn�ficant and poss�bly exceeds that of

the Austral�an domest�c fleet. Of part�cular concern �s

the type of fish�ng gear used and the manner �n wh�ch

�t �s used. Large cord nets (15 �nch d�ameter) are bottom

set for the sole purpose of catch�ng sawfish, large shark

and other ray spec�es (Peverell, S., 2007, pers. comm.)

due to the h�gh value of fins of theses spec�es. Th�s

method of fish�ng �s �llegal �n Austral�a because of the

�ncreased r�sk of �nteract�on w�th sharks and rays.

Marine debris

The �ngest�on of, or entanglement �n, harmful mar�ne

debr�s has been �dent�fied under the EPBC Act as a

key threaten�ng process caus�ng �njury and fatal�ty to

vertebrate mar�ne l�fe. Entanglement �n mar�ne debr�s

such as d�scarded fish�ng gear can lead to restr�cted

mob�l�ty, starvat�on, �nfect�on, amputat�on, drown�ng

and smother�ng. The �ngest�on of plast�c mar�ne debr�s

can cause phys�cal blockages lead�ng to starvat�on, or

�njur�es to the d�gest�ve system lead�ng to �nfect�on or

death.

Internat�onal stud�es have shown the �mpact of plast�c

debr�s on sharks (Saz�ma et al. 2002). Observat�ons of

grey nurse sharks �n aquar�a have also �nd�cated that

derel�ct hooks may puncture the stomach, per�card�al

cav�ty, and oesophagus, caus�ng �nfect�on and death

(Threatened Spec�es Sc�ent�fic Comm�ttee 2003).

Entanglement of Austral�an sharks and rays �n derel�ct

fish�ng gear has been observed on numerous occas�ons

�n coastal areas adjacent to the Reg�on (eg. Sloan et al.

1998, Alderman et al. 1999), but few publ�shed records

ex�st. The low number of records of shark and ray

entanglement �n fish�ng gear �s l�kely due to entangled

an�mals often be�ng eaten before they are washed up on

to the beach.

The Austral�an Government �s currently develop�ng

a threat abatement plan that a�ms to m�n�m�se

the �mpacts of mar�ne debr�s on threatened

mar�ne spec�es. Further �nformat�on �s ava�lable at


publ�cat�ons/mar�ne-debr�s.html>.

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Habitat modification

Waters adjacent to the Reg�on are subject to

development and hab�tat mod�ficat�on, espec�ally �n

some freshwater reg�ons of r�vers where we�rs are �n

place. Proposals are be�ng cons�dered for dams �n the

r�vers adjacent to the Reg�on to supply both agr�cultural

and m�n�ng demands for water. Th�s �s espec�ally the

case for the Walsh and Fl�nders r�vers wh�ch also support

populat�ons of freshwater sawfish (Peverell, S., 2007,

pers. comm.). Of concern �s the potent�al development

of Port Musgrave by m�n�ng compan�es, w�th a proposal

of dredg�ng act�v�t�es �n the Duc�e R�ver, Wenlock R�ver

systems and Port Musgrave. Th�s would potent�ally affect

the populat�ons of speartooth shark �n th�s area.

Mitigation measures

F�shers work�ng �n the Northern Prawn F�shery are

not perm�tted to target sharks, and there �s a ban on

reta�n�ng shark products �n th�s fishery. Retent�on of

shark fins �s perm�tted �n Queensland and Northern

Terr�tory waters �f obta�ned �n accordance w�th fisher�es

regulat�ons. In Queensland, the fins may only be

removed �f the shark body �s reta�ned. In the Northern

Terr�tory, �f sharks fins are removed, a set percentage of

trunks or fillets must be kept on board. More spec�fically,

�n the Northern Terr�tory Shark F�shery, shark product on

board a vessel �s requ�red to conform to the follow�ng

cond�t�ons:

fin we�ght to be no more than 6.5 per cent of

trunk we�ght fresh or frozen or three per cent dr�ed

we�ght of trunk we�ght, on board a vessel;

fin we�ght to be no more than 13 per cent of fillet

we�ght fresh or frozen or s�x per cent dr�ed we�ght

of fillet we�ght on board a vessel;

there shall be no more than 500 kg of converted

whole shark we�ght on board a vessel; and

no shark products to be allowed on board a vessel

upon commencement of the next voyage.

Shark by-product l�m�ts also apply �n other Northern

Terr�tory fisher�es.

W�th�n the Northern Prawn F�shery, the mandatory use

of by-catch reduct�on dev�ces and turtle excluder dev�ces

s�nce 2000 has substant�ally reduced the �nc�dental

capture of spec�es of shark and rays. In a study by

Brewer et al (2006) �t was found for larger spec�es of

sharks and rays (greater than 1 m) the use of turtle

excluder dev�ces had reduced the �nc�dental capture of

•

•

•

•

sharks by 86 per cent and rays by 94 per cent. Th�s study

also found the total number of sawfish captured was not

reduced, however turtle excluder dev�ces d�d reduce the

�nc�dental capture of the most commonly caught spec�es,

the narrow sawfish, by 73 per cent (Brewer et al. 2006).

Seasonal net closures over the monsoonal wet season

put �n place to protect spawn�ng barramund� have

un�ntent�onally protected pupp�ng sawfish and shark

spec�es (Peverell, S., 2007, pers. comm.). Sawfish are

also l�sted �n the fisher�es code of pract�ce as a release

spec�es and are under cons�derat�on as a no take spec�es

�n the Gulf finfish fishery management plan.


Alderman, R., Pauza, M., Bell, J., Taylor, R., Carter, T.

and Fordham, D., 1999, ‘Mar�ne Debr�s �n Northeast

Arnhem Land Northern Terr�tory Austral�a’, �n, Le�tch, K.

(ed.) Entanglement of Marine Turtles in Netting: Northeast

Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia, Dh�murru Land

Management Abor�g�nal Corporat�on, Nhulunbuy.

Brewer, D., Heales, D., M�lton, D., Dell, Q., Fry, G.,

Venables, B. and Jones, P., 2006, ‘The Impact of Turtle

Excluder Dev�ces and Bycatch Reduct�on Dev�ces on

D�verse Trop�cal Mar�ne Commun�t�es �n Austral�a’s

Northern Prawn F�shery’, Fisheries Research, 81(2–3): 176–

188.

Department of Agr�culture, F�sher�es and Forestry, 2004,

National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management

of Sharks, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra.

Department of the Env�ronment and Her�tage, 2005,

Whale Shark (Rh�ncodon typus) Recovery Plan 2005–2010,



and the Arts, 2008, Species Profile and Threats

Database, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra,

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/sprat>, accessed February

08.

Env�ronment Austral�a, 2002, Recovery Plan for the Grey

Nurse Shark (Carchar�as taurus) in Australia,Commonwealth

of Austral�a, Canberra.

G�les, J., P�llans, R.D., M�ller, M.J., and Sal�n�, J.P., 2006,

Sawfish Catch Data in Northern Australia: A Desktop Study,

Internal CSIRO Report for FRDC 2002/064, p.74.

177


Hamlett, W.C., 1999, Sharks, Skates and Rays. The Biology of

Elasmobranch Fishes, The John Hopk�ns Un�vers�ty Press,

Mayland, USA.

K�essl�ng, I.K., 2003, Finding Solutions, Derelict Fishing

Gear and Other Marine Debris in Northern Australia, report

produced for the Nat�onal Oceans Office and the

Department of Env�ronment and Her�tage, Nat�onal

Oceans Office, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Hobart.

Last, P.R., and Stevens, J.D., 1994, Sharks and Rays of

Australia, CSIRO D�v�s�on of F�sher�es, Hobart, Austral�a.

McDav�tt, M.T., 2001, Abstract: Sharks in Land, the

Symbolism of Freshwater Sharks and Sawfishes in North

Australian Aboriginal Societies, Amer�can Elasmobranch

Soc�ety 2001, Annual Meet�ng State College,

Pennsylvan�a.

Peverell, S., 2005, ‘D�str�but�on of Sawfishes (Pr�st�dae)

�n the Queensland Gulf of Carpentar�a, Austral�a’, w�th

notes on sawfish ecology, Environmental Biology of Fishes,

73: 391–402.

Peverell, S., Gr�bble, N. and Larson, H. 2004,

‘Sawfish’, �n Nat�onal Oceans Office, Description





Pogonosk�, J.J., Pollard, D.A. and Paxton, J.R., 2002,

Conservation Overview and Action Plan for Australian

Threatened and Potentially Threatened Marine and Estuarine

Fishes, Env�ronment Austral�a, Canberra.

Sal�n�, J., McAuley, R., Blaber, S., Buckworth, R., Ch�dlow,

J., Gr�bble, N., Ovenden, J., Peverell, S., P�llans, R.,

Stevens, J., Stobutzk�, I., Tarca, C. and Walker, T., 2007,

Northern Australian Sharks and Rays: The Sustainability of

Target and Bycatch Species, Phase 2, Project No. 2002/064,

F�sher�es Research and Development Corporat�on and

CSIRO Mar�ne and Atmospher�c Research, Hobart.

Saz�ma, I., Gad�g, O.B., Namora, R. and Motta, F.S., 2002,

‘Plast�c Debr�s Collars on Juven�le Carcharh�n�d Sharks

(Rhizoprionodon lalandii) �n Southwest Atlant�c’, Marine

Pollution Bulletin, 44: 1147–1149.

Sloan, S., Wallner, B. and Mounsey, R., 1998, Fishing Debris

Around Groote Eylandt in the Western Gulf of Carpentaria. A

Report on the Groote Eylandt Fishing Gear Debris Project 1998,

Austral�an F�sher�es Management Author�ty, Canberra,

Austral�a.

Stevens, J.D., P�llans, R.D. and Sal�n�, J.P., 2005,

Conservation Assessment of Glyph�s glyph�s (speartooth

shark), Glyph�s garr�ck� sp. nov (northern river shark),

Pr�st�s m�crodon (freshwater sawfish) and Pr�st�s z�jsron

(green sawfish), final report to Department of the

Env�ronment and Her�tage, May 2005, Commonwealth


St�rrat, S. and Larson, H., 2002, Species Information Sheet

– Northern River Shark Glyph�s garr�ck� sp. nov, Northern

Terr�tory Parks and W�ldl�fe Comm�ss�on.

Stobutzk�, I.C., M�ller, J.M., Heales, D.S. and Brewer,

D.T., 2002, ‘Susta�nab�l�ty of Elasmobranches Caught as

By-catch �n a Trop�cal Prawn (Shr�mp) F�shery’, Fishery

Bulletin 100: 800–821.

Thornburn, D.C., Peverell, S., Stevens, S., Last, J.D., and

Rowland, A.J., 2003, Status of Freshwater and Estuarine

Elasmobranches in Northern Australia, report to Natural

Her�tage Trust, Canberra, Austral�a.

Threatened Spec�es Sc�ent�fic Comm�ttee, 2003, Injury

and Fatality to Vertebrate Marine Life Caused by Ingestion

of, or Entanglement in, Harmful Marine Debris, Adv�ce to

the M�n�ster for Env�ronment and Her�tage from the

Threatened Spec�es Sc�ent�fic Comm�ttee on a publ�c

nom�nat�on of a Key Threaten�ng Process under the

Env�ronment Protect�on and B�od�vers�ty Conservat�on

Act 1999, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra,


ktp/mar�ne-debr�s.html>, accessed February 08.

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D2 North Marine Region Protected Species Group Report Card – Bony Fish




The Reg�on supports a d�verse range of fish fauna,

�nhab�t�ng a large var�ety of hab�tats. Much of the

�nformat�on �n th�s report card �s drawn from the

publ�cat�on Conservation Overview and Action Plan for

Australian Threatened and Potentially Threatened Marine

and Estuarine Fishes (Pogonosk� et al. 2002). For further

�nformat�on please see <www.env�ronment.gov.au/

coasts/fisher�es/publ�cat�ons>.


No spec�es of bony fish found �n the Reg�on are l�sted

as threatened under the EPBC Act. All syngnath�ds

(seahorses, seadragons, p�pefish and p�pehorses) and

solenostom�ds (ghost p�pefish) �n Austral�a are protected

by l�st�ng as mar�ne spec�es under Sect�on 248 of the

EPBC Act. There are 21 spec�es of syngnath�ds that are

known to occur �n the Reg�on, w�th 34 spec�es that

occur �nfrequently or may occur �n the Reg�on (see

append�x C).

In 2002, all seahorses (the ent�re Hippocampus genus)

were l�sted under CITES Append�x II, wh�ch allows trade

of these spec�es under certa�n perm�tted cond�t�ons.

The EPBC Act controls �nternat�onal trade �n all w�ld

capture and aquar�um-ra�sed Austral�an syngnath�d and

solenostom�d spec�es (Department of the Env�ronment

and Her�tage 2003). It should be noted that most of the

spec�es names l�sted �n the CITES Red L�st do not agree

w�th those spec�es l�sted �n the recent ABRS Catalogue

of Austral�an fishes.

Ecology of protected spec�es �n the

North Mar�ne Reg�on

Syngnathids and Solenostomids (seahorses, seadragons, pipefish, pipehorses and ghost pipefish)

There �s a pauc�ty of knowledge on the d�str�but�on,

relat�ve abundance and hab�tats of spec�es of

syngnath�ds �n the Reg�on. However, at least one spec�es

of syngnath�d, the b�g-head seahorse (Hippocampus

grandiceps), �s l�kely to be endem�c to the Reg�on (Ku�ter,

2001; Pogonosk� et al. 2002). Syngnath�ds are a group

w�th d�verse character�st�cs, �nclud�ng some spec�es that

are apparently rare and local�sed (eg. b�g-head seahorse)

and other spec�es that are w�dely d�str�buted and very

common (e.g. Pac�fic short-bod�ed p�pefish). Many of

the p�pefish, seahorse and seadragon spec�es are found

�n near-shore coastal env�ronments such as seagrass beds

�n shallow bays, mangroves and coral and rocky reefs.

Some p�pehorses are found �n the deeper waters of the

cont�nental shelf.

Wh�le the taxonomy of th�s fam�ly �s contested,

Austral�an waters appear to support the largest number

of syngnath�d genera �n the world, and new spec�es have

been d�scovered �n recent years. Hab�tat that supports

syngnath�d populat�ons �s generally patchy, and hence

populat�ons of syngnath�d spec�es may be d�spersed

and fragmented. Some groups of syngnath�ds, notably

the seahorses, have part�cular m�crohab�tat preferences,

occupy�ng the edges of seagrasses, sand, or sand

hab�tats. Syngnath�ds feed �n the water column, on or

near the sea-floor. Most eat small �nvertebrates, such

as mys�ds �n the zooplankton, and small amph�pods. A

few spec�es also eat other �nvertebrates (for example,

shr�mps), and larval fish.

Some spec�es of p�pefish that l�ve �n coastal waters

have very h�gh populat�on dens�t�es and l�ve �n unstable

hab�tats, subject to damage from storms and dramat�c

changes �n temperature or sal�n�ty. As such, these spec�es

can qu�ckly colon�se even small patches of su�table

hab�tat. However, many syngnath�ds, part�cularly

seahorses, are vulnerable to over-explo�tat�on because of

the�r b�ology, wh�ch �s character�sed by:

• relat�vely low populat�on dens�t�es;

• low mob�l�ty and small home range s�zes;

• poss�bly low rates of natural mortal�ty �n adults;

• dependency of b�rth and surv�val of offspr�ng on

the surv�val of the males;

• monogamous breed�ng (hence a ‘w�dowed’ partner

may temporar�ly stop reproduc�ng unt�l another

mate �s found);

• small brood s�zes; and

• strong assoc�at�on w�th preferred hab�tats.

179


Important areas for protected bony fish


Important areas �n the Reg�on are �dent�fied for spec�es

that are l�sted as threatened or m�gratory under the

EPBC Act. No such s�tes have been �dent�fied for

syngnath�ds �n the Reg�on.



Commercial fishing and trade

Trade of seahorses �s heav�ly regulated �n Austral�a

under State, Northern Terr�tory, Commonwealth and

�nternat�onal law. L�cences are granted under CITES and

perm�ts are requ�red under the EPBC Act for the export

of w�ld capture and aquar�um-ra�sed spec�mens. The


the Arts �mplements CITES arrangements �n Austral�a,

and rel�es heav�ly on the Austral�an Customs Serv�ce to

�mplement syngnath�d trade controls at ports of ex�t

and entry.

Syngnath�ds are reta�ned both as target spec�es and

by-product �n State waters adjacent to the Reg�on.

Seahorses and p�pehorses are traded �n Austral�a and

�nternat�onally for trad�t�onal med�c�ne and for aquar�a.

Seahorses are currently exported for the aquar�um

trade from V�ctor�a, Queensland, South Austral�a,

Western Austral�a and the Northern Terr�tory. In the

Northern Terr�tory, however, syngnath�ds have not been

act�vely targeted by the Northern Terr�tory Aquar�um

F�shery s�nce 1997 (Department of the Env�ronment

and Her�tage 2005). The pall�d p�pefish (or p�pehorse)

(Solegnathus hardwickii) exported from Austral�a occurs

�n the Reg�on. All Hippocampus spec�es exported from

Austral�a occur under CITES prov�s�ons.

There are a number of syngnath�d spec�es that are also

caught as by-catch �n trawl fisher�es �n the Reg�on. These

�nclude r�bboned seadragon (Haliichthys taeniophorus),

pall�d p�pefish (Solegnathus hardwickii), all�gator p�pefish

(Solegnathus lettiensis) and the long-nosed p�pefish

(Trachyrhamphus longirostris) (Gr�ffiths et al. 2004).

The Conservation Overview and Action Plan for Australian


Fishes (Pogonosk� et al. 2002), �dent�fies over-harvest�ng

of w�ld spec�mens for the mar�ne aquar�um fish trade

and/or the trad�t�onal med�c�ne trades as the greatest

potent�al threat to some spec�es of syngnath�ds,

�nclud�ng two spec�es that occur �n the Reg�on: the

pall�d p�pefish (Solegnathus hardwickii) and the double-

ended p�pehorse (Syngnathoides biaculeatus).

Habitat degradation

The Conservation Overview and Action Plan for Australian


Fishes �dent�fies �nshore hab�tat degradat�on as a

potent�al threat to the surv�val of some populat�ons

of syngnath�d spec�es. Endem�c spec�es of l�m�ted

geograph�c range may be part�cularly suscept�ble to

hab�tat degradat�on, part�cularly those spec�es that

occur near urban�sed and �ndustr�al areas, or �n rural

areas where nearshore waters are subject to polluted

run-off.

Poaching

Conservat�on author�t�es and government agenc�es

around Austral�a have been concerned about the

potent�al �mpact of poach�ng on syngnath�d populat�ons,

espec�ally pr�or to the development of a syngnath�d

aquaculture �ndustry �n southern Austral�a. There are

no known records of poach�ng and �llegal collect�ng of

syngnath�ds �n the Reg�on.

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‘Coasts and Oceans’, �n Australia State of the Environment

2001, report by Newton, G. and Bosh�er, J. (Austral�an

State of the Env�ronment Comm�ttee), Commonwealth



Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

1999, Trade of Syngnathids and Solenostomids (Seahorses,

Seadragons, Pipehorses and Pipefish), Commonwealth of

Austral�a, Canberra.


Assessment of the Ecological Sustainability of the Management

Arrangements for the Northern Territory Aquarium Fishery,





<www.env�ronment.gov.au/sprat>, accessed February 08.

Gr�ffiths, S., Larson, H. and Courtney, T., (2004),

‘Trawl Bycatch Spec�es’ �n Nat�onal Oceans Office,





Ku�ter, R.H., 2001, ‘Rev�s�on of the Austral�an

Seahorses of the Genus Hippocampus (Syngnath�formes:

Syngnath�dae) w�th Descr�pt�ons of N�ne New Spec�es’,

Records of the Australian Museum, 53: 293–340.

Pogonosk�, J.J., Pollard, D.A. and Paxton, J.R., 2002,

Conservation Overview and Action Plan for Australian


Fishes, Env�ronment Austral�a, Canberra.

D3 North Marine Region Protected Species Group Report Card – Marine Turtles




Mar�ne turtles are rept�les, and as such have lungs and

must surface to breathe. Mar�ne turtles are typ�cally

assoc�ated w�th trop�cal seas; however, some spec�es

are also known to �nhab�t subtrop�cal and temperate

ocean�c waters. Much of the �nformat�on �n th�s report

card �s drawn from A Biological Review of Australian Marine

Turtles (L�mpus, �n press). A draft publ�cat�on conta�n�ng

�nformat�on on the �mportant areas for mar�ne turtles �n

the Northern Terr�tory �s currently under �nternal rev�ew

by The Northern Terr�tory Government Department of

Natural Resources, Env�ronment and the Arts and w�ll

soon be ava�lable for w�der c�rculat�on.

There are two fam�l�es of mar�ne turtles, Chelon��dae and

Dermochely�dae. F�ve spec�es from five genera (Caretta,

Chelonia, Eretmochelys, Lepidochelys and Natator) found

w�th�n the Reg�on are from the fam�ly Chelon��dae, w�th

one spec�es from one genus Dermochelys from the fam�ly

Dermochely�dae.


S�x of the seven spec�es of mar�ne turtle �n the world

are known to �nhab�t the Reg�on (table D II). All s�x

spec�es of mar�ne turtle are l�sted under the EPBC Act

as threatened, m�gratory and mar�ne spec�es. The Reg�on

supports globally s�gn�ficant breed�ng populat�ons of

green (Chelonia mydas), hawksb�ll (Eretmochelys imbricata)

and flatback (Natator depressus) turtles.

Hawksb�ll turtle. Photo: Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts.

181


Table D II Marine turtles listed as threatened or migratory under the EPBC Act that are known to occur in the North

Marine Region

Species Conservation status Australian Government conservation

plans or strategies for the species

Loggerhead turtle(Caretta caretta)

Endangered, M�gratory [also l�sted under CMS (Append�x II) and CITES (Append�x I)]

The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles (1993)

Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in Australia (2003)

Sustainable Harvest of Marine Turtle and Dugongs in Australia – National Partnership Approach (2005)

•

•

•

Green turtle(Chelonia mydas)

Vulnerable, M�gratory [also l�sted under CMS (Append�x I, II) and CITES (Append�x I)]

Leatherback turtle, leathery turtle(Dermochelys coriacea)


Flatback turtle(Natator depressus)

Vulnerable, M�gratory, [also l�sted under CMS (Append�x I, II) and CITES (Append�x I)]

Ol�ve r�dley, Pac�fic r�dley turtle(Lepidochelys olivacea)


Hawksb�ll turtle(Eretmochelys imbricata)

Vulnerable, M�gratory [also l�sted under CMS (Append�x I,II) and CITES (Append�x I)]



Marine turtles

Important breed�ng, nest�ng and feed�ng areas for

mar�ne turtles are found throughout and adjacent to

the Reg�on. The Indones�an Throughflow �nfluences

pelag�c d�spersal and transport of mar�ne turtles but the

exact �nfluence of th�s ocean current on the Reg�on �s

unknown (L�mpus, C., 2007, pers. comm.).

All spec�es of mar�ne turtle have s�m�lar l�fe cycles and

are suscept�ble to �mpacts because of the�r b�olog�cal

character�st�cs. All mar�ne turtle spec�es are long l�ved

and take many years, even decades, to reach sexual

matur�ty. Adult mar�ne turtles m�grate from feed�ng

hab�tats to the area of the�r b�rth to breed. Females lay

the�r eggs on sandy beaches and m�grate back to the�r

feed�ng areas after the nest�ng season. Each female lays

several clutches of eggs �n a nest�ng season but does

not necessar�ly nest every year. In any one year, only a

proport�on of the adult populat�on w�ll v�s�t a breed�ng

area.

Once the turtles hatch the hatchl�ngs scramble down

the beach to the sea. Although many are eaten by

predators before they even reach the sea, a large

proport�on reach open waters (beyond the three naut�cal

m�le coastal waters l�m�t) where they dr�ft and feed �n

ocean currents for some t�me. On reach�ng the juven�le

stage of the�r l�fe cycle, most turtles move to shallower

waters, where they beg�n to feed on benth�c organ�sms.

The leatherback turtle �s the except�on, as �t rema�ns

a pelag�c spec�es and cont�nues to feed on soft-bod�ed

an�mals.

As mar�ne turtles can m�grate thousands of k�lometres

between nest�ng beaches and feed�ng areas, reg�onal

and �nternat�onal cooperat�on �s necessary for the�r

conservat�on. To promote mar�ne turtle conservat�on

�n the Ind�an Ocean and South-East As�an reg�ons, the

Austral�an Government �s a s�gnatory to the Ind�an

Ocean South-East As�an Mar�ne Turtle Memorandum of

Understand�ng (IOSEA Mar�ne Turtle MoU) wh�ch was

establ�shed under the Convent�on on M�gratory Spec�es.

Informat�on about the IOSEA Mar�ne Turtle MoU �s

ava�lable at <www.�oseaturtles.org>.

Further �nformat�on about the ecology of the spec�es

known to occur �n the Reg�on �s prov�ded below.

Loggerhead turtle

Loggerhead turtles are found �n the Reg�on; however

ev�dence suggests that th�s spec�es does not breed �n

the Reg�on or �n coastal areas adjacent to the Reg�on.

Large �mmature and adult-s�zed loggerhead turtles from

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Leatherback turtle. Photo: C. Jenner.

eastern Austral�an populat�ons are known to forage

�n the eastern Arafura Sea, the Gulf of Carpentar�a

and the Torres Stra�t (L�mpus, �n press), and they have

been s�ghted �n Northern Terr�tory coastal waters from

Fog Bay to north-east Arnhem Land (Chatto 1998).

Loggerhead turtle populat�ons from Western Austral�a

are thought to m�grate to north-east Arnhem Land and

share forag�ng areas w�th eastern populat�ons of the

spec�es (L�mpus, �n press).

Loggerhead turtles enter benth�c forag�ng hab�tats at

a larger s�ze than other mar�ne turtles (other than the

leatherback). Adults and large juven�les w�th shell s�zes

of more than 70 cm �n length �nhab�t env�ronments

w�th both hard and soft substrates, �nclud�ng rocky

and coral reefs, muddy bays, sand flats, estuar�es and

seagrass meadows. Loggerheads are carn�vorous, feed�ng

pr�mar�ly on benth�c �nvertebrates �n nearshore waters

to depths of 55 m. In the�r juven�le stage, they feed on

algae, pelag�c crustaceans, and molluscs and have also

been recorded as �ngest�ng flotsam and anthropogen�c

debr�s.

Green turtle

The Reg�on supports at least two d�fferent genet�c

breed�ng stocks of green turtles (Gulf of Carpentar�a

and North Great Barr�er Reef) (L�mpus and Chatto 2004;

L�mpus, �n press). Prel�m�nary est�mates of numbers

of nest�ng green turtles �n eastern Arnhem Land alone

suggest that several thousand green turtles breed there

annually (L�mpus, �n press).

Post-hatchl�ng and juven�le green turtles w�th shell

s�zes up to 30 cm length are pelag�c, dr�ft�ng on the

surface of the water, and are usually assoc�ated w�th

dr�ftl�nes and float�ng Sargassum rafts. When the�r shells

are between 30–40 cm length, they move to shallow

benth�c forag�ng hab�tats such as coral and rocky reefs,

seagrass beds and algal mats, where they feed pr�mar�ly

on seagrass and algae. Green turtles also occur �n the

deeper waters of the Gulf of Carpentar�a (Po�ner and

Harr�s 1996; Rob�ns et al. 2002). Research undertaken by

the Dh�murru Land Management Abor�g�nal Corporat�on

�n Nhulunbuy, �n wh�ch turtles were fitted w�th satell�te

track�ng dev�ces, �nd�cate that most (and poss�bly all) of

the green turtles that nest �n north-east Arnhem Land

rema�n �n the Gulf to feed (Kennett et al. 1998).

Leatherback turtle

No major breed�ng s�tes of leatherback turtles have been

recorded �n Austral�a (L�mpus, �n press), however low

numbers of nest�ng females have been recorded around

Wreck Rock Beaches and Rules Beaches �n southern

Queensland and at Cobourg Pen�nsula �n north-west

Arnhem Land (L�mpus, �n press). Leatherback turtles

were s�ghted on the Queensland coast of the Gulf of

Carpentar�a �n 1997, w�th nest�ng tracks observed that

were poss�bly made by leatherbacks. Several large turtles,

poss�bly leatherbacks, were s�ghted aga�n �n th�s area �n

2007 (Marsh, H., 2007, pers. comm.). Leatherback turtles

are occas�onally observed on the cont�nental shelf �n the

Gulf of Carpentar�a and near Cobourg Pen�nsula. Larger

populat�ons have been observed �n temperate ocean�c

waters around Austral�a (L�mpus, �n press; Chatto 1998).

Reg�onally, New Gu�nea and Ir�an Jaya have s�gn�ficant

nest�ng populat�ons wh�le Java supports �solated nest�ng

on the southern shore (L�mpus 1997). It �s thought that

183


most leatherback turtles found �n Austral�an waters have

m�grated from nest�ng areas to Austral�a’s north to feed

�n temperate Austral�an waters (L�mpus 1995).

Leatherback turtles are the largest of all mar�ne turtles,

we�gh�ng up to 500 kg and w�th shells averag�ng 1.6 m

�n length (L�mpus et al. 1994). The�r large body s�ze,

h�gh metabol�sm, th�ck fatty t�ssue layer and ab�l�ty

to regulate blood flows allows them to use cold water

forag�ng areas (Department of the Env�ronment and

Water Resources 2007).

Th�s spec�es �s pr�mar�ly pelag�c �n both the juven�le and

adult phases of �ts l�fe h�story. Small juven�les seem to

‘d�sappear’ for several years but may concentrate around

upwell�ngs where food sources are abundant. Large

juven�les and adult turtles are found �n both pelag�c and

coastal waters from trop�cal to cold temperate areas.

Forag�ng occurs throughout the water column, from

close to the surface, to depths of more than 1200 m

(Gulko and Eckert 2004). Leatherback turtles are able

to d�ve comparat�vely deeply due to a flex�ble carapace

(top shell) and plastron (bottom shell) that are made

of cart�lage embedded w�th m�n�ature bones and wh�ch

res�st crack�ng under pressure, as well as the ab�l�ty

to reta�n large amounts of oxygen �n the�r blood and

muscles (Gulko and Eckert 2004).

Hawksbill turtle

There are two recogn�sed genet�c stocks of hawksb�ll

turtles �n Austral�a (Mor�tz et al. 2002; Dutton et al.

2002) and each of these stocks supports an annual

nest�ng populat�on of several thousand females. These

are two of the largest rema�n�ng nest�ng populat�ons of

hawksb�ll turtles �n the world (L�mpus and M�ller 2000).

The breed�ng stock found w�th�n the Reg�on at Arnhem

Land �s assoc�ated w�th the rooker�es of the Torres Stra�t

and the northern Great Barr�er Reef (L�mpus, �n press).

Austral�an stocks of hawksb�ll turtles are genet�cally

d�fferent from the stocks that breed �n ne�ghbour�ng

countr�es such as the Solomon Islands and Malays�a

(Mor�tz et al. 2002).

Hawksb�ll turtle post-hatchl�ngs are bel�eved to follow

an ocean�c, surface-water dwell�ng, pelag�c l�fe, although

the d�str�but�on and b�ology of th�s age class �s poorly

understood �n Austral�an waters (L�mpus, �n press).

Young turtles (w�th shell s�zes around 35 cm length)

settle �n feed�ng areas on the cont�nental shelf, forag�ng

w�th�n rocky and coral reefs, and pr�mar�ly feed�ng on

sponges and algae (Wh�t�ng 2000). They have also been

found, though less frequently, w�th�n seagrass hab�tats

of coastal waters, as well as the deeper hab�tats of trawl

fisher�es (Po�ner and Harr�s 1996; Rob�ns et al. 2002).

Recovery of fl�pper tags suggests that hawksb�ll turtles

are h�ghly m�gratory, as an�mals that were tagged �n

the northern Great Barr�er Reef have been recaptured

�n forag�ng areas �n the southern Gulf of Carpentar�a,

south-eastern Indones�a and southern Papua New Gu�nea

(L�mpus, �n press).

Flatback turtle

Flatback turtles are endem�c to the northern Austral�an–

southern New Gu�nea cont�nental shelf, w�th all

breed�ng occurr�ng on Austral�an beaches (L�mpus et

al. 1988). Flatback turtles d�ffer from other spec�es of

mar�ne turtle �n that post-hatchl�ngs do not go through

an ocean�c d�spersal but are bel�eved to follow a surface-

water dwell�ng, pelag�c l�fe over the cont�nental shelf

and rema�n w�th�n pelag�c hab�tats (Walker 1994; L�mpus

et al. 1994).

There are a substant�al number of med�um and h�gh

dens�ty nest�ng s�tes of flatback turtles along the

Northern Terr�tory coastl�ne (Chatto 1998), north-eastern

Gulf of Carpentar�a and western Torres Stra�t.

Flatback turtles forage over soft bottom hab�tats across

the northern Austral�an cont�nental shelf and as far

north as New Gu�nea and Indones�a (L�mpus, �n press).

Flatback turtles have been captured �n �nter-t�dal reg�ons

but are more commonly found �n depths up to 60 m

(Po�ner and Harr�s 1996). Post-hatchl�ng d�et ma�nly

cons�sts of macroplankton, gastropods, s�phonophores,

pelecypods and cuttlefish. Immature adults and adult

flatbacks eat ma�nly sea cucumbers, sea-pens, cuttlefish

and jellyfish (L�mpus, �n press).

Olive ridley turtle, Pacific ridley turtle

Ol�ve r�dley turtles are the most abundant mar�ne

turtle spec�es globally but one of the least abundant �n

Austral�an waters. Austral�an nest�ng populat�ons of ol�ve

r�dley turtles are recogn�sed as genet�cally d�fferent from

breeds �n Malays�a, Ind�a and the eastern Pac�fic (Bowen

et al. 1998; Dutton et al. 2002). There are two ma�n

nest�ng aggregat�ons adjacent to the Reg�on: north-

west Arnhem Land (�nclud�ng Melv�lle Island, Bathurst

Island, Cobourg Pen�nsula, McCluer Island group and

Grant Island), and north-east Arnhem Land (�nclud�ng

the Engl�sh Pellew Group, Wessel Islands and Crocod�le

Islands) (Chatto 1998; L�mpus and M�ller 2000; L�mpus,

�n press).

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Ol�ve r�dley turtle hatchl�ngs are among the smallest

mar�ne turtle hatchl�ngs �n Austral�a (L�mpus, �n press).

There �s currently no data on the d�str�but�on and d�et

of post-hatchl�ng ol�ve r�dley turtles �n the Austral�an

reg�on, but post-hatchl�ngs are thought to dr�ft �n

offshore cont�nental shelf and ocean�c surface waters,

feed�ng on plankton (Bolten 2003). Immature and adult

ol�ve r�dley turtles are carn�vorous, feed�ng pr�nc�pally

on gastropod molluscs and small crabs (L�mpus, �n press).

Austral�an populat�ons of ol�ve r�dley turtles spend

a substant�al part of the�r �mmature and adult l�ves

forag�ng over benth�c hab�tats of the cont�nental shelf.

Th�s �s �n contrast to the eastern Pac�fic Ocean ol�ve

r�dley turtle populat�ons that spend the�r ent�re post-

hatchl�ng, �mmature adult and adult phases occupy�ng

ocean�c pelag�c waters. Stud�es of m�grat�on behav�our

of adult ol�ve r�dley turtles �n the Northern Terr�tory

reveal that post-nest�ng, ol�ve r�dley turtles ut�l�se

var�ous forag�ng areas �nclud�ng coastal, cont�nental

shelf and cont�nental slope hab�tats and have been

recorded m�grat�ng up to 1050 km from nest�ng beaches

(Wh�t�ng et al. 2007). Ol�ve r�dley turtles nest�ng on the

same beach can use d�fferent forag�ng areas and are

often w�dely spread from nest�ng beaches (McMahon et

al. 2007, Wh�t�ng et al. 2007).

Important areas for mar�ne turtles �n

the North Mar�ne Reg�on

Important areas �n the Reg�on are �dent�fied for those

spec�es l�sted as threatened or m�gratory under the EPBC

Act. Mar�ne turtles nest on coastal beaches and �slands

adjacent to the Reg�on, and are known to feed w�th�n

the Reg�on as well as �n State and Northern Terr�tory

waters adjacent to the Reg�on. The areas that are known

to be �mportant for mar�ne turtles �nclude:

Joseph Bonaparte Gulf – a forag�ng area for ol�ve r�dley

turtles.

North-west Arnhem Land (including Cobourg Peninsula, Melville

and Bathurst Island) –nest�ng s�te for ol�ve r�dley and

flatback turtles. Ol�ve r�dley forag�ng area. Leatherback

nest�ng s�te at Cobourg Pen�nsula.

Wessel Islands – home to nest�ng populat�ons of ol�ve

r�dley and flatback turtles.

Groote Eylandt – th�s appears to be the most s�gn�ficant

area for hawksb�ll turtle nest�ng �n the Northern

Terr�tory.

Gulf of Carpentaria Blue Mud Bay to Mornington Island

– prom�nent forag�ng area for ol�ve r�dley, flatback and

green turtles.

Sir Edward Pellew Group – s�gn�ficant forag�ng area for

mar�ne turtles �nclud�ng green, hawksb�ll and flatback

turtles and s�ght�ngs of forag�ng loggerhead turtles.

Nest�ng s�tes for green, flatback and ol�ve r�dley turtles.

Wellesley Islands – �mportant nest�ng area for green and

flatback turtles and low numbers of ol�ve r�dley turtles.

The Bount�fuls, P�son�a and Rocky �slands make up one

of the four major green turtle rooker�es �n Austral�a, and

are one of only s�x s�gn�ficant breed�ng s�tes for flatback

turtles �n Austral�a. The coastal areas of the southern

Gulf of Carpentar�a are the only rema�n�ng s�tes �n

Austral�a where major �nter-t�dal bask�ng of �nter-nest�ng

green turtles st�ll occurs.

East coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria – forag�ng grounds for

flatback turtles.

Crab Island and adjacent islands in western Torres Strait – th�s

area supports the largest nest�ng aggregat�on of flatback

turtles �n Austral�a. It �s also a nest�ng area for hawksb�ll

turtles.

Flatback turtle hatchl�ng at F�eld Island (Kakadu Nat�onal Park). Photo: Scott La�dlaw, Department of the Env�ronment, Water, Her�tage and the Arts

185




Past commercial exploitation

L�ttle �s known generally of past commerc�al harvests of

mar�ne turtles �n the Reg�on although green turtles were

commerc�ally explo�ted �n Western Austral�a unt�l 1973

and �n Queensland unt�l 1968 (L�mpus, �n press). There

are no known records of large scale commerc�al harvest

of green turtles �n the Northern Terr�tory.

Indigenous harvest

Under Sect�on 211 of the Native Title Act 1993, Ind�genous

people w�th a nat�ve t�tle r�ght can leg�t�mately

hunt mar�ne turtles �n Austral�a for communal, non-

commerc�al purposes, subject to l�m�ted except�ons.

L�ttle �nformat�on �s currently ava�lable on levels of

Ind�genous harvest of mar�ne turtles �n the Northern

Terr�tory and Queensland waters of the Gulf of

Carpentar�a but they are bel�eved to be relat�vely low.

The Nat�onal Partnersh�p Approach for the susta�nable

harvest of turtle and dugong �s an �n�t�at�ve of the

Natural Resource Management M�n�ster�al Counc�l. The

partnersh�p �nvolves the Austral�an, Western Austral�an,

Northern Terr�tory and Queensland governments as

well as relevant Abor�g�nal and Torres Stra�t Islander

commun�t�es. The key object�ve of the partnersh�p �s

to better understand the exper�ences and asp�rat�ons of

Ind�genous commun�t�es �n relat�on to the susta�nable

management of mar�ne turtles and dugongs and to use

th�s to �nform pol�cy and programme development and

�mplementat�on by Austral�an governments.

Commercial fishery interactions

Mar�ne turtles are somet�mes caught acc�dentally �n

gear operated by commerc�al fisher�es �n Austral�an

waters, �nclud�ng trawl, longl�ne and pot fisher�es. In

general, there �s a low level of �mpact on mar�ne turtle

populat�ons by commerc�al fisher�es operat�ng �n the

Reg�on. Small numbers of mar�ne turtles are caught �n

trawl nets operated by the Northern Prawn F�shery,

though numbers have s�gn�ficantly decl�ned s�nce the

�ntroduct�on of turtle excluder dev�ces �n 2001. For

example, �n 1999, 780 turtles were caught and released

by the Northern Prawn F�shery, w�th 96 turtle deaths.

In 2006, follow�ng the �ntroduct�on of turtle excluder

dev�ces, 31 mar�ne turtles were caught and all released

al�ve.

Concern has been expressed about the potent�al �mpact

on mar�ne turtles of entanglement �n equ�pment used

�n pearl farm�ng and aquaculture. There �s no ev�dence

to suggest that aquaculture act�v�t�es are currently

affect�ng mar�ne turtles �n the Reg�on.

Light pollution

L�ght pollut�on has been �dent�fied as a factor that

�mpacts on the success of mar�ne turtle nest�ng

(Env�ronment Austral�a 2003). L�ght that attracts

hatchl�ngs or nest�ng mar�ne turtles at land or sea �s

l�kely to contr�bute to �ncreased mortal�ty (Env�ronment

Austral�a 2003).

In the Reg�on, l�ght�ng assoc�ated w�th aquaculture, o�l

and gas fac�l�t�es and coastal and �sland developments

may have the potent�al to d�sturb the nest�ng reg�mes

of mar�ne turtles. Adjacent to the Reg�on on the North

West Shelf, l�ght�ng from �ndustr�al complexes has

been shown to affect flatback, green and hawksb�ll

turtles (Env�ronment Austral�a 2003). In Western

Austral�a, prel�m�nary results of an �nvest�gat�on �nto

the �mpact of flares and fac�l�ty l�ght�ng suggest that

�mpacts are determ�ned by the phase of the moon, w�th

d�sor�entat�on greatest �n the new moon n�ghts. Another

factor �s the br�ghtness and wavelength of the l�ght

sources (Env�ronment Austral�a 2003).

Nest�ng beaches adjacent to the Reg�on are found

predom�nantly �n �solated areas where l�ght�ng

assoc�ated w�th aquaculture, and l�ght�ng and flares

assoc�ated w�th o�l and gas fac�l�t�es, are currently

unl�kely to be of concern.

Oil spills and operational discharges

In the Reg�on, pollut�on from sh�pp�ng and from o�l and

gas explorat�on may be a potent�al threat for mar�ne

turtles. The Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in Australia

�nd�cates that:

• weathered petroleum emanat�ng from heavy

crude o�l has been observed to seal the mouth and

nostr�ls of turtles;

• tar balls are known to be m�staken for food �tems

by mar�ne turtles; and

• one �nc�dent �n Austral�a of a mar�ne turtle be�ng

affected by weathered petroleum has been reported

(Env�ronment Austral�a 2003).

Management pract�ces have been adapted to m�n�m�se

the chance of th�s occurr�ng, and under the EPBC Act,

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petroleum operat�ons are assessed to ensure no adverse

effects on mar�ne turtles.

Sh�pp�ng d�scharge �s regulated by the International

Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 and

�ts 1978 Protocol (MARPOL). The National Plan to Combat

Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous

Substances (Austral�an Mar�t�me Safety Author�ty 1996)

�dent�fies the potent�al effects on w�ldl�fe, wh�ch would

�nclude turtles, and the operat�ons and procedures that

should be put �nto place �n the event of an o�l sp�ll

(Env�ronment Austral�a 2003).

Seismic activity

The response of mar�ne turtles to sound var�es

depend�ng on the frequency and �ntens�ty of the sound.

Under exper�mental cond�t�ons, mar�ne turtles have been

shown to be able to detect low frequency no�se and are

�nfluenced by �t. Green and loggerhead turtles have

shown behav�oural responses to tests on the effects

of a�r gun se�sm�c arrays used �n se�sm�c survey�ng

(McCauley et al. 2000). Overseas, se�sm�c test�ng and

explos�ve removals of platforms have been �dent�fied as

no�se sources that �mpact on mar�ne turtles, part�cularly

where se�sm�c surveys have occurred near mat�ng

grounds and nest�ng beaches dur�ng breed�ng season

(M�nerals Management Serv�ce 1997). In Austral�a, the

method of platform removal �s subject to the approval of

the des�gnated author�ty �n each jur�sd�ct�on, w�th the

author�ty mak�ng a judgement of the potent�al �mpact

on the env�ronment. Protect�ve measures to m�t�gate

the �mpact of se�sm�c test�ng on mar�ne turtles may also

be appl�ed under the EPBC Act.

Marine debris










death.

Mar�ne turtles are part�cularly vulnerable to float�ng

debr�s as some spec�es of mar�ne turtles are thought to

m�stake plast�c bags and other �tems for the�r jellyfish

prey, wh�le others, espec�ally hawksb�lls, eat encrust�ng

organ�sms that grow on float�ng plast�cs and nets,

and are l�kely to become ensnared when attempt�ng

to feed. A A monmon�tor�ng�tor�ng programme programme run run by by rangers rangers from from

the Dh�murru Land Management Abor�g�nal Corporat�on

�n Arnhem Land (Northern Terr�tory) s�nce 1996 has

recorded more than 360 hawksb�ll, ol�ve r�dley, flatback

and green turtles stranded along a short stretch of

coastl�ne (Roeger et al. 2005). AA mar�nemar�ne w�ldl�few�ldl�fe strand�ngstrand�ng

and mortal�ty database ma�nta�ned by the Queensland

Env�ronmental Protect�on Agency/Parks and W�ldl�fe

Serv�ce h�ghl�ghts that s�gn�ficant numbers of mar�ne

turtles are also �ngest�ng and becom�ng entangled �n

mar�ne debr�s �n Queensland waters (Greenland et al.

2004).


a threat abatement plan that a�ms to m�n�m�se





Other threats to marine turtles

Other threats to mar�ne turtles �n the Reg�on could

�nclude (Env�ronment Austral�a 2003):

• factors that reduce successful mar�ne turtle nest�ng

such as tour�sm and recreat�onal act�v�t�es, veh�cle

damage (part�cularly where there �s recreat�onal

four-wheel dr�ve beach access), and feral an�mal

predat�on on mar�ne turtle eggs;

• change �n land use pract�ces such as land clear�ng,

urban and �ndustr�al development and assoc�ated

�mpacts such as water qual�ty degradat�on, loss of

seagrass and other �mpacts on nest�ng hab�tats;

and

• tra�n�ng act�v�t�es undertaken by the Department of

Defence, such as the use of explos�ves and land�ng

craft on nest�ng beaches.

187



Austral�an Government, 2005, Sustainable Harvest

of Marine Turtles and Dugongs in Australia – a National

Partnership Approach, developed through the Natural

Resource Management M�n�ster�al Counc�l, Canberra.

Austral�an Mar�t�me Safety Author�ty, 1996, National

Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious

and Hazardous Substances, Austral�an Mar�t�me Safety

Author�ty, Canberra.

Bolten, A.B., 2003, ‘Var�at�on �n Sea Turtle L�fe H�story

Patterns: Ner�t�c vs Ocean�c Developmental Stages’, �n

Lutz, P.L., Muz�ck, J.A. and Wyneken, J. (eds.) The Biology

of Sea Turtles, Volume II , CRC Press Boca Raton, pp.243–

257.

Bowen, B.W., Clark, A.M., Abreu-Grobo�s, F.A.,

Chaves, A., Re�chart, H.A. and Ferl, R.J., 1998, ‘Global

Phylogeography of the R�dley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys

spp.) Inferred from M�tochondr�al DNA Sequence Data’,

Genetica, 101:179–189.

Chatto, R., 1998, ‘A Prel�m�nary Overv�ew of the

Locat�ons of Mar�ne Turtle Nest�ng �n the Northern

Terr�tory’, �n Kennett, R., Webb, A., Gu�nea, M. and H�ll,

G. (eds.), Marine Turtle Conservation and Management in

Northern Australia, Northern Terr�tory Un�vers�ty, Darw�n,

pp.33–40.

K�essl�ng, I.K., 2003, Finding Solutions: Derelict Fishing Gear

and Other Marine Debris in Northern Australia, Report for

the Nat�onal Oceans Office, Commonwealth of Austral�a,

Hobart.


2003, Harmful Marine Debris Key Threatening Processes

Information Sheet, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra,


publ�cat�ons/mar�ne-debr�s.html>, accessed May 07.


2006, Draft Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in Australia,



Issues Paper for the Draft Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in

Australia, Department of the Env�ronment and Her�tage,

Canberra.


and the Arts, 2008. Species Profile and Threats


<www.env�ronment.gov.au/sprat>, accessed

February 08.

Dutton, P., Broder�ck, D. and F�tzs�mmons, N., 2002,

‘Defin�ng Management Un�ts: Molecular Genet�cs’, �n

K�nan, I. (ed.), Proceedings of the Western Pacific Sea Turtle

Cooperative Research and Management Workshop, Western

Pac�fic Reg�onal F�shery Management Counc�l, Honolulu,

pp.93–101.

Env�ronment Austral�a, 2003, Recovery Plan for Marine

Turtles in Australia, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra.

Greenland, J., L�mpus, C. and Curr�e, K., 2004, Queensland

Marine Wildlife Stranding and Mortality Database Annual

Report 2001–2002: III Marine Turtles, Conservation Technical

and Data Report, Volume 2002, No. 3, Queensland

Env�ronment Protect�on Agency/ Parks and W�ldl�fe

Serv�ce.

Gulko, D. and Eckert, K., 2004, Sea Turtles: An Ecological

Guide, Mutual Publ�sh�ng, Korea.

Kennett, R., Munungurr�tj, N. and Yunup�ngu, D.,

1998, ‘M�grat�on Patterns of Mar�ne Turtles �n the Gulf

of Carpentar�a, Northern Austral�a: Impl�cat�ons for

Abor�g�nal Management’, Wildlife Research, 31(3):241–

248.

L�mpus, C.J., 1995, Conservation of Marine Turtles in

the Indo-Pacific Region. Queensland Department of

Env�ronment and Her�tage, Br�sbane.

L�mpus, C.J., 1997, ‘Mar�ne Turtle Populat�ons of

Southeast As�a and the Western Pac�fic Reg�on:

D�str�but�on and Status’, �n Noor, Y.R., Lub�s, I.R.,

Ounsted, R. Troeng, S., Abdullah, A. (eds.), Proceedings of

the Workshop on Marine Turtle Research and Management in

Indonesia, Jember, East Java, November 1996, Bogor, Wetlands

Internat�onal/ PHPA/ Env�ronment Austral�a, pp.37–72.

L�mpus, C.J., �n press, A Biological Review of Australian

Marine Turtles, Queensland Env�ronment Protect�on

Agency, Br�sbane, Austral�a.

L�mpus, C.J. and Chatto, R., 2004, ‘Mar�ne




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L�mpus, C.J., Fleay, A. and Gu�nea, M., 1984, ‘Sea turtles

of the Capr�corn�a Sect�on, Great Barr�er Reef’, Royal

Society of Queensland Symposim, pp.61–78.

L�mpus, C.J., Gyur�s, E. and M�ller, J.D., 1988,

‘Reassessment of the Taxonom�c Status of the Sea Turtle

Genus Natator McCulloch, 1908, w�th a Redescr�pt�on of

the Genus and Spec�es’, Transactions of the Royal Society of

South Australia, 112:1–9.

L�mpus, C.J. and M�ller, J.D., 2000, Australian Hawksbill

Turtle Population Dynamics Project. Final report, Queensland

Parks and W�ldl�fe Serv�ce, Br�sbane, Austral�a.

L�mpus, C.J., Walker, T.A. and West, J., 1994, ‘Post-

hatchl�ng Sea Turtle Spec�mens and Records from the

Austral�an Reg�on’, �n James, R, (comp�ler), Proceedings

of the Marine Turtle Conservation Workshop, Seaworld Nara

Resort, Gold Coast, 14–17 November, Austral�an Nat�onal

Parks Serv�ce, Canberra, Austral�a, pp.95–100.

McMahon, C.R., Bradshaw, C.J.A. and Hays, G.C., 2007,

‘Satell�te Track�ng Reveals Unusual D�v�ng Character�st�cs

for a Mar�ne Rept�le, the Ol�ve R�dley (Lepidochelys

olivacea)’, Marine Ecology Progress Series, 329:239–252.

M�nerals Management Serv�ce (Gulf of Mex�co OCS

Reg�on), 1997, Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales 171,

174, 177, and 180, Western Planning Area, Draft Environmental

Impact Statement, US Department of the Inter�or, New

Orleans, October 1997.

Mor�tz, C., Broder�ck, D., Dethmers, K., F�tzS�mmons,

N. and L�mpus, C., 2002, Population Genetics of Southeast

Asian and Western Pacific Green Turtles, Chelon�a mydas,

Unpubl�shed Report to Un�ted Nat�ons Env�ronment

Programme/CMS, Bonn, Germany.

Po�ner, I.R. and Harr�s, A.N.M., 1996, ‘Inc�dental Capture,

D�rect Mortal�ty and Delayed Mortal�ty of Sea Turtles

�n Austral�a’s Northern Prawn F�shery’, Marine Biology,

125:813–825.

Rob�ns, C.M., Goodspeed, A.M., Po�ner, I.R. and Harch,

B.D., 2002, Monitoring the Catch of Turtles in the Northern

Prawn Fishery, F�sher�es Research and Development

Corporat�on, Canberra, Austral�a.

Roeger, S., Mununjgurr, M. and W�se, P., 2005,

Entanglement of Miyapunu (Marine Turtles) in Ghost Netting:

Northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia, report

to Alcan Gove Pty Ltd, World W�de Fund for Nature

Austral�a, Humane Soc�ety Internat�onal, Northern

Land Counc�l, Dh�murru Land Management Abor�g�nal

Corporat�on, Northern Terr�tory, <www.dh�murru.com.

au/news.html>, accessed February 08.

Stobutzk�, I. and McLoughl�n, K.,2007, ‘Northern Prawn

F�shery’, �n Larcombe, J. and McLoughl�n, K. (eds.) Fishery

Status Reports 2006: Status of Fish Stocks Managed by the

Australian Government, Bureau of Rural Sc�ences, Canberra,

pp.35–48.

Walker, T.A., 1994, ‘Post-hatchl�ng D�spersal of Sea

Turtles’, �n. James, R. (comp�ler). Proceedings of the Marine

Turtle Conservation Workshop, Seaworld Nara Resort, Gold

Coast, 14–17 November, Austral�an Nat�onal Parks Serv�ce,

Canberra, Austral�a, pp.79–94.

Wh�t�ng, S.D., 2000, The Ecology of Immature Green and

Hawksbill Turtles Foraging on Two Reef Systems in North-

Western Australia, Unpubl�shed PhD thes�s, Northern

Terr�tory Un�vers�ty, Darw�n.

Wh�t�ng, S.D., Long, J.L. and Coyne, M., 2007, ‘M�grat�on

Routes and Forag�ng Behav�our of Ol�ve R�dley Turtles

Lepidochelys olivacea �n Northern Austral�a, Endangered

Species Research, 3:1–9.

189


D4 North Marine Region Protected Species Group Report Card – Seasnakes




Seasnakes are rept�les, and as such have lungs and must

surface to breathe. Most spec�es of seasnakes have

trop�cal and subtrop�cal d�str�but�on. Few seasnakes

�nhab�t ocean�c waters and most spec�es l�ve �n shallower

waters around reefs and �nshore env�ronments. Of the

35 spec�es of seasnake (�nclud�ng sea kra�ts) known to

�nhab�t Austral�an waters, 19 spec�es are found �n the

Reg�on w�th n�ne spec�es cons�dered as vagrants or that

may occur �n the Reg�on.

There are two fam�l�es of seasnakes: Hydroph��nae,

wh�ch are aquat�c spec�es that never leave the water,

and Lat�caud�nae, wh�ch are amph�b�ous spec�es that can

l�ve on land and �n water.

Spec�es of note �n the Reg�on �nclude:

ol�ve-headed seasnake (Disteira major), wh�ch

�s w�dely d�str�buted �n the trop�cal waters of

northern Austral�a and moves southward along the

western and eastern Austral�an coasts dur�ng the

•

wet season. Th�s spec�es has been found �n sandy

and muddy hab�tats �n water depths between

3–10 m, as well as �n deeper trawled areas of the

Northern Prawn F�shery;

ornate seasnake (Hydrophis ornatus), wh�ch occurs �n

trop�cal northern Western Austral�a, the Northern

Terr�tory and northern Queensland. Th�s spec�es

somet�mes occurs further south �n the wet season

(December–March), extend�ng �ts range as far as

Tasman�a (Cogger 2000). The ornate seasnake

occurs �n a var�ety of hab�tats, �nclud�ng clear

water near coral reefs and turb�d (muddy) water �n

estuar�es (Cogger 2000); and

elegant seasnake (Hydrophis elegans), wh�ch �s

w�despread �n trop�cal Austral�a, occurr�ng �n

Queensland, Western Austral�a and the Northern

Terr�tory (Dell and Fry 2003). The d�str�but�on of

th�s spec�es extends from Shark Bay �n Western

Austral�a Papua New Gu�nea and Moreton Bay

�n Queensland (Cogger 2000; Storr et al. 2002).

The elegant seasnake uses a var�ety of mar�ne and

estuar�ne hab�tats, from sandy substrates �n less

than 2 m of water, to depths of approx�mately 80 m

(L�mpus 1975). It �s one of two spec�es of seasnake

�n northern Austral�a that are most l�kely to occur

�n areas of soft sed�ment where prawn trawl�ng

occurs (M�lton 2001).

•

•

Ol�ve seasnake. Photo: Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne Park Author�ty.

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Spec�es w�th trop�cal and subtrop�cal d�str�but�on that

m�ght occur as vagrants or are not res�dent �n the

Reg�on �nclude:

• leaf-scaled seasnake (Aipysurus foliosquama)

• turtle-headed seasnake (Emydocephalus annulatus)

• yellow-l�pped sea kra�t (Laticauda colubrina)

• large-scaled sea kra�t (Laticauda laticaudata)


All seasnakes are l�sted under Sect�on 248 of the EPBC

Act and are protected as l�sted mar�ne spec�es. No

spec�es of seasnake has been l�sted as threatened or

m�gratory under the EPBC Act.



Seasnakes

Seasnakes occupy d�verse hab�tats �nclud�ng coral reefs,

turb�d water hab�tats, and deeper waters (Gu�nea et al.

2004). The d�str�but�on of seasnakes �s �nfluenced by

t�me of day as well as seasonal factors assoc�ated w�th

mat�ng or breed�ng aggregat�ons of grav�d females. The

presence of seasnakes as by-catch var�es w�th local�ty,

depth, season and prev�ous trawl h�story of the area

(Ward 2000). The major�ty of the �nformat�on about the

locat�on of seasnakes �n the Reg�on has been obta�ned

from trawl by-catch logs.

Seasnakes exh�b�t spec�al�sat�on for the�r aquat�c

env�ronment, w�th a paddle-l�ke ta�l, dorsally pos�t�oned

nostr�ls each w�th a valve, fangs at the front of the

mouth, salt-regulat�ng glands, and a s�ngle lung that

extends nearly the full length of the body (Dunson 1975).

Most seasnakes feed on eels, fish and/or the�r eggs. In

the Reg�on, only the yellow-bell�ed seasnake (Pelamis

platurus) has the ab�l�ty to capture fish �n open water.

Other seasnake spec�es found �n the Reg�on corner the�r

prey �n burrows or crev�ces (Kropach 1975; Jayne et al.

1988).

Important areas for seasnakes �n the


None known (data defic�ent).



Commercial fisheries

In the Reg�on, seasnakes are caught acc�dentally �n the

trawl nets of the Northern Prawn F�shery. The most

common seasnakes �n commerc�al trawl by-catch �nclude

the elegant seasnake, the ol�ve-headed seasnake and

the ornate seasnake. Up to half of the seasnakes that

are caught as by-catch d�e (Wassenberg et al. 1994).

S�gn�ficant reduct�ons �n seasnake by-catch have

occurred s�nce the �ntroduct�on of by-catch reduct�on

dev�ces (Brewer et al. 1998).

Trade

Seasnake-sk�n goods are sold w�dely �n northern

Austral�a. There are currently no commerc�al export

perm�ts for Austral�an seasnakes �ssued by the Austral�an

Government.

Other interactions/threats

Seasnakes have been found �n derel�ct fish�ng nets �n

northern Austral�a. Hav�ng a tendency to frequent sl�cks

and dr�ft l�nes at sea, the yellow-bell�ed seasnake may be

vulnerable to o�l sp�lls.


Brewer, D., Rawl�nson, N., Eayrs, S. and Burr�dge, C.,

1998, ‘An Assessment of Bycatch Reduct�on Dev�ces �n a

Trop�cal Austral�an Prawn Trawl F�shery’, Fisheries Research,

36:195–215.

Cogger, H.G., 2000, Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia,

Reed New Holland, Sydney, Austral�a.

Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadl�er, R.A. and Eggler, P.,

1993, The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles, Commonwealth

of Austral�a, Canberra, <www.env�ronment.gov.au/

b�od�vers�ty/threatened/act�on/rept�les>, accessed

May 07.

Dell, Q. and Fry, G., 2003, Final Report on the Collection of

Seasnakes (Family Hydrophiidae) from the Joseph Bonaparte

Gulf under Department of the Environment and Heritage Permit

No: M2003/0009, CSIRO.

Dunson, W.A., 1975, ‘Adaptat�ons of Seasnakes’, �n

Dunson, W.A. (ed.), The Biology of Seasnakes, Un�vers�ty

Park Press. Balt�more, USA, pp.3–19.

191


Gu�nea, M.L., L�mpus, C.J. and Wh�t�ng, S.D.,

2004, ‘Mar�ne Snakes’, Nat�onal Oceans Office,





Jayne, B.C., Vor�s, H.K. and Heang, K.B., 1988, ‘D�et,

Feed�ng Behav�our Growth and Numbers of a Populat�on

of Cerberus rynchops (Serpentes: Homalops�nae) �n

Malays�a’, Fieldiana Zoology New Series, 50:1–15.

Kropach, C., 1975, ‘The Yellow-bell�ed Seasnake, Pelamis,

�n the Eastern Pac�fic’, �n Dunson, W.A. (ed.), The Biology

of Seasnakes, Un�vers�ty Park Press, Balt�more, USA,

pp.185–213.

L�mpus, C.J., 1975, ‘Coastal Seasnakes of Subtrop�cal

Queensland Waters (23˚ to 28˚ south lat�tude)’, �n

Dunson, W.A. (ed.), The Biology of Seasnakes, Un�vers�ty

Park Press, Balt�more, USA, pp.173–182.

M�lton, D.A., 2001, ‘Assess�ng the Suscept�b�l�ty to

F�sh�ng Populat�ons of Rare Trawl By-catch: Seasnakes

Caught by Austral�a’s Northern Prawn F�shery’, Biological

Conservation, 101:281–290.

Storr, G.M., Sm�th, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E., 2002, Snakes

of Western Australia, Western Austral�an Museum, p.309.

Ward, T.M., 2000, ‘Factors Affect�ng the Catch and

Relat�ve Abundance of Seasnakes �n the By-catch of

Trawlers Target�ng T�ger and Endeavour Prawns on the

Northern Austral�an Cont�nental Shelf’, Australian Journal

of Marine and Freshwater Research, 51:155–164.

Wassenberg, T.J., Sal�n�, J.P., Heatwole, H. and Kerr, J.D.,

1994, ‘Inc�dental Capture of Seasnakes (Hydroph��dae)

by Prawn Trawlers �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a, Austral�a’,

Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research,

45:429–43.

D5 North Marine Region Protected Species Group Report Card – Crocodiles




The saltwater (or estuar�ne) crocod�le (Crocodylus porosus)

belongs to the fam�ly Crocodyl�dae. It has a trop�cal

d�str�but�on that extends to the north coast of Austral�a,

where crocod�les �nhab�t coastal waters, estuar�es and

freshwater lakes, �nland swamps and marshes (Webb et

al. 1987).


The saltwater crocod�le �s l�sted under Sect�on 248 of

the EPBC Act and �s protected as a l�sted m�gratory and

mar�ne spec�es. The saltwater crocod�le �s also l�sted on

Append�x I of CITES �n all countr�es other than Austral�a,

Papua New Gu�nea and Indones�a, where �t �s l�sted

on Append�x II (Ross 1998). The Austral�an populat�on

of Crocodylus porosus was transferred to Append�x II

�n 1985 follow�ng a proposal (Webb et al. 1984) to

pursue susta�nable use through ranch�ng, wh�ch a�ms

to save w�ld populat�ons and the�r hab�tat by plac�ng

a commerc�al value on w�ld stocks (Webb and Vardon

1996). In 1994 the Austral�an populat�on was g�ven an

unqual�fied Append�x II l�st�ng under CITES to allow the

�ncent�ve-dr�ven conservat�on programme to extend

beyond ranch�ng to l�m�ted w�ld harvest.

Saltwater crocod�le. Photo: Robert Thorn, Department of the Env�ronment, Her�tage, Water and the Arts.

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Saltwater crocodiles

Saltwater crocod�le spec�es range from Rockhampton

�n Queensland (M�ller 1993; Tapl�n 1987) across the

coastal areas of the Northern Terr�tory (McNamara and

Wyre 1993; Webb et al. 1987) to K�ng Sound �n Western

Austral�a (Burb�dge 1987; McNamara and Wyre 1993).

Harvest�ng of crocod�les was common across northern

Austral�a from the 1940s and caused drast�c decl�nes

�n the w�ld populat�ons, prompt�ng protect�on of the

spec�es �n the early 1970s, by wh�ch t�me less than five

per cent of the or�g�nal populat�on rema�ned. By 1984,

the Northern Terr�tory populat�on of saltwater crocod�les

had �ncreased to 30–40 per cent of pre-harvest

levels (Webb et al. 1984) and by 2000 was cons�dered

completely recovered (Webb et al. 2000). S�nce the�r

protect�on, numbers of saltwater crocod�les have grown

substant�ally across northern Austral�a, and they now

occur far �nland, �n areas where they have not been

known to occur �n l�v�ng memory.

Saltwater crocod�les mostly occur �n t�dal r�vers, coastal

floodpla�ns and channels, b�llabongs and swamps up to

150 km �nland from the coast, as well as far out to sea

(Webb et al. 1983a; Webb et al. 1987).

Stud�es have shown that saltwater crocod�les are

opportun�st�c feeders us�ng act�ve hunt�ng or a s�t-and-

wa�t strategy (Cooper and Jenk�ns 1993). Immature

saltwater crocod�les (under 180 cm total length) eat

crustaceans, �nsects, l�zards, snakes, fish, b�rds and

mammals, though the�r d�et var�es between seasons and

depends on the body s�ze of the crocod�le (Taylor 1979).

Larger crocod�les (over 2 m �n length) prey mostly mud

crabs, b�rds, sea turtles, fish, fly�ng foxes, d�ngoes, cats,

dogs, p�gs, buffalo, cattle, horses and humans (Webb and

Manol�s 1989). Rocks and stones �ngested by crocod�les

may funct�on as gastrol�ths and a�d d�gest�on, as well

as serv�ng other funct�ons such as ballast (Webb and

Manol�s 1989).

In the Northern Terr�tory, nest�ng of saltwater crocod�les

occurs dur�ng the wet season (December–March), w�th

a peak �n January and February. Courtsh�p occurs four

to s�x weeks before nest�ng and cont�nues through the

nest�ng per�od (Webb et al. 1987). Large males control a

terr�tory through aggress�on and s�gnall�ng, and fert�l�se

most reproduct�vely act�ve females w�th�n the�r range.

Dur�ng court�ng, the females approach the males and an

elaborate courtsh�p of sw�mm�ng together, body contact

and rubb�ng follows (Gr�gg and Gans 1993).

Important areas for saltwater crocod�les


Important s�tes for saltwater crocod�les �n or adjacent to

the Reg�on �nclude:

Kakadu and adjoining rivers – �mportant area for crocod�le

populat�ons and hab�tat d�vers�ty.

Southern Gulf of Carpentaria on the Norman and Bynoe Rivers

– product�ve recru�t�ng reg�on.

Between Aurukun and Port Musgrave – product�ve recru�t�ng

reg�on �n Queensland waters.

Port Musgrave north to Bamaga – product�ve recru�t�ng

reg�on �n Queensland waters.

Known �nteract�ons and threats

In Austral�a, threats to the saltwater crocod�le �nclude

�nc�dental mortal�ty �n fish�ng nets and hab�tat

destruct�on (Tapl�n 1987). In Arnhem Land, buffalos

destroy crocod�le nest�ng wetland hab�tat by trampl�ng,

thereby �ncreas�ng dra�nage and reduc�ng vegetat�on

(Webb et al. 1984; 1987).


Burb�dge, A.A., 1987, ‘The Management of Crocod�les �n

Western Austral�a’, Wildlife Management: Crocodiles and

Alligators, pp.125-127.

Cooper, P.H. and Jenk�ns, R.W.G, 1993, ‘Natural H�story of

the Crocodylia �n Fauna of Austral�a’, Volume 2A, Amphibia

and Reptilia, pp.337–349.

Department of Env�ronment and Her�tage, 2004,

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and Freshwater

Crocodile (Crocodylus johnston�) Management Plan for

Western Australia, 2004–2008, Commonwealth of Austral�a,

Canberra.

Gr�gg, G. and Gans, C. 1993, ‘Morphology and Phys�ology

of the Crocodylia �n Fauna of Austral�a’, Volume 2A,

Amphibia and Reptilia, pp.326–343.

193


McNamara, K.J. and Wyre, G.J., 1993, ‘The Conservat�on,

Management and Farm�ng of Crocod�les �n Western

Austral�a’, �n Crocodiles, Proceedings of the 2nd Regional

Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group, pp.435–450.

M�ller, J.D., 1993, ‘Crocod�les �n Queensland: A Br�ef

Overv�ew’, �n Crocodiles, Proceedings of the 2nd Regional

Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group, pp.272–289.

Ross, J.P., 1998, Crocodiles: Status Survey and Conservation

Action Plan; Second Ed�t�on.

Tapl�n, L.E., 1987, ‘The Management of Crocod�les �n

Queensland, Austral�a’, Wildlife Management: Crocodiles and

Alligators, pp.129–140.

Taylor, J.A., 1979, ‘The Foods and Feed�ng Hab�ts of

Subadult Crocodylus porosus Schne�der �n Northern

Austral�a’, Australian Wildlife Research, 6: 347–359.

Webb, G. and Manol�s, S.C., 1989, Crocodiles of Australia,

p.160.

Webb, G., Manol�s, S., Wh�tehead, P. and Letts, G., 1984,

A Proposal for the Transfer of the Australian Population of

Crocodylus porosus Schneider (1801) from Appendix I to

Appendix II of CITES, p.82.

Webb, G.J.W., Br�tton, A.R.C., Manol�s, S.C., Ottley, B.

and St�rrat, S., 2000, ‘The Recovery of Crocodylus porosus

�n the Northern Terr�tory of Austral�a: 1971–1998’, �n

Crocodiles, proceedings of the 15th Working Meeting of the

IUCN–SSC Crocodile Specialist Group, Varadero, Cuba, 17–20

January 2000, IUCN: Gland, Sw�tzerland, pp.196–235.

Webb, G.J.W., Sack, G.C., Buckworth, R. and Manol�s,

S.C. 1983a, ‘An Exam�nat�on of Crocodylus porosus Nests

�n Two Northern Austral�a Freshwater Swamps, w�th an

Analys�s of Embryo Mortal�ty’, Australian Wildlife Research,

10: 571–605.

Webb, G.J.W., Buckworth, R. and Manol�s, S.C., 1983b,

‘Crocodylus johnstoni �n the McK�nlay R�ver area, Northern

Terr�tory III Growth, Movement and the Populat�on Age

Structure’, Australian Wildlife Research, 10:383–401.

Webb, G.J.W., Wh�tehead, P.J. and Manol�s, S.C., 1987,

‘Crocod�le Management �n the Northern Terr�tory of

Austral�a’, Wildlife Management: Crocodiles and Alligators

pp.107–124.

Webb, G.J.W. and Vardon, M.J., 1996, ‘Conservat�on

Through Susta�nable Use: a D�scuss�on of Concepts and

Gu�del�nes for Use’, �n Proceedings of the First International

Conference on Eastern Indonesian–Australian Vertebrate Fauna.

Manado, Indones�a, November 22–26, pp.83–87.

Webb, G.J.W., Br�tton, A.R.C., Manol�s, S.C., Ottley, B.

and St�rrat, S., 2000, ‘The Recovery of Crocodylus porosus

�n the Northern Terr�tory of Austral�a: 1971–1998’, �n

Proceedings 15th Working Meeting of the IUCN–SSC Crocodile

Specialist Group, Varadero, Cuba 17–20 January 2000,

IUCN: Gland, Sw�tzerland, pp.196–235.

Western Austral�an Museum (Department of Terrestr�al

Vertebrates), 2001, Assessment of Vertebrate Fauna of the

Yampi Sound Defense Training Area (YSTA), Derby, Western

Austral�a.

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D6 North Marine Region Protected Species Group Report Card – Birds




The northern coastl�ne of Austral�a �s extremely

�mportant for many groups of aquat�c b�rds. Seab�rds

feed pr�mar�ly �n mar�ne waters, wh�ch they reach by

fly�ng or sw�mm�ng. Pelag�c spec�es such as boob�es,

fr�gateb�rds and shearwaters range w�dely over the

shelf and open ocean, wh�le other seab�rds, �nclud�ng

most terns, gulls and nodd�es, prefer coastal and

�nshore waters. The waters of the North Mar�ne Reg�on

support large populat�ons of seab�rds, predom�nantly

tern spec�es. Offshore �slands adjacent to the Reg�on

host �nternat�onally and nat�onally s�gn�ficant colon�al

breed�ng s�tes for s�gn�ficant numbers of colon�ally

nest�ng terns, �n part�cular the crested tern, br�dled

tern, roseate tern and black-naped tern (Chatto 2001).

Ind�v�dual breed�ng colon�es may conta�n more than

60 000 adult seab�rds of one to five spec�es (Chatto

2001).

Shoreb�rds (or wad�ng b�rds) are mostly m�gratory b�rds,

many of wh�ch breed �n the Northern Hem�sphere. They

fly over the waters of the North Mar�ne Reg�on dur�ng

m�grat�on but spend the major�ty of the�r t�me close to

the shore, wad�ng or feed�ng �n shallow coastal waters,

along sandy or rocky shorel�nes or on mudflats. Spec�es

that are m�gratory to northern Austral�a �nclude knots,

godw�ts, curlews, tattlers, sandp�pers, st�nts, plovers and

sand plovers. A small number of shoreb�rds, �nclud�ng

dotterels, some plovers, th�ck-knees and oystercatchers,

are not �nternat�onal m�grants, and breed on coastal

lands adjacent to the Reg�on.

There are several spec�es of m�gratory shoreb�rd for

wh�ch northern Austral�a represents the most s�gn�ficant

proport�on of the Austral�an populat�on, �nclud�ng the

l�ttle curlew, bar-ta�led godw�t, black-ta�led godw�t,

greater sand plover, lesser sand plover and red-necked

st�nt (Chatto 2003a). The great knot �s the most

abundant shoreb�rd spec�es recorded around the coast

of northern Austral�a. At �ts peak, the populat�on of

great knots along the Northern Terr�tory coastl�ne

alone exceeded 120 000 b�rds (Chatto 2003a). There

are numerous coastal s�tes �n the Northern Terr�tory

and southern Gulf of Carpentar�a that support feed�ng

and roost�ng groups of more than 10 000 m�gratory

shoreb�rds at each s�te. The route taken by these b�rds,

the East As�an-Australas�an Flyway, �s cons�dered to

be one of the most threatened of the world’s flyways.

The East As�an-Australas�an Flyway stretches over 20

countr�es from w�th�n the Arct�c C�rcle �n S�ber�a and

western Alaska, through North and South-East As�a to

Austral�a and New Zealand. The route conta�ns many

thousands of wetlands, wh�ch together prov�de a cr�t�cal

cha�n of feed�ng and rest�ng spots for shoreb�rds as they

m�grate.

‘Waterb�rds’, for the purposes of th�s report, �nclude

ducks, geese, cormorants, egrets, herons, �b�s, pel�cans

and a number of terns that generally do not m�grate but

are res�dent �n northern Austral�a. Waterb�rds forage �n

wetlands and coastal waters, and may occas�onally feed

�n offshore waters. The �slands, beaches and wetlands

of the northern Austral�an coastl�ne adjacent to the

North Mar�ne Reg�on prov�de �mportant roost�ng and

breed�ng areas for large numbers of many d�fferent

spec�es of waterb�rds. Chatto (2006) documented 31

reg�onally or nat�onally s�gn�ficant wetland feed�ng

and roost�ng areas, and over 50 reg�onally or nat�onally

s�gn�ficant colon�al breed�ng s�tes for waterb�rds �n the

Northern Terr�tory. At least 22 of the s�gn�ficant wetland

areas would qual�fy as �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant s�tes

(e.g. those l�sted under the Convention on Wetlands of

International Importance (Ramsar Convent�on) 1971), based

on the numbers of waterb�rds that aggregate �n the

area. Some of the largest waterb�rd breed�ng colon�es �n

Austral�a, w�th 10 000–20 000 b�rds regularly breed�ng,

occur �n the Van D�emen Gulf and between Anson and

Fog Bays on the west coast of the Northern Terr�tory

(Chatto 2006).

Wh�le there are at least 50 shoreb�rd spec�es, more than

50 waterb�rd spec�es and around 25 seab�rd spec�es that

res�de �n or are m�gratory v�s�tors to northern Austral�a,

th�s report card focuses on the protected spec�es that

are known to occur �n the Commonwealth waters of the

Reg�on. Several other protected coastal b�rds that are

not cons�dered to be aquat�c b�rds but wh�ch regularly

m�grate across, fly over or occas�onally feed �n offshore

waters, for example, wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle and ra�nbow

bee-eater, have also been �ncluded �n append�ces C and D.

An overv�ew of the b�rd spec�es of the Reg�on can

be found �n chapters 5 and 6 of the Nat�onal Oceans

Office (2004) report, Description of Key Species Groups in

the Northern Planning Area (Chatto et al. 2004a; 2004b).

These chapters and the Chatto (2000; 2001; 2003a;

195


2003b; 2006) reports have been used as the bas�s for

th�s Protected Spec�es Group Report Card. Append�x C

prov�des more spec�fic �nformat�on on those spec�es

protected under the EPBC Act that are known to occur �n

the Reg�on, and l�sts the spec�es that may infrequently

occur �n the Reg�on.


None of the 53 protected mar�ne b�rds known to occur

�n the North Mar�ne Reg�on are threatened. However, 41

of these spec�es are protected as m�gratory spec�es under

the EPBC Act (table D III). There �s one threatened b�rd

spec�es that may �nfrequently occur �n the Reg�on; the

Austral�an pa�nted sn�pe, wh�ch �s l�sted as vulnerable

as well as m�gratory under the EPBC Act. Austral�a �s

a s�gnatory to four �nternat�onal agreements for the

conservat�on of m�gratory b�rds. These agreements are:

the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and

Petrels (ACAP), a mult�lateral agreement that seeks

to conserve albatrosses and petrels by coord�nat�ng

�nternat�onal act�v�ty to m�t�gate known threats

to albatross and petrel populat�ons. ACAP has been

developed under the ausp�ces of the Convention on

the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

(CMS);

the Agreement for the Protection of Migratory Birds and


and the Government of Japan 1974 (JAMBA);

the Agreement for the Protection of Migratory Birds and


and the People’s Republic of China 1986 (CAMBA); and


and the Government of the Republic of Korea on the

Protection of Migratory Birds, 2007 (ROKAMBA).

•

•

•

•

Table D III Bird species listed as threatened or migratory under the EPBC Act that are known to occur in the North Marine

Region

Species Conservation status Australian Government conservation plans or strategies for the species

Common sandp�per (Actitis hypoleucos)


The Action Plan for Australian Birds (2000)

Threat Abatement Plan for the Incidental Catch (or By-catch) of Seabirds During Oceanic Longline Fishing Operations (1998)

Threat Abatement Plan for the Incidental Catch (or By-catch) of Seabirds During Oceanic Longline Fishing Operations (2006)

The Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Shorebirds 2006

•

•

•

•

Common noddy, brown noddy (Anous stolidus)


Great egret, wh�te egret(Ardea alba)


Ruddy turnstone(Arenaria interpres)


Sharp-ta�led sandp�per(Calidris acuminata)


Sanderl�ng(Calidris alba)


Red knot(Calidris canutus)


Curlew sandp�per(Calidris ferruginea)


Pectoral sandp�per(Calidris melanotos)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under JAMBA, ROKAMBA and CMS (Append�x II)]

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Red-necked st�nt(Calidris ruficollis)


Great knot(Calidris tenuirostris)


Streaked shearwater (Calonectris leucomelas)


Greater sand plover, large sand plover(Charadrius leschenaultii)


Lesser sand plover, Mongol�an plover(Charadrius mongolus)


Wh�te-w�nged tern, wh�te-w�nged black tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)


Eastern reef egret (Egretta sacra)


Lesser fr�gateb�rd (Fregata ariel)


Or�ental prat�ncole(Glareola maldivarum)


Wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CAMBA, CMS (Append�x II) and CITES (Append�x II)]

Grey-ta�led tattler(Heteroscelus brevipes)


Broad-b�lled sandp�per(Limicola falcinellus)


Bar-ta�led godw�t(Limosa lapponica)


Black-ta�led godw�t(Limosa limosa)


Eastern curlew(Numenius madagascariensis)


L�ttle curlew, l�ttle wh�mbrel(Numenius minutus)


Wh�mbrel(Numenius phaeopus)


197



Osprey(Pandion haliaetus)

M�gratory, Mar�ne[also l�sted under CMS (Append�x II) and CITES (Append�x II)]

Pac�fic golden plover(Pluvialis fulva)


Grey plover(Pluvialis squatarola)


Arct�c jaeger, Arct�c skua(Stercorarius parasiticus)


L�ttle tern(Sterna albifrons)


Br�dled tern(Sterna anaethetus)


Lesser crested tern (Sterna bengalensis)


Casp�an tern(Sterna caspia)


Common tern(Sterna hirundo)


Black-naped tern(Sterna sumatrana)


Brown booby (Sula leucogaster)


Wood sandp�per(Tringa glareola)


Common greenshank (Tringa nebularia)


Marsh sandp�per, l�ttle greenshank(Tringa stagnatilis)


Terek sandp�per(Xenus cinereus)


Ecology of protected b�rd spec�es �n the


The North Mar�ne Reg�on and adjacent coastal waters

and lands of northern Austral�a prov�de vast and remote

expanses of relat�vely und�sturbed breed�ng, feed�ng

and roost�ng hab�tat for a d�verse and abundant array

of b�rds, as well as stag�ng po�nts for m�gratory b�rds

pass�ng through the Reg�on. Hab�tats �nclude grassy or

open sal�ne and freshwater wetlands, �ntert�dal mudflats,

mangroves, paperbark forests, rocky �slands, headlands

and cl�ffs, coral reefs and atolls, sandy beaches, dunes

and extens�ve floodpla�ns (Chatto 2003a). Seab�rds feed

on pelag�c fish, squ�d and zooplankton �n the shallow,

turb�d and nutr�ent-r�ch waters of the coastal boundary

layer, and �n the relat�vely product�ve waters of the Gulf

of Carpentar�a and Joseph Bonaparte Gulf bas�ns.

Some of the more prom�nent groups of protected b�rd

spec�es that are known to occur �n the Reg�on �nclude

the follow�ng:

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Terns and noddies

Th�rteen spec�es of tern and two spec�es of noddy have

been recorded �n the Reg�on (Chatto et al. 2004a). Of

these, all are l�sted as mar�ne spec�es and approx�mately

half are protected as m�gratory spec�es under the EPBC

Act. Most spec�es are numerous, at least at certa�n t�mes

of the year, and part�cularly dur�ng the breed�ng season

between March and December (Chatto et al. 2004a).

Terns and nodd�es predom�nantly feed �n offshore or

�nshore waters by d�v�ng for small fish, return�ng to the

shore to roost. A few spec�es, notably the sooty tern,

soar for prolonged per�ods over the ocean.

D�fferent spec�es ut�l�se the offshore or �nshore waters

and coast �n d�fferent ways. Some spec�es are res�dent

�n coastal lands and waters adjacent to the Reg�on and

are present all year, wh�le others m�grate �nto, or out

of, northern Austral�a to breed. For example, common

terns breed �n the Northern Hem�sphere but groups

of many thousands can be seen �n and around the

Reg�on, part�cularly dur�ng the late dry to early wet

season (Chatto 2006). Some �nd�v�dual Casp�an terns

breed on the coast adjacent to the Reg�on, wh�le other

�nd�v�duals m�grate elsewhere to breed (Chatto et al.

2004a). Lesser crested terns are common throughout

the Reg�on but have only been observed to breed on one

offshore �sland (Low Rock) �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a.

S�m�larly, the common noddy breeds only on H�gg�nson

Islet, off Gove Pen�nsula �n north-east Arnhem Land, but

�s an �nfrequent v�s�tor to the Reg�on (Chatto 2001).

Black-naped terns breed �n many small colon�es around

the Northern Terr�tory coast but are rarely seen outs�de

the breed�ng season or away from known breed�ng s�tes

(Chatto 2001).

Nest�ng crested tern. Photo: B�od�vers�ty Conservat�on Un�t, Northern Terr�tory Government

Overall, more than 100 tern breed�ng colon�es are

located on offshore �slands around the Northern

Terr�tory coast and s�gn�ficant colon�es are also found

on the Wellesley Islands off Queensland �n the Gulf of

Carpentar�a. Colon�es are usually formed of between one

and five spec�es, conta�n�ng populat�ons number�ng from

a few pa�rs to over 25 000 pa�rs of each spec�es. Some of

these colon�es are the largest, or among the largest, �n

the world. For example, more than 50 000 crested terns

have been recorded at Seagull Island off Melv�lle Island,

Urquhart Islet �n the S�r Edward Pellew Group (Chatto

2001) and North Bount�ful Island �n the Wellesley Islands

(Walker 1992). The l�ttle tern �s the only spec�es that has

been found to breed on ma�nland beaches. It nests �n

more than 30 breed�ng s�tes of up to 200 b�rds located

around the coast of the Northern Terr�tory, as well s�tes

on Cape York Pen�nsula (Chatto 2001).

Gulls and jaegers

S�lver gulls are abundant �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a and

north-western Northern Terr�tory throughout the year,

part�cularly concentrat�ng around larger coastal towns,

but they are rarely seen �n the Van D�emen Gulf (Chatto

2001). They feed �n coastal and offshore waters and

breed colon�ally on offshore �slands. Pomar�ne jaegers

and Arct�c jaegers are m�gratory pelag�c seab�rds that

are occas�onally s�ghted �n the offshore waters of the

Reg�on (Chatto 2003b). These spec�es may be more

common than has been recorded as there have only been

a l�m�ted number of offshore b�rd surveys carr�ed out

(Chatto et al.2004a).

Sandpipers

More than 30 spec�es of sandp�per, curlew, wh�mbrel,

knot, st�nt, tattler, godw�t, turnstone and greenshank,

almost all of wh�ch are protected under the EPBC Act,

m�grate regularly across the waters of the Reg�on to

feed and roost �n adjacent coastal lands. All are Northern

Hem�sphere-breed�ng m�grants that are present �n

northern Austral�a dur�ng the non-breed�ng season

between September and March, although h�gh over-

w�nter�ng numbers suggest that many b�rds do not

m�grate north to breed each year (Chatto et al. 2004b).

Most spec�es are extremely numerous all around the

northern Austral�an coast throughout the wet season,

feed�ng along the shorel�ne or �n sal�ne wetlands,

although some b�rds stop only for a short per�od �n

the Reg�on to rest and feed and then cont�nue the�r

m�grat�on further south (Chatto et al. 2004a). The most

abundant populat�ons of the spec�es recorded �n the

Northern Terr�tory �nclude the great knot, l�ttle curlew,

199


bar-ta�led godw�t, black-ta�led godw�t and red-necked

st�nt (Chatto 2003a).

Plovers

There are e�ght common and w�despread spec�es and

another five less common spec�es of plover, sand plover,

dotterel and lapw�ng that occur on the coast adjacent to

the Reg�on (Chatto 2003b). N�ne spec�es are protected

as mar�ne or m�gratory under the EPBC Act. These

populat�ons are a m�x of m�gratory b�rds and breed�ng

res�dents that feed �n coastal and �nshore waters and

roost or breed on offshore �slands, beaches, and sal�ne

and freshwater wetlands. Most abundant are the greater

sand plover and lesser sand plover, wh�ch m�grate

regularly across the ocean waters of the North Mar�ne

Reg�on to breed �n the Northern Hem�sphere (Chatto

2003a). Large flocks of grey plovers also arr�ve along

the northern Austral�an coastl�ne between August and

September and subsequently d�sperse to mudflats and

sandy beaches around the coast (Chatto 2003a).

Boobies, frigatebirds and tropicbirds

Brown boob�es are observed throughout the North

Mar�ne Reg�on and near the adjacent coastl�ne all year

round (Blaber and M�lton 1994), but they are most

abundant �n the north-western Gulf of Carpentar�a.

They feed �n offshore and �nshore waters by d�v�ng

�nto the ocean at h�gh speed for fish or squ�d. The only

breed�ng locat�ons recorded adjacent to the Reg�on

for th�s spec�es are on Rocky and Manowar �slands �n

the Wellesley Islands, wh�ch have been reported to

support around 5400 breed�ng pa�rs (O’Ne�ll and Wh�te

2003). Red-footed boob�es and masked boob�es are

uncommon �n the Reg�on and have not been observed

to breed �n the Northern Terr�tory (Chatto 2001). The

lesser fr�gateb�rd �s regularly recorded �n both offshore

and coastal waters throughout the Reg�on (Blaber and

M�lton 1994). Th�s seab�rd only breeds at one s�te on

the adjacent coast, Manowar Island, wh�ch supports a

large colony of around 3800 breed�ng pa�rs (O’Ne�ll and

Wh�te 2003). There �s a large permanent roost of lesser

fr�gateb�rds �n tall forest near We�pa. Great fr�gateb�rds

are less commonly recorded �n the Reg�on (Chatto 2001).

Trop�cb�rds are only occas�onally s�ghted �n the Reg�on.

Raptors

A number of eagles, k�tes and hawks are common

res�dents of the coast of northern Austral�a, but there

are three protected spec�es that w�ll occas�onally hunt �n

or fly across the open ocean of the North Mar�ne Reg�on.

Osprey, wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle and Brahm�ny k�te nest

and roost along the Northern Terr�tory coast, breed�ng

�n part�cularly h�gh dens�t�es �n some areas such as the

smaller offshore �slands adjacent to Groote Eylandt

(Chatto et al. 2004a). Sea-eagles (Fam�ly Acc�p�tr�dae

�nclud�ng wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle and Brahm�ny k�te)

and fish hawks such as the osprey feed ma�nly by

hunt�ng fish over open water, however the wh�te-bell�ed

sea-eagle may also take turtles, sea snakes, b�rds and

mammals wh�le the Brahm�ny k�te w�ll scavenge dead

fish and crabs.

Shearwaters

Tube-nosed seab�rds (Procell�formes) are almost

exclus�vely pelag�c b�rds that feed and soar over the

open ocean. The group �s poorly represented �n the

North Mar�ne Reg�on, although they may be more

numerous than the l�m�ted number of offshore surveys

carr�ed out to date have �nd�cated (Chatto et al. 2004a).

The streaked shearwater �s the only spec�es to have been

recorded �n larger numbers �n the Reg�on. It �s a regular,

w�despread and moderately common non-breed�ng wet

season v�s�tor (Chatto 2003b). W�lson’s storm-petrels and

Matsuda�ra’s storm-petrels have also been s�ghted �n the

Reg�on and are l�kely to be more common v�s�tors than

has yet been recorded (Chatto et al. 2004a).

Egrets, herons and ibis

Twelve spec�es of heron, egret and �b�s are cons�dered as

res�dent waterb�rds that feed, roost and/or breed around

the coast of northern Austral�a. Cormorants and darters

are also abundant and well-represented �n th�s area.

There are five spec�es of egret, three spec�es of �b�s and

one spec�es of heron that may occas�onally feed �n or

m�grate across the offshore waters of the North Mar�ne

Reg�on and are protected as mar�ne or m�gratory spec�es

under the EPBC Act.

Most of the protected egrets, herons and �b�s are

w�despread and abundant, breed�ng colon�ally �n

mangroves, paperbark trees or on r�verbanks between

February and August (Chatto 2003b; Chatto et al.

2004b). There are at least 20 large waterb�rd breed�ng

colon�es on the coast of the Northern Terr�tory. The

largest colony, found near the mouth of the Adela�de

R�ver, regularly conta�ns around 30 000 breed�ng b�rds

(Chatto 2000). In Queensland there are substant�al

colon�es on the Coleman, M�tchell, Nassau, Norman,

Bynoe and Fl�nders r�vers. Straw-necked �b�s do not

breed along the coast of the Northern Terr�tory and

glossy �b�s have only been recorded breed�ng at one

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locat�on (Chatto 2006), but both spec�es are common

m�grants that pass through the Reg�on.

The eastern reef egret �s common along the coastl�ne

throughout the year. It does not breed colon�ally but

breeds �n s�ngle pa�rs or �n small groups around the

Northern Terr�tory coast (Chatto 2001).

Important areas for b�rds �n the North

Mar�ne Reg�on

Important areas are �dent�fied for those b�rd spec�es

l�sted as threatened or m�gratory under the EPBC Act.

S�tes of part�cular or spec�al s�gn�ficance for l�sted

mar�ne spec�es that are not threatened or m�gratory

have also been �ncluded.

There �s no data ava�lable that �nd�cates that seab�rds

aggregate to feed �n any part�cular locat�on w�th�n the

Commonwealth waters of the North Mar�ne Reg�on.

However, the wetlands, floodpla�ns, beaches and �slands

that l�e on the coast adjacent to the Reg�on support

many �mportant nest�ng, feed�ng and aggregat�on s�tes

of �nternat�onal or nat�onal conservat�on s�gn�ficance for

protected shoreb�rds and seab�rds, �nclud�ng two Ramsar

l�sted wetlands. These s�tes are under the jur�sd�ct�on of

the Northern Terr�tory and Queensland governments.

Important areas on the coast adjacent to the Reg�on for

b�rds �nclude:

Joseph Bonaparte Gulf – the complex of three estuar�es

at the head of the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf (the Keep,

V�ctor�a and F�tzmaur�ce r�vers) supports s�x s�gn�ficant

waterb�rd colon�es of 10 000–15 000 �nd�v�duals from

at least n�ne spec�es, breed�ng �n s�gn�ficant numbers,

�nclud�ng the great egret (Chatto 2006). Of these, the

colony on the Keep R�ver Estuary �s the second largest

waterb�rd breed�ng colony �n the Northern Terr�tory and

�t �s the only one to conta�n nest�ng glossy �b�s (Chatto

2006). Extens�ve areas of shoreb�rd and waterb�rd

feed�ng hab�tat are assoc�ated w�th the mangroves and

mudflats �n th�s locat�on. S�gn�ficant waterb�rd feed�ng

areas are located on the wetlands between the Keep

and V�ctor�a R�ver estuar�es and north of Foss�l Head,

wh�le the largest m�gratory shoreb�rd roost �n the area

occurs at Turtle Po�nt (Chatto 2003a; 2006). Protected

m�gratory spec�es that occur �n s�gn�ficant numbers

�nclude terek sandp�per, greater and lesser sand plover,

ruddy turnstone, sanderl�ng, broad-b�lled sandp�per and

wh�te-w�nged tern.

Anson Bay to Fog Bay – one of the most �mportant areas

�n the Northern Terr�tory for colon�al waterb�rd breed�ng

and aggregat�on (Chatto 2006). The floodpla�ns of both

the Daly and F�nn�s R�ver each support a s�ngle colony

of more than 10 000 waterb�rds, w�th a further 16

smaller colon�es �n the v�c�n�ty (e.g. on the Moyle and

L�ttle Moyle r�vers). All waterb�rd spec�es that nest

colon�ally �n the Northern Terr�tory (except glossy �b�s)

are represented �n s�gn�ficant numbers �n one or more

of these colon�es (Chatto 2006). There are s�gn�ficant

feed�ng and roost�ng aggregat�ons of great egret, cattle

egret, wh�te-w�nged tern, common tern and glossy �b�s.

The Perron Islands conta�n the Northern Terr�tory’s

largest (and the only regular) Austral�an pel�can rookery

and are s�gn�ficant for roost�ng wh�te-w�nged, lesser

crested and common terns (Chatto 2006). There �s

extens�ve shoreb�rd feed�ng and roost�ng hab�tat �n

Fog Bay, Anson Bay, on the Daly, F�nn�s and Reynolds

R�ver floodpla�ns, and on L�ttle Moyle R�ver (Chatto

2003a; 2006). Of the protected m�gratory shoreb�rds

aggregat�ng �n the area, great knot, greater sand plover

and bar-ta�led godw�t are part�cularly abundant, wh�le

s�gn�ficant populat�ons have also been recorded for

black-ta�led godw�t, lesser sand plover, l�ttle curlew,

wh�mbrel, marsh sandp�per, terek sandp�per, grey plover,

red-necked st�nt, common greenshank and broad-b�lled

sandp�per (Chatto 2003a).

Beagle Gulf – Darw�n Harbour, Bynoe Harbour, Shoal

Bay and the Adela�de R�ver estuary support nat�onally

s�gn�ficant nest�ng and/or forag�ng aggregat�ons of

seab�rds, waterb�rds and shoreb�rds. Black-naped tern,

l�ttle tern and eastern reef egret breed on Bare Sand

Island south-west of Darw�n (Chatto 2001). Th�s and

other offshore �slands �n the v�c�n�ty also susta�n

roost�ng aggregat�ons of wh�te-w�nged, common

and lesser crested tern (Chatto2006). Shoreb�rds and

waterb�rds aggregate �n the coastal wetlands of Beagle

Gulf, w�th the most �mportant reg�on between Lee

Po�nt and Tree Po�nt, east of Darw�n. Although wetlands

of th�s area are smaller than those further to the east

�n the Van D�emen Gulf, they support large numbers

of waterb�rds, w�th egret spec�es be�ng part�cularly

abundant (Chatto 2006), though only modest numbers

of m�gratory shoreb�rds compared w�th other parts of

northern Austral�a (Chatto 2003a). Protected m�gratory

spec�es w�th abundant or s�gn�ficant populat�ons �n the

area �nclude the bar-ta�led godw�t, great knot, red knot,

sanderl�ng, grey plover, black-ta�led godw�t, common

sandp�per, marsh sandp�per, wh�mbrel, terek sandp�per,

grey-ta�led tattler, ruddy turnstone, greater sand plover,

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lesser sand plover, red-necked st�nt, l�ttle curlew, great

egret and eastern reef egret.

Bathurst and Melville islands – Seagull Island, located off

the western most t�p of Melv�lle Island, supports one of

the largest seab�rd breed�ng colon�es �n the Northern

Terr�tory; an �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant colon�al seab�rd

breed�ng s�te of potent�ally greater than 50 000 crested

terns (Chatto 2001). L�ttle terns also breed colon�ally at

three �mportant s�tes on the northern s�de of Melv�lle

Island (Chatto 2001), and osprey, wh�te-bell�ed sea

eagle, common tern and eastern reef egret are common

�n the area. There are numerous nat�onally s�gn�ficant

roost�ng, nest�ng and forag�ng aggregat�ons of m�gratory

shoreb�rds along the southern coast of Melv�lle Island

(Chatto 2003a) �nclud�ng �mportant populat�ons of great

knot, red-necked st�nt, greater and lesser sand plover

and bar-ta�led godw�t.

Van Diemen Gulf – the estuar�es and floodpla�ns on the

southern shores of the Van D�emen Gulf (�nclud�ng

Chambers Bay and the Adela�de, Mary, and West, South

and East All�gator r�vers) prov�de extens�ve shoreb�rd

and waterb�rd feed�ng hab�tat, and support one of the

most �mportant areas for colon�al waterb�rd breed�ng �n

the Northern Terr�tory (w�th seven s�gn�ficant colon�es).

The s�ngle largest colony of waterb�rds occurs on the

Adela�de R�ver and �s l�kely to support around 30 000

b�rds, predom�nantly egrets, herons and cormorants

(Chatto 2006). The East and South All�gator R�ver

floodpla�ns occur w�th�n Kakadu Nat�onal Park, a Ramsar

wetland of �nternat�onal s�gn�ficance. Both floodpla�ns

support colon�es of around 10 000–15 000 waterb�rds

(Chatto 2006). Protected m�gratory b�rds breed�ng or

roost�ng �n s�gn�ficant numbers on the southern coast

of the Van D�emen Gulf �nclude great egret, cattle egret,

common tern, wh�te-w�nged tern, osprey and wh�te-

bell�ed sea-eagle. There are many �nternat�onally and

nat�onally s�gn�ficant roosts of m�gratory shoreb�rds

along the coast of Chambers and F�nke bays, and on

the Adela�de, South All�gator and East All�gator r�ver

floodpla�ns (Chatto 2003a). L�ttle curlew, sharp-ta�led

sandp�per, black-ta�led godw�t and wh�mbrel occur �n

very large numbers. Other m�gratory shoreb�rds that are

abundant throughout the area �nclude marsh sandp�per,

common sandp�per, curlew sandp�per, terek sandp�per,

lesser sand plover, grey plover, eastern curlew, common

greenshank, great knot, red-necked st�nt and broad-

b�lled sandp�per.

Cobourg Peninsula and the Croker Islands – nat�onally

s�gn�ficant colon�al seab�rd rooker�es are located on

the small offshore �slands to the north-east and east

of Croker Island (e.g. New Year Island, Grant Island

and Cowlard Island) and on the Sandy Islands off the

Cobourg Pen�nsula (Chatto 2001). Crested tern, roseate

tern, black-naped tern and br�dled tern breed on these

offshore �slands, wh�le the l�ttle tern nests on the shores

of larger �slands and on the Pen�nsula. The Gar�g Gunak

Barlu Nat�onal Park on Cobourg Pen�nsula was the first

s�te �n the world to be des�gnated as a Ramsar wetland

(�n 1974). The Murgenella Creek floodpla�n south of the

Cobourg Pen�nsula also supports s�gn�ficant colon�es of

waterb�rds and roosts of m�gratory shoreb�rds. There are

Sanderl�ng. Photo: Joyce Gross.

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s�gn�ficant roost�ng and forag�ng populat�ons of marsh

sandp�per, terek sandp�per, lesser sand plover, ruddy

turnstone and common tern, and breed�ng populat�ons

of osprey, wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle, great egret and

eastern reef egret. Other protected spec�es abundant

�n the area �nclude great knot, sharp-ta�led sandp�per,

greater sand plover, red-necked st�nt, black-ta�led and

bar-ta�led godw�t and glossy �b�s.

Goulburn Islands – there are s�gn�ficant seab�rd breed�ng

colon�es (l�ttle tern and black-naped tern), roost�ng

aggregat�ons of common tern, and breed�ng populat�ons

of eastern reef egret on both North and South Goulburn

�slands and the smaller �slands offshore.

Castlereagh Bay to Boucaut Bay – some of the largest flocks

of m�gratory shoreb�rds �n the Northern Terr�tory (w�th

counts of more than 30 000 b�rds) have been recorded �n

Boucaut and Castlereagh bays on the northern coast of

Arnhem Land (Chatto 2003a). Shoreb�rds and waterb�rds

make use of the extens�ve mangrove, �ntert�dal mudflat,

floodpla�n, sandy and rocky beach and headland hab�tats

�n the area. Protected m�gratory spec�es aggregat�ng

�n the area �nclude great knot, grey plover, black-

ta�led godw�t, bar-ta�led godw�t, greater sand plover,

sanderl�ng, cattle egret, osprey, wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle

and glossy �b�s at Boucaut Bay; bar-ta�led godw�t, red

knot, grey-ta�led tattler, marsh and terek sandp�per,

eastern curlew, ruddy turnstone, common greenshank,

cattle egret, great egret, glossy �b�s and wh�te-bell�ed

sea-eagle at Castlereagh Bay; and bar-ta�led godw�t,

grey-ta�led tattler, red-necked st�nt, wh�mbrel and terek

sandp�per along the M�l�ng�mb� coastl�ne. There are

s�gn�ficant roosts for seab�rds �nclud�ng crested tern,

roseate tern, l�ttle tern and br�dled tern along the coast

and on �nshore �slands (e.g. False Po�nt, Crocod�le Island,

Yabooma Island).

North-west and North-east Crocodile islands– the small

offshore �sland group to the west of the Wessel Island

cha�n supports �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant nest�ng s�tes

for some 10 000–30 000 colon�ally breed�ng seab�rds

�nclud�ng crested tern and br�dled tern (Chatto 2001).

The Wessel Islands – nat�onally and �nternat�onally

s�gn�ficant flocks of more than 15 000–20 000 m�gratory

shoreb�rds have been observed �n Buck�ngham and

Arnhem bays on the east s�de of the Wessel Island cha�n,

and on Elcho Island �n the Cadell Stra�ts (Chatto 2003a).

S�gn�ficant populat�ons of bar-ta�led godw�t, black-ta�led

godw�t, wh�mbrel, eastern curlew, marsh sandp�per,

grey-ta�led tattler, ruddy turnstone, great knot, broad-

b�lled sandp�per and lesser sand plover aggregate �n the

area, wh�le red-necked st�nt, grey plover and red knot

are also abundant. Buck�ngham and Arnhem bays both

support s�gn�ficant waterb�rd breed�ng colon�es of more

than 5000 b�rds �nclud�ng glossy �b�s, great egret and

eastern reef egret (Chatto 2006). Seab�rd rooker�es are

common on �slands throughout the area, w�th s�gn�ficant

breed�ng populat�ons of br�dled, black-naped, roseate,

l�ttle and crested tern (Chatto 2001). Osprey and wh�te-

bell�ed sea-eagle also breed and forage �n the area.

Common noddy. Photo: Fus�on F�lms.

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North-west Gulf of Carpentaria coast – th�s area supports

a large number of nat�onally and �nternat�onally

s�gn�ficant nest�ng and roost�ng aggregat�ons of seab�rds.

Part�cularly large colon�al seab�rd breed�ng colon�es occur

on the �slands north of the Gove Pen�nsula. For example,

Chatto (2001) recorded over 10 000 crested terns, over

10 000 br�dled terns, as well as black-naped tern, roseate

tern and common noddy breed�ng on H�gg�nson Islet off

Nhulumbuy. Other protected m�gratory b�rds that breed

on and around the Gove Pen�nsula �nclude l�ttle tern,

Casp�an tern, osprey, wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle and eastern

reef egret.

Blue Mud Bay – nat�onally and �nternat�onally s�gn�ficant

forag�ng aggregat�ons of waterb�rds and m�gratory

shoreb�rds �nhab�t the wetlands �n the northern part

of Blue Mud Bay. Protected m�gratory spec�es occurr�ng

�n s�gn�ficant numbers �nclude the black-ta�led godw�t,

bar-ta�led godw�t, great knot, red-necked st�nt, red

knot, lesser sand plover, l�ttle curlew, curlew sandp�per,

red-necked st�nt, marsh sandp�per, black-w�nged st�lt,

wh�mbrel, eastern curlew, broad-b�lled sandp�per, ruddy

turnstone, grey-ta�led tattler, great egret and glossy

�b�s (Chatto 2003a; 2006). The �slands �n the mouth

of the Bay (e.g. the small offshore �slets near N�col

Island) support a number of s�gn�ficant seab�rd breed�ng

colon�es of br�dled, black-naped, roseate, Casp�an and

l�ttle terns (Chatto 2001). Osprey and wh�te-bell�ed sea-

eagle are also abundant �n the area.

Groote Eylandt and surrounds – the eastern coast of Groote

Eylandt and numerous offshore �slands, part�cularly to

the north and east, host nat�onally s�gn�ficant s�tes for

the colon�al breed�ng and roost�ng of seab�rds. Protected

seab�rds and m�gratory b�rds aggregat�ng �n the area

�nclude crested tern, roseate tern, black-naped tern, l�ttle

tern, br�dled tern, common tern, osprey, wh�te-bell�ed

sea-eagle and eastern reef egret.

Roper River and the Limmen Bight – extens�ve tracts of

sal�ne wetlands, mangroves and �ntert�dal mudflats along

the coast and Roper R�ver estuary prov�de s�gn�ficant

ma�nland forag�ng and roost�ng hab�tat for large

numbers of m�gratory shoreb�rds, and support breed�ng

colon�es conta�n�ng more than 5000–10 000 waterb�rds

(Chatto 2003a; Chatto 2006). There are s�gn�ficant

populat�ons of lesser sand plover, broad-b�lled sandp�per

and great egret, and abundant great knot, red knot,

red-necked st�nt, curlew sandp�per, greater sand plover,

wh�te-w�nged tern and glossy �b�s. The small offshore

�slands of Low Rock and Sandy Island each support

s�gn�ficant colon�al seab�rd breed�ng colon�es of more

than 10 000 crested, lesser crested, roseate, black-naped

and br�dled terns (Chatto 2001).

Sir Edward Pellew Group – large numbers of seab�rds

�nhab�t the Barrany� (North Island) Nat�onal Park, Cape

Pellew and the outer �slands of the S�r Edward Pellew

Group. The �slands prov�de one of the most �mportant

areas for colon�al seab�rd breed�ng �n the Northern

Terr�tory w�th predom�nantly crested and roseate terns,

but also br�dled, black-naped and l�ttle terns nest�ng �n

the area (Chatto 2001). Over 50 000 crested terns alone

have been recorded breed�ng on Urquhart Islet, north-

east of North Island (Chatto 2001). Eastern reef egret,

osprey and wh�te-bell�ed sea-eagle forage and breed �n

s�gn�ficant numbers around the �slands. Inshore of the

�slands, the ma�nland coast prov�des extens�ve and

d�verse hab�tat for large numbers of shoreb�rds and

waterb�rds (Chatto 2003a). The mouth of the McArthur

R�ver �s an �mportant stag�ng po�nt for m�gratory b�rds

(Nat�onal Oceans Office 2003). S�gn�ficant populat�ons of

black-ta�led godw�t, bar-ta�led godw�t, wh�mbrel, eastern

curlew, marsh sandp�per, common greenshank, grey-

ta�led tattler, ruddy turnstone and lesser sand plover,

and large numbers of great knot, red-necked st�nt,

curlew sandp�per and sharp-ta�led sandp�per occur �n the

area (Chatto 2003a). Wh�te-w�nged tern, common tern

and great egret also breed and/or roost �n s�gn�ficant

numbers around the coast (Chatto 2006).

Wellesley Islands and surrounds – there are �nternat�onally

and nat�onally s�gn�ficant seab�rd breed�ng colon�es and

roost�ng aggregat�ons of shoreb�rds and waterb�rds on

the Wellesley Islands. Brown boob�es nest on Manowar

and Rocky �slands, wh�le lesser fr�gateb�rds breed on

Manowar Island (Chatto 2001). North Bount�ful Island

supports the largest colony of crested terns �n the world

(Walker 1992), and l�ttle terns breed on coastal beaches

throughout the area. There are s�gn�ficant nest�ng and

forag�ng aggregat�ons of waterb�rds and roosts of

m�gratory shoreb�rds on Morn�ngton Island, �nclud�ng

eastern curlew and Austral�an pa�nted sn�pe.

South-eastern Gulf of Carpentaria – the area of extens�ve,

cont�nuous and und�sturbed wetlands known as the

‘Southern Gulf Aggregat�on’ prov�des one of the three

most �mportant areas for shoreb�rds �n Austral�a. The

sal�ne wetlands, salt marshes, saltpans, mangroves and

�ntert�dal mudflats along the south-eastern coast of the

Gulf of Carpentar�a offer very s�gn�ficant hab�tat for

large numbers of shoreb�rds and waterb�rds. The area

supports more than half of the m�gratory waders that

occur �n Queensland and up to one th�rd of Austral�a’s

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wad�ng b�rds at any one t�me, �nclud�ng 22 shoreb�rd

spec�es l�sted under JAMBA and 31 shoreb�rd spec�es

l�sted under CAMBA (K�essl�ng and Booth 2004). The

coast north of Karumba �s an �mportant stag�ng po�nt for

m�gratory b�rds (Nat�onal Oceans Office 2003). Protected

m�gratory spec�es that occur �n the area �nclude the

great knot, red knot, red-necked st�nt, black-ta�led

godw�t, l�ttle curlew, common greenshank, sharp-ta�led

sandp�per, marsh sandp�per, terek sandp�per, common

sandp�per, curlew sandp�per, broad-b�lled sandp�per,

wh�mbrel, greater sand plover, lesser sand plover, grey

plover, Pac�fic golden plover, eastern curlew, grey-ta�led

tattler, or�ental prat�ncole, sanderl�ng, bar-ta�led godw�t

and ruddy turnstone.



At sea, b�rds may �nteract w�th human act�v�t�es �n

a number of ways, �nclud�ng encounters w�th fish�ng

vessels and entanglement �n mar�ne debr�s. They may

also be affected by d�sturbance at rooker�es or roosts

adjacent to the Reg�on. These �nteract�ons are d�scussed

�n more deta�l below.

Climate change

Cl�mate change and r�s�ng sea levels may threaten b�rds,

such as the brown booby, that breed on low-ly�ng atolls

and �slands (Marchant and H�gg�ns 1990). The �ncreased

�nc�dence of �nclement weather, part�cularly cyclones

and heat, has the potent�al to adversely affect m�gratory

shoreb�rds, waterb�rds, seab�rds and the�r hab�tats.


Seab�rds forag�ng for fish near commerc�al fish�ng

operat�ons may coll�de w�th trawl apparatus, become

entangled �n nets, or get caught on longl�ne gear. Brown

boob�es �n part�cular have the potent�al to be suscept�ble

to long-l�ne operat�ons.

D�scards from the Northern Prawn F�shery �ncrease

the amount of food ava�lable to spec�es such as s�lver

gulls, brown boob�es, fr�gateb�rds, raptors and terns.

For example, correspond�ng w�th �ncreased prawn

trawl�ng effort, lesser fr�gateb�rd breed�ng pa�rs trebled

on Manowar Island �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a between

1982 and 1991 (K�essl�ng and Booth 2004). Th�s may

have led to a populat�on �ncrease of some spec�es (e.g.

s�lver gulls) to the detr�ment of other spec�es through

d�rect predat�on or compet�t�on for breed�ng s�tes. Large

catches of fish, squ�d, etc by trawlers may also reduce

the food ava�lable to b�rd spec�es that do not p�ck up

trawl d�scards (Chatto 2001).

In recogn�t�on of the threat posed to seab�rds by

long-l�ne fish�ng pr�mar�ly �n waters south of 25o S �n

Austral�a, �nc�dental catch of seab�rds dur�ng ocean�c

longl�ne fish�ng operat�ons has been l�sted under the

EPBC Act as a key threaten�ng process. A Threat Abatement

Plan 2006 for the Incidental Catch (or Bycatch) of Seabirds

During Oceanic Longline Fishing Operations �s �n place, and

ava�lable at <www.env�ronment.gov.au/b�od�vers�ty/

threatened/publ�cat�ons/tap/longl�ne>. The seab�rd

spec�es that �nhab�t areas of northern Austral�a where

longl�ne fish�ng operat�ons occur, however, are generally

not attracted to fish�ng vessels or longl�ne ba�ts

(Brothers, N., 2006, pers. comm. c�ted �n the threat

abatement plan). By-catch act�on plans have also been

developed for spec�fic fisher�es, and measures such as

fishery observer programmes, we�ghted l�nes and n�ght-

sett�ng of l�nes have been �ntroduced �n some fisher�es.

Marine debris and pollution



key threaten�ng process caus�ng �njury and fatal�ty

to vertebrate mar�ne l�fe <www.env�ronment.gov.au/

b�od�vers�ty/threatened/publ�cat�ons/mar�ne-debr�s.

html>. Entanglement �n mar�ne debr�s such as d�scarded

fish�ng gear can lead to restr�cted mob�l�ty, starvat�on,

�nfect�on, amputat�on, drown�ng and smother�ng. The

�ngest�on of plast�c mar�ne debr�s can cause phys�cal

blockages lead�ng to starvat�on, or �njur�es to the

d�gest�ve system lead�ng to �nfect�on or death.

Mar�ne debr�s can affect seab�rds through e�ther

�ngest�on or entanglement. Ingested debr�s has a w�de

range of lethal or sub-lethal effects (Ryan et al. 1988).

Debr�s can cause perforat�on, mechan�cal blockage

or �mpa�rment of the d�gest�ve system, result�ng �n

starvat�on. Ch�cks appear to be at greater threat than

adults because of the�r h�gh rates of �ngest�on and

low frequency of regurg�tat�ve cast�ng of �nd�gest�ble

mater�al. When plast�cs are regurg�tated to ch�cks by

the�r parents, phys�cal �mpacts and �nternal ulcerat�ons

are l�kely to lower surv�val rates. In add�t�on, the ch�ck

rece�ves less food, lower�ng �ts nutr�ent �ntake and

205


�ncreas�ng �ts chances of starvat�on (Env�ronment

Austral�a 2001).

The greatest cause of entanglements amongst seab�rds

�s monofilament l�ne and fish�ng net (Hu�n and Croxall

1996). F�sh�ng hooks, s�x-pack yokes, w�re and str�ng are

also commonly reported entanglements.

The Recovery Plan for Albatrosses and Petrels (Env�ronment

Austral�a 2001) h�ghl�ghts mar�ne debr�s as an �ssue

of concern and outl�nes a number of measures to

address the problem. The Austral�an Government �s also

currently develop�ng a threat abatement plan that a�ms

to m�n�m�se the �mpacts of mar�ne debr�s on threatened




Human disturbance at rookeries

D�sturbance by humans at nest�ng s�tes can cause

cons�derable losses when nest desert�on leaves eggs

or ch�cks exposed to very hot weather (Chatto et al.

2004a). Even �n remote areas, v�s�tors from boats or

yachts can do major harm to a colony by com�ng ashore

even just once for a short t�me dur�ng the breed�ng

cycle. Dr�v�ng veh�cles along beaches can destroy nests

and d�sturb adult b�rds, espec�ally shoreb�rds and l�ttle

tern colon�es. F�re may k�ll or d�sturb adult b�rds and

ch�cks, and has the potent�al to damage nest�ng hab�tat.

Trad�t�onal harvest�ng of seab�rd eggs occurs at some

�slands adjacent to the Reg�on.

Feral species

Weeds may �nvade seab�rd and shoreb�rd nest�ng s�tes,

and reduce the extent of hab�tat su�table for breed�ng,

roost�ng and feed�ng (Chatto 2001).

Feral an�mals such as cats, dogs, p�gs and rats can also

cause cons�derable damage to nest�ng s�tes and reduce

reproduct�ve success through predat�on on eggs, ch�cks

and breed�ng adults. Predat�on by feral cats, predat�on

by the European red fox, predat�on, hab�tat degradat�on,

compet�t�on and d�sease transm�ss�on by feral p�gs, and

predat�on by exot�c rats on Austral�an offshore �slands

of less than 1000 km² (100 000 ha) have all been

recogn�sed as key threaten�ng processes under the EPBC

Act. There are threat abatement plans �n place for the

first three of these key threaten�ng processes. Further

�nformat�on �s ava�lable from <www.env�ronment.gov.

au/b�od�vers�ty/threatened/ktp.html>.


Blaber, S.J.M. and M�lton, D.A., 1994, ‘D�str�but�on of

Seab�rds at Sea �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a, Austral�a’,

Australian Journal of Marine Freshwater Research, 45:445–

54.

Chatto, R., 2000, Waterbird Breeding Colonies in the Top

End of the Northern Territory, Techn�cal Report 69, Parks

and W�ldl�fe Comm�ss�on of the Northern Terr�tory,

Palmerston.

Chatto, R., 2001, The Distribution and Status of Colonial

Breeding Seabirds in the Northern Territory, Techn�cal Report

70, Parks and W�ldl�fe Comm�ss�on of the Northern

Terr�tory, Palmerston.

Chatto, R., 2003a, The Distribution and Status of Shorebirds

around the Coast and Coastal Wetlands of the Northern

Territory, Techn�cal Report 73, Parks and W�ldl�fe

Comm�ss�on of the Northern Terr�tory, Palmerston.

Chatto, R., 2003b, ‘A Summary of the General

D�str�but�on and Status of Cetaceans, Mar�ne Turtles

and B�rds Dependent on Aquat�c Hab�tats of the

Ocean, Coastal and Wetland Areas of the Top End of

the Northern Terr�tory’, In, Work�ng Group for the

Darw�n Harbour Adv�sory Comm�ttee (eds.), Proceedings:

Darwin Harbour Region: Current Knowledge and Future

Needs, Department of Infrastructure, Plann�ng and

Env�ronment, Darw�n.

Chatto, R., 2006, The Distribution and Status of Waterbirds

around the Coast and Coastal Wetlands of the Northern

Territory, Techn�cal Report 76, Parks and W�ldl�fe

Comm�ss�on of the Northern Terr�tory, Palmerston.

Chatto, R., O’Ne�ll, P., Garnett, S. and M�lton,

D., 2004a, ‘Seab�rds’, �n Nat�onal Oceans Office,





Chatto, R., O’Ne�ll, P., Garnett, S., and M�lton, D.,

2004b, ‘Shoreb�rds’, �n Nat�onal Oceans Office,





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<www.env�ronment.gov.au/sprat>, accessed

February 08.

Env�ronment Austral�a, 2001, Recovery Plan for Albatrosses

and Giant Petrels, Env�ronment Austral�a �n consultat�on

w�th the Albatross and G�ant-Petrel Recovery Team,

October 2001, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra.

Hu�n, N. and Croxall, J.P., 1996, ‘F�sh�ng Gear, O�l and

Mar�ne Debr�s Assoc�ated w�th Seab�rds at B�rd Island,

South Georg�a, dur�ng 1993/1994’, Marine Ornithology,

24:19–22.

K�essl�ng, I. and Booth, C., 2004, Marine Conservation

Priorities for the Gulf of Carpentaria (Queensland), WWF,

Sydney.

Marchant, S. and H�gg�ns, P.J., 1990, Handbook of

Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol. 1. Ratites to

Ducks, Oxford Un�vers�ty Press, Melbourne.

Nat�onal Oceans Office, 2003, Snapshot of the Northern

Planning Area, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Hobart.

Nat�onal Oceans Office, 2004, Description of Key Species

Groups in the Northern Planning Area, Commonwealth of

Austral�a, Hobart, <www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/


September 07.

O’Ne�ll, P. and Wh�te, R., 2003, Coastal Bird Atlas 2003,

Env�ronmental Protect�on Agency, Br�sbane.







Ryan, P., Connell, A. and Gardner, B., 1988, ‘Plast�c

Ingest�on and PCBs �n Seab�rds: Is There a Relat�onsh�p?’,

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 19(4):174–176.

Walker, T.A., 1992, ‘A Record Crested Tern Sterna bergii

Colony and Concentrated Breed�ng by Seab�rds �n the

Gulf of Carpentar�a’, Emu, 92:152–156.

D7 North Marine Region Protected Species Group Report Card – Dugongs




The dugong (Dugong dugon) �s the only l�v�ng member

of the fam�ly Dugong�dae and �s only one of four l�v�ng

spec�es of the order S�ren�a.


The dugong �s l�sted as m�gratory and mar�ne under

Sect�on 248 of the EPBC Act and �s l�sted under CITES

Append�x I and CMS Append�x II. A Memorandum of

Understand�ng on the conservat�on and management of

dugongs and the�r hab�tats throughout the�r range was

s�gned on the 31 October 2007. The dugong �s also l�sted

as vulnerable to ext�nct�on under the World Conservation

Union’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2000).



Dugongs are found throughout the trop�cal and

subtrop�cal coastal and �sland waters of the Indo–West

Pac�fic reg�on. A s�gn�ficant proport�on of the world’s

dugong populat�ons occur �n coastal waters from Shark

Bay �n Western Austral�a to Moreton Bay �n Queensland.

Current dugong d�str�but�ons are bel�eved to represent

rel�ct populat�ons separated by large areas where they

are e�ther ext�nct or close to ext�nct�on. The most recent

est�mate of the Austral�an populat�on �s around 80 000

�nd�v�duals (Marsh et al. 2002).

Dugongs are long-l�ved an�mals w�th a low reproduct�ve

rate; they have a long gestat�on per�od and a have a h�gh

�nvestment �n each offspr�ng. The max�mum l�fespan �s

approx�mately 70 years and the pre-product�ve �nterval

ranges between s�x and 15 years (Marsh et al. 2003).

Female dugongs usually bear a calf every two and half to

seven years, w�th a gestat�on per�od of about 13 months.

Calv�ng occurs �n the shallow waters of t�dal sandbanks

and estuar�es, and breed�ng �s more l�kely to occur �n the

second half of the year (Boyd et al. 1999).

Dugongs feed on seagrass meadows found �n shallow

t�dal and sub-t�dal coastal waters. Preferent�al graz�ng

207


Dugong feed�ng. Photo: Paul Anderson, Conservat�on and Land Management (CALM) Western Austral�a.

of seagrasses occurs �n some areas, poss�bly based on

the nutr�t�onal qual�ty of the seagrass spec�es (Preen

1992). Mar�ne algae are also eaten, although algal

feed�ng �s bel�eved to occur only where seagrass �s

scarce (Spa�n and He�nsohn 1973). Dugong movements

are usually restr�cted to areas w�th�n tens of k�lometres

from seagrass beds, however observat�ons of dugong

movements have also shown that �nd�v�duals may

undertake long d�stance movements of up to 600 km �n

a few days (Saalfeld and Marsh 2004).

Important areas for dugongs �n the


There �s no data ava�lable that �dent�fies �mportant

areas for dugongs w�th�n the Reg�on. Important s�tes

w�th�n State and Terr�tory waters adjacent to the Reg�on

�nclude the follow�ng:

Blue Mud Bay – supports dugong feed�ng aggregat�ons.

Groote Eylandt region – supports dugong populat�ons.

Limmen Bight River to the Sir Edward Pellew Group – th�s area

conta�ns known seagrass beds support�ng one of the top

four dugong populat�ons �n Austral�a.

Wellesley Islands – support dugong populat�ons.

Known �nteract�ons and threats

Human act�v�t�es that may affect dugongs �n the Reg�on

�nclude commerc�al fisher�es, Ind�genous harvest, and

mar�ne debr�s. Natural events such as cyclones and

flood�ng may also cause local�sed decl�nes through

damage to seagrass hab�tats.

Fisheries

Trawl�ng of the sea floor can damage seagrass beds,

reduc�ng food hab�tats for dugong populat�ons. Closed

areas �n the Northern Prawn F�shery cover the known

shallow water seagrass beds. Large-mesh (greater than

150 mm) fish�ng nets are also a documented threat to

dugongs and �llegal fore�gn fish�ng vessels apprehended

�n the Reg�on have been observed w�th dugongs on

board.

A number of measures have been �ntroduced by

Queensland and the Northern Terr�tory to m�n�m�se

�mpacts on these spec�es. These measures �nclude:

• barramund� net fishery closures between October to

January;

• spat�al closures to nett�ng;

• a ban on sett�ng nets across waterways or channels

w�th�n 100 m of another net; and

• voluntary endangered spec�es awareness course for

commerc�al fishers.

Indigenous harvest

Under Sect�on 211 of the Native Title Act 1993, Ind�genous

people w�th a nat�ve t�tle r�ght can leg�t�mately hunt

dugongs �n Austral�a to sat�sfy the�r personal, domest�c

or communal needs. L�ttle �nformat�on �s currently

ava�lable on levels of Ind�genous harvest of dugongs �n

the Northern Terr�tory and Queensland waters of the

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Gulf of Carpentar�a but they are bel�eved to be relat�vely

low.

The Nat�onal Partnersh�p Approach for the susta�nable

harvest of turtle and dugong �s an �n�t�at�ve of the

Natural Resource Management M�n�ster�al Counc�l. The

Partnersh�p �nvolves the Austral�an, Western Austral�an,

Northern Terr�tory and Queensland governments as

well as relevant Abor�g�nal and Torres Stra�t Islander

commun�t�es. The key object�ve of the Partnersh�p �s

to better understand the exper�ences and asp�rat�ons of

Ind�genous commun�t�es �n relat�on to the susta�nable

management of mar�ne turtles and dugongs and to use

th�s to �nform pol�cy and programme development and

�mplementat�on by Austral�an governments.

Habitat loss

Loss of seagrass hab�tats �n coastal waters adjacent to

the Reg�on �s a potent�al threat to dugong populat�ons. A

five year mon�tor�ng study (1994–1999) of seagrass beds

follow�ng the establ�shment of the lead and z�nc export

fac�l�ty at Karumba has shown a major change �n spec�es

compos�t�on and decrease �n s�ze of some seagrass areas

(Queensland Department of Pr�mary Industr�es 1999).

Large losses of seagrass have also resulted from natural

events such as floods and cyclones. For example, �n 1985,

Cyclone Sandy destroyed around 183 km2 of seagrass

(or 20 per cent of seagrass �n the Gulf of Carpentar�a)

between the S�r Edward Pellew Group and L�mmen B�ght

along the Northern Terr�tory coast (Po�ner and Peterk�n

1995). Once an area has been denuded of seagrass,

recovery �s slow, �f at all, �n some reg�ons (Po�ner and

Peterk�n 1995).

Other potential threats

Another potent�al threat to dugongs �n the Reg�on

�ncludes boat str�ke. No data �s ava�lable on the number

of dugong �njur�es or mortal�t�es caused by boat str�kes

�n the Reg�on (UNEP 2002).


Boyd, I.L., Lockyer, L.C. and Marsh, H.D., 1999,

‘Reproduct�on �n S�ren�ans’, �n Reynolds J.E. and Tw�ss,

J.R. (eds.), Reproduction in Marine Mammals, Sm�thson�an

Inst�tut�on Press, Wash�ngton DC, USA, pp.243–56.

IUCN 2000, World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened

Species, Internat�onal Un�on for Conservat�on of Nature

(IUCN), Gland, Sw�tzerland.

Marsh, H., Pensorse, H., Eros, C. and Hugues, J., 2002,

Dugong Status Report and Action Plans for Countries and

Territories, Early Warn�ng and Assessment Report Ser�es,

Un�ted Nat�ons Env�ronment Program.

Marsh, H., Lawler, I.R., Kwan, D., Delean, S., Pollock, K.

and Alldredge, M., 2003, The Status of the Dugong in Torres

Strait in November 2003, project final report, Austral�an

F�sher�es Management Author�ty/James Cook Un�vers�ty,

Canberra, Austral�a.

Po�ner, I.R. and Peterk�n, C., 1995, ‘Seagrasses’, �n

Zann, L.P. and Ka�lola, P. (eds.) The State of the Marine

Environment Report for Australia, Technical Annex 1, The

Marine Environment, Department of Env�ronment, Sport

and Terr�tor�es, pp.107–117.

Preen, A., 1992, Interactions between Dugongs and Seagrasses

in a Subtropical Environment, PhD thes�s, James Cook

Un�vers�ty of North Queensland, Townsv�lle, Austral�a.

Queensland Department of Pr�mary Industr�es, 1999, Port

of Karumba Seagrass Monitoring, Interim Progress Report – Dry

Season (October) 1998, unpubl�shed report to the Ports

Corporat�on of Queensland, Queensland Department of

Pr�mary Industr�es, Northern F�sher�es Centre, Ca�rns.






Spa�n, A.V. and He�nsohn, G.E., 1973, ‘Cyclone Assoc�ated

Feed�ng Changes �n the Dugong (Mammal�a: S�ren�a)’,

Mammalia, 37:678–80.

UNEP, 2002, Dugong Status Reports and Action Plans for

Countries and Territories, (Comp�led H. Marsh), Un�ted

Nat�ons Env�ronment Programme Early Warn�ng

Assessment and Report Ser�es, UNEP/DWEA/RS 02–1,

Un�ted Nat�ons Env�ronment Programme (UNEP), World

Conservat�on Mon�tor�ng Centre, Cambr�dge, Un�ted

K�ngdom.

209


D8 North Marine Region Protected Species Group Report Card – Cetaceans




The order Cetacea �ncludes more than 80 spec�es of

whales, porpo�ses and dolph�ns (Internat�onal Whal�ng

Comm�ss�on 2007), d�v�ded �nto two sub-orders: the

Mystecet�, or baleen whales, and the Odontocet�, or

toothed whales. Baleen whales �nclude spec�es such as

blue whales, humpback whales and m�nke whales, and

are generally character�sed by the�r large s�ze (10–30 m)

and kerat�nous baleen plates wh�ch hang from the upper

jaw and are used to filter kr�ll, plankton and other prey

�tems from seawater. Toothed whales �nclude dolph�ns

and porpo�ses as well as k�ller whales and sperm whales.

They are act�ve hunters, feed�ng on squ�d, fish and other

mar�ne mammals. Forty-five spec�es of cetacean occur

�n Austral�an waters. Of these, n�ne are known to occur

regularly �n the waters of the Reg�on, �nclud�ng three

spec�es of whale and s�x spec�es of dolph�n (see append�x

C, table I). Cetacean spec�es that do not regularly

feed, aggregate or m�grate through the Reg�on, or are

cons�dered outs�de the�r normal range �f found �n the

Reg�on, are l�sted �n append�x C, table II.


All cetaceans are protected under the EPBC Act. Three

spec�es of cetacean known to occur �n the Reg�on are

l�sted as threatened and/or m�gratory under the EPBC

Act (table D IV). Add�t�onally, the long-snouted sp�nner

dolph�n, Austral�an snubfin dolph�n (then l�sted as

Irrawaddy dolph�n) and Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�n

are cons�dered as pr�or�ty spec�es under the 1996 Action

Plan for Australian Cetaceans, although �nformat�on �s st�ll

too scarce to ass�gn them to a conservat�on category

(Bann�ster et al. 1996; Ross 2006).

Table D IV Cetaceans listed as threatened or migratory under the EPBC Act that are known to occur in the North Marine

Region


Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�n(Sousa chinensis)

M�gratory[also l�sted under CITES (Append�x I) and CMS (Append�x II)]

The Action Plan for Australian Cetaceans (1996)

Guidelines on the Application of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to Interactions between Offshore Seismic Operations and Larger Cetaceans (2001)

Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (2005)

•

•

•

Spotted bottlenose dolph�n(Tursiops aduncus)

M�gratory[also l�sted under CITES (Append�x II) and CMS (Append�x II)]

Austral�an snubfin dolph�n (Orcaella heinsohni)

M�gratory[also l�sted under CITES (Append�x I) and CMS (Append�x II)]

Austral�an snubfin dolph�ns. Photo: Deb Th�ele.

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The Austral�an Government has establ�shed the

Austral�an Whale Sanctuary to protect all whales and

dolph�ns found �n Austral�an waters. The Austral�an

Whale Sanctuary covers the Commonwealth mar�ne area

and �ncludes waters around Austral�a’s external terr�tor�es

such as Chr�stmas, Cocos (Keel�ng), Norfolk, Heard and

McDonald �slands. W�th�n the sanctuary �t �s an offence

for Austral�an res�dents to k�ll, �njure or �nterfere w�th a

cetacean. Further �nformat�on on the Austral�an Whale

Sanctuary can be found at <www.env�ronment.gov.au/

coasts/spec�es/cetaceans/sanctuary.html>.

Ecology of protected cetaceans �n the


Cetaceans found �n the Reg�on �nclude spec�es such

as the long-snouted sp�nner dolph�n, found �n pelag�c

waters, the false k�ller whale, found �n deeper offshore

waters, and the short-finned p�lot whale, that �s

observed around areas of upwell�ng and canyons on the

cont�nental shelf. Other spec�es that occur �n waters

�n and adjacent to the Reg�on �nclude the Austral�an

snubfin dolph�n and Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�n.

The Austral�an snubfin dolph�n, Indo-Pac�fic humpback

dolph�n and the bottlenose dolph�ns are the most

common spec�es found �nshore �n Northern Terr�tory

coastal waters.

Cetaceans that are found �n the Reg�on vary w�dely �n

the�r b�olog�cal character�st�cs. The Reg�on does not

appear to be a part of the usual m�gratory pathway for

humpback whales, although they have been s�ghted

travers�ng the western part of the Arafura Sea between

the�r breed�ng areas �n the trop�cal and subtrop�cal

waters and the�r feed�ng areas �n the Antarct�c.

Humpbacks are thought not to feed wh�le v�s�t�ng the

Reg�on. Both the Austral�an snubfin dolph�n and Indo-

Pac�fic humpback dolph�n res�de �n enclosed, shallow

seagrass hab�tats �n the Reg�on and adjacent areas,

and share s�m�lar hab�tat preferences (Parra 2006). The

Austral�an snubfin dolph�n �s newly descr�bed and �s

endem�c to Austral�an and poss�bly Papua New Gu�nea

waters (Beasley et al. 2005). Spotted bottlenose dolph�ns

are res�dent �n the Reg�on and prefer estuar�ne and

shallow waters.

Important areas for cetaceans �n the


Important areas �n the Reg�on are �dent�fied for

cetaceans l�sted as threatened or m�gratory under

the EPBC Act. A number of areas �n or adjacent to the

Reg�on are of part�cular �mportance for cetacean spec�es,

�nclud�ng:

Anson Bay to Fog Bay – supports aggregat�ons of Austral�an

snubfin and Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�ns.

Beagle Gulf – �nclud�ng Darw�n and Bynoe Harbours,

Shoal Bay and Adela�de R�ver – supports aggregat�ons of

Austral�an snubfin and Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�ns.

Humpback whale breach�ng. Photo: Mark Farrell.

211


Bathurst and Melville islands – support aggregat�ons of


Van Diemen Gulf – �nclud�ng Chambers Bay, South and East

All�gator r�vers, Kakadu Nat�onal Park, Cobourg Pen�nsula

and the Croker Islands – supports aggregat�ons of


Blue Mud Bay – has a nat�onally s�gn�ficant res�dent

populat�on of Austral�an snubfin dolph�ns and a res�dent

populat�on of Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�ns.

Groote Eylandt – supports aggregat�ons of Indo-Pac�fic

humpback dolph�ns.

Sir Edward Pellew Group – supports aggregat�ons of

Austral�an snubfin, Indo-Pac�fic humpback and spotted

bottlenose dolph�ns.

Wellesley Islands – home to res�dent populat�ons of

spotted bottlenose dolph�ns.

Albatross Bay – has res�dent populat�ons of Indo-Pac�fic

humpback dolph�ns dur�ng the dry season.



Under the EPBC Act, all cetaceans are protected w�th�n

the Austral�an Whale Sanctuary. S�nce the term�nat�on of

whal�ng �n Austral�an waters, cetacean populat�ons have

been recover�ng at vary�ng rates, w�th humpback whale

populat�ons �ncreas�ng at a rate close to the�r b�olog�cal

capac�ty.

Current �nternat�onal whal�ng act�v�t�es are bel�eved to

rema�n as the most s�gn�ficant �mpact on whales that

res�de �n or traverse through Austral�an waters. Antarct�c

m�nke whales wh�ch may m�grate past Austral�an shores

are the pr�mary target of a spec�al perm�t, or ‘sc�ent�fic’

whal�ng by Japan (JARPA II). Short-finned p�lot whales

and some dolph�n spec�es (e.g. long-snouted sp�nner,

spotted, str�ped and rough-toothed dolph�ns) that are

known to occur or may be found �n the Reg�on are also

hunted �n Japan, Indones�a and Sr� Lanka. Interact�ons

between cetaceans and humans �n Austral�an waters are

generally acc�dental. The most s�gn�ficant �nteract�ons

between human act�v�t�es and cetaceans �n the Reg�on

are l�kely to be those �nvolv�ng fisher�es, o�l and gas,

defence and sh�pp�ng. These are cons�dered �n more

deta�l below.


Interact�ons between cetaceans and fisher�es act�v�t�es

can �nclude compet�t�on for target spec�es, depredat�on

of catch, entanglement by cetaceans �n gear, and �njury

or death through �nc�dental capture. The pr�mary threat

assoc�ated w�th fisher�es to cetaceans �n the Reg�on �s

l�kely to be �nc�dental mortal�ty �n fish�ng gear.

Informat�on on troph�c �nteract�ons between cetaceans

and fisher�es �s l�m�ted. Work on mar�ne mammals

generally �nd�cates that cetaceans at the top of the food

cha�n may have a s�gn�ficant effect on the structure of

the mar�ne ecosystem. Compet�t�on between cetaceans

and fisher�es may be d�rect, where both are target�ng

a common prey spec�es, or �nd�rect, through complex

troph�c �nteract�ons. In part�cular, fisher�es target�ng

small pelag�c spec�es, such as p�lchards and redba�t, may

have a s�gn�ficant effect on some cetacean spec�es, as

small pelag�c fish are thought to be �mportant to many

components of the mar�ne ecosystem generally.

Dolph�ns are known to act�vely feed on d�scards

from the Northern Prawn F�shery (Department of

the Env�ronment and Her�tage 2003). An assessment

of the poss�ble �mpacts of d�scards on select spec�es

populat�ons �nclud�ng dolph�ns �s descr�bed by

Po�ner et al. (1998). D�scard�ng �n areas of regular

trawl�ng may affect dolph�n populat�ons as d�scards

concentrate �n smaller areas w�th�n the forag�ng range

of the scavengers. Prov�s�on�ng of an�mals �s an �ssue of

concern, w�th the poss�b�l�ty of �ncreas�ng populat�ons

of some spec�es beyond the�r natural capac�ty, wh�ch

may have �mpl�cat�ons for the ecosystem as a whole.

The reduct�on �n the number of fish�ng vessels �n the

Northern Prawn F�shery and the reduct�on �n length

of the trawl�ng season w�ll ass�st �n a reduct�on �n the

amount of d�scards from prawn trawls �n the Reg�on.

Austral�an snubfin and Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�ns

are vulnerable to g�ll-nets set for barramund� and other

fish spec�es �n r�ver and estuar�ne hab�tats. Overfish�ng

of the prey of these dolph�n spec�es �s of �ncreas�ng

concern (Ross 2006).

The Gulf of Carpentar�a Inshore F�nfish F�shery has

tr�alled acoust�c p�ngers to warn dolph�ns of net

locat�ons �n the Reg�on, but the effect�veness of the

p�ngers �s yet to be proven. Other measures that

have been �ntroduced to prevent �mpacts of fisher�es

operat�ons on cetaceans �nclude requ�rements for

attend�ng nets, restr�ct�ons on net lengths, closed water

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declarat�ons �n �mportant areas, and m�n�mum and

max�mum mesh s�zes for nets.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture act�v�t�es and equ�pment may be a source

of �nteract�on w�th cetacean spec�es, part�cularly

smaller whales and dolph�ns �n waters adjacent to the

Reg�on. Cetaceans may become entangled �n aquaculture

�nstallat�ons (Kemper and G�bbs 2001; Watson-Capps

and Mann 2005) and an�mals may avo�d aquaculture

�nstallat�ons, result�ng �n d�splacement from the�r

preferred hab�tat.

Oil and gas exploration

O�l and gas explorat�on and other geophys�cal surveys

�nvolve the use of se�sm�c ‘a�r-guns’, wh�ch generate a

rap�d release of a�r under h�gh pressure to determ�ne the

geolog�cal profile of the sea floor and the substrate. The

generat�on of no�se result�ng from th�s h�gh pressure a�r

�s known to have some �mpact on cetaceans. The effects

of se�sm�c survey�ng on whales are not fully understood,

but may lead to phys�cal or behav�oural changes. Th�s �s

part�cularly s�gn�ficant where there �s a h�gh l�kel�hood

that whales w�ll be encountered, or se�sm�c work �s to

be undertaken near �mportant hab�tats, such as areas of

known breed�ng, rest�ng, feed�ng or m�grat�on. Baleen

whales such as humpback, blue and fin whales may be

more affected by se�sm�c act�v�t�es surveys than toothed

whales, as the�r acoust�c range �s thought to operate �n

the same frequency as a�r gun pulses. Se�sm�c operat�ons

are regulated by the Austral�an Government’s EPBC Act

Pol�cy Statement 2.1 – Interaction between Offshore Seismic

Exploration and Whales (May 2007) and are ava�lable at

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/epbc/publ�cat�ons/se�sm�c>.

The gu�del�nes prov�de precaut�onary m�t�gat�on

measures a�med at prevent�ng �njury and m�n�m�s�ng the

threat of b�olog�cally s�gn�ficant changes. The petroleum

�ndustry has taken an act�ve role �n the development and

�mplementat�on of measures to m�n�m�se the potent�al

�mpacts of explorat�on on cetaceans. The �ndustry seeks

to undertake explorat�on, where pract�cable, dur�ng

t�mes when encounters w�th whales are generally least

l�kely to occur.

Defence activities

The Austral�an Government Department of Defence

conducts a range of act�v�t�es, such as target pract�ce,

wh�ch �nvolve the use of l�ve ammun�t�on and the use

of act�ve sonar to locate targets w�th�n the mar�ne

env�ronment. No�se from some types of m�l�tary sonar

has been l�nked to cetacean strand�ngs and deaths of

some spec�es of deep-d�v�ng beaked whales �n other

parts of the world. To date, there �s no ev�dence of

whale strand�ngs l�nked to defence tra�n�ng act�v�t�es �n

the Reg�on.

In order to prevent �mpacts on cetaceans by the�r

act�v�t�es, the Royal Austral�an Navy has developed

procedures for detect�ng whales dur�ng defence tra�n�ng

act�v�t�es. These procedures prov�de adv�ce for operators

of m�l�tary a�rcraft and equ�pment and naval vessels

that produce sonar or sources of underwater sound.

The Department of Defence, �n cooperat�on w�th the


the Arts, develops gu�del�nes when plann�ng act�v�t�es

�n the mar�ne env�ronment. These gu�del�nes outl�ne any

approvals that are requ�red, and how to avo�d m�grat�ng,

breed�ng and feed�ng whales. The Department of Defence

has also prov�ded financ�al and techn�cal support to

a range of research act�v�t�es related to cetaceans to

better �mprove the�r understand�ng of how to avo�d

�mpacts on the spec�es.

Shipping

Sh�pp�ng �s an �mportant act�v�ty �n the Reg�on. Overseas

stud�es �nd�cate that sh�p str�kes may be a major cause

of mortal�ty for some cetacean spec�es (Knowlton and

Kraus 2001). W�th�n the Reg�on �nteract�ons w�th small

cetaceans are l�kely to be more common than w�th

larger spec�es, as these spec�es occur only �nfrequently

�n the Reg�on. In part�cular, the coastal nearshore

d�str�but�on of Austral�an snubfin dolph�n and Indo-

Pac�fic humpback dolph�ns suggests that they may be

vulnerable to �nteract�ons w�th vessel traffic. A study

�n Queensland showed that acoust�c commun�cat�on

and group cohes�on �n Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�ns

was affected by boat traffic and no�se (Van Par�js and

Corkeron 2001).

Marine debris









213



death.

Few data are ava�lable on the effects of �ngested plast�c

objects on cetaceans �n Austral�a, but plast�cs and rope

have been found �n the �ntest�nes of dead dolph�ns and

whales �n other parts of Austral�a suffic�ent to have

caused fatal blockages (Bann�ster et al. 1996, Thompson

2000). A number of whales and dolph�ns have also

been recorded entangled �n derel�ct fish�ng gear around

Austral�a’s coasts (Chatto and Warneke 2000; L�mpus

et al. 2003). Records of cetaceans seen entangled at

sea are poorly documented. Cuv�er’s beaked whales

are thought to be part�cularly suscept�ble to �ngest�on

of anthropogen�c debr�s due to the�r suct�on forag�ng

techn�ques.

The Austral�an Action Plan for Australian Cetaceans

(Bann�ster et al. 1996) and ex�st�ng whale recovery plans

(Department of the Env�ronment and Her�tage 2005a,

2005b, 2005c) �dent�fy entanglement �n derel�ct fish�ng

gear and �ngest�on of plast�cs at sea as a current threat

to a number of vulnerable and endangered cetacean

spec�es. The Action Plan for Australian Cetaceans also

notes several spec�es that are not yet cons�dered to be

threatened (because of the lack of suffic�ent data on

populat�ons) as also be�ng vulnerable to the effects of

harmful mar�ne debr�s (Bann�ster et al. 1996).


a threat abatement plan wh�ch a�ms to m�n�m�se





Whale watching

In response to concerns regard�ng the �mpact of the

grow�ng cetacean watch�ng �ndustry on whales �n other

parts of Austral�a, the Austral�an Government and all

State and Terr�tory governments jo�ntly developed

the National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching

(Department of the Env�ronment and Her�tage 2005d).

These gu�del�nes apply equally to commerc�al and

recreat�onal whale watch�ng and have the dual a�ms of:

m�n�m�s�ng harmful �mpacts on whales, dolph�ns

and porpo�ses; and

ensur�ng that people have the best opportun�ty to

enjoy and learn about the whales, dolph�ns and

porpo�ses found �n Austral�an waters.

The gu�del�nes set out a number of requ�rements of

relevance to both commerc�al and recreat�onal whale

and dolph�n watch�ng, �nclud�ng m�n�mum d�stance

requ�rements for vessels, a�rcraft and hel�copters. State

and Terr�tory governments manage the day-to-day

act�v�t�es of the cetacean watch�ng tour�sm sector �n

coastal waters, and the�r management arrangements

are cons�stent w�th the nat�onal gu�del�nes. The

Austral�an Government �mplemented the latest nat�onal

gu�del�nes �n the EPBC Regulat�ons �n June 2006

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/publ�cat�ons/whale-

watch�ng-gu�del�nes-2005.html>.

•

•

Bryde’s whale. Photo: C. Jenner.

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Recreational activities

Recreat�onal and tour�sm act�v�t�es at sea have the

potent�al to affect the behav�our of cetaceans. Because

of the�r presence �n shallower coastal waters �n the

Reg�on, humpback whales and some spec�es of dolph�n

may be suscept�ble to d�sturbance from tour�sm

operat�ons.

Recreat�onal boat�ng may affect cetaceans through

d�rect str�kes result�ng �n �njury or death, phys�cal

d�sturbance, and mask�ng of the acoust�c cues that

cetaceans depend on for commun�cat�on, or�entat�on or

food-find�ng.

Offshore installations

Offshore �nstallat�ons such as w�nd farms or wave

generators �n other parts of the world are currently

under assessment for the�r potent�al to �mpact on

cetaceans.

Aircraft

Because of the�r speed, no�se, shadow or downdraft (�n

the case of hel�copters), a�rcraft have been shown to

d�sturb whales and dolph�ns. Prov�s�ons for the operat�on

of a�rcraft �n the v�c�n�ty of whales and dolph�ns are

outl�ned �n the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and

Dolphin Watching 2005 (Department of the Env�ronment

and Her�tage 2005d).

Land-based activities

Tox�c contam�nants such as heavy metals and synthet�c

compounds such as organochlor�nes may enter

the mar�ne env�ronment through so�l eros�on and

agr�cultural run-off. Organochlor�nes are commonly used

�n �nsect�c�des and, wh�le usually only found at very low

concentrat�ons �n seawater, they can accumulate up

the food cha�n to tox�c levels (Env�ronment Austral�a

2002). Organochlor�nes are soluble �n fat and heavy

doses may be passed to offspr�ng through mothers’

m�lk. Concentrat�ons of organochlor�nes and other tox�c

contam�nants have been found �n mar�ne mammals

throughout the world �nclud�ng sperm whales off

Tasman�a, and �n dolph�ns off South Austral�a (Evans

et al. 2004; Correll et al. 2004). It �s thought that

organochlor�nes and other tox�ns may have deleter�ous

effects on the �mmune, endocr�ne and nervous systems

of cetaceans and may contr�bute to mass mortal�ty

events and strand�ngs. Spec�es w�th an �nshore

d�str�but�on such as Austral�an snubfin and Indo-Pac�fic

humpback dolph�ns may be part�cularly vulnerable to

pollutants enter�ng coastal waters through land-based

act�v�t�es.

Climate change

The long-term effects of global warm�ng on mar�ne

spec�es are st�ll speculat�ve, however �t �s pred�cted that

both hab�tat and food ava�lab�l�ty w�ll be affected by

�ncreas�ng ocean temperatures, chang�ng ocean currents,

r�s�ng sea levels and reduct�ons �n sea �ce. Such changes

may affect current m�grat�on routes, feed�ng areas and

calv�ng grounds, render�ng current hab�tat unsu�table.

S�m�larly, changes to cl�mate and oceanograph�c

processes may lead to decreased b�olog�cal product�v�ty

and d�fferent patterns of prey d�str�but�on and

ava�lab�l�ty (Department of the Env�ronment and

Her�tage 2005a,b,c).

Threats to those cetaceans l�sted as endangered or

vulnerable under the EPBC Act are addressed �n the

object�ves of the Recovery Plan for Australia’s Threatened

Whales (Department of the Env�ronment and Her�tage

2005a,b,c). The object�ves of the recovery plan are:

• the recovery of populat�ons of whales us�ng

Austral�an waters so that the spec�es can be

cons�dered secure �n the w�ld; a d�str�but�on of

whales �n Austral�an waters that �s s�m�lar to the

pre-explo�tat�on d�str�but�on; and

• to ma�nta�n the protect�on of whales from human

threats.

To ach�eve these object�ves, the recovery plan

recommends the �mplementat�on of programmes

to measure populat�on abundance and trends, to

better define the character�st�cs of calv�ng, feed�ng

and m�gratory areas, manage and mon�tor threats to

�mportant hab�tat and prey ava�lab�l�ty, and mon�tor

cl�mate and oceanograph�c change. More �nformat�on on

the recovery plans for humpback, blue, fin and se� whales

can be found at <www.env�ronment.gov.au/b�od�vers�ty/

threatened/publ�cat�ons/recovery/m-novaeangl�ae> and


publ�cat�ons/recovery/balaenoptera-sp>.

Cetacean stranding adjacent to the North Marine

Region

The relat�onsh�p between strand�ng events and human

act�v�t�es �s not well understood. Poss�ble natural causes

of whale strand�ngs �nclude d�sease, �njury, ocean

currents and topograph�cal features of the coastl�ne.

215


Pollut�on, sh�p str�kes and anthropogen�c mar�ne no�se

have also been suggested as contr�but�ng to strand�ngs

(for example, Engel et al. 2004; La�st et al. 2001).

Records of strand�ngs collated by Chatto and Warneke

(2000) between 1948 to 1999 l�st 57 cetacean strand�ngs

�n coastal Northern Terr�tory. For many of the strand�ngs

that �nvolved a s�ngle an�mal found dead, there �s no

way of know�ng whether the an�mal was al�ve when

beached, or d�ed at sea and was transported by currents,

w�nds or t�des before be�ng washed ashore. Cetacean

spec�es that have been �nvolved �n strand�ngs �n the

Reg�on �nclude bottlenose and Indo-Pac�fic humpback

dolph�ns, melon-headed whale, humpback whale, sperm

whale and Cuv�er’s beaked whale. In 2004, the largest

strand�ng of short-finned p�lot whales �n the Northern

Terr�tory occurred where 54 whales were beached on

Centre Island �n the S�r Edward Pellew Group.


Austral�an F�sher�es Management Author�ty, 2005b,

Small Pelagic Fishery Management Advisory Committee 02,


Austral�an F�sher�es Management Author�ty (Small

Pelag�c F�shery Management Adv�sory Comm�ttee),

unpub. 2005, Meeting Papers from SPFMAC 30 September

2005, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra,

<www.afma.gov.au/fisher�es/small_pelag�c/mac/2005/

m20050930/�tem2024_research.pdf>, accessed May 07.

Austral�an F�sher�es Management Author�ty and


2005, Report on the Incidents of Dolphin Deaths

which Occurred During Fishing Operations Off Eastern

Tasmania, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra,

<www.afma.gov.au/fisher�es/small_pelag�c/

rag/2005/11_30_spf_cetacean_20report_20final.pdf>,

accessed May 07.

Bann�ster J.L., Kemper, C.M. and Warneke, R.M., 1996,

The Action Plan for Australian Cetaceans, Austral�an Nature

Conservat�on Agency, Canberra.

Beasley, I., Robertson, K.M. and Arnold, P., 2005,

‘Descr�pt�on of a New Dolph�n, the Austral�an Snub-fin

Dolph�n Orcaella heinsohni sp. N. (Cetacea, Delph�n�dae)’,

Marine Mammal Science, 21:365–400.

Chatto, R. and Warneke, R., 2000, ‘Records of Cetacean

Strand�ngs �n the Northern Terr�tory of Austral�a’, �n

The Beagle, Records of the Museum and Art Galleries of the

Northern Territory, 16:163–175.

Correll, R., Müller, J., Ell�s, D., Prange, J., Gaus, C., Shaw,

M., Holt, E., Bauer, U., Symons, R. and Burn�ston, D.,

2004, Dioxins in Fauna in Australia, Nat�onal D�ox�ns

Program Techn�cal Report No. 7, Austral�an Government

Department of the Env�ronment and Her�tage, Canberra.


EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1 Significant Impact Guidelines

– Interactions Between Offshore Seismic Operations and

Larger Cetaceans, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra,

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/epbc/protect/se�sm�c>,

accessed May 07.


Assessment of the Northern Prawn Fishery, Commonwealth


Indo-Pac�fic humpback dolph�n. Photo: Gu�do J. Parra, Un�vers�ty of Queensland.

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National Whale and Dolphin Sighting and Stranding


<data.aad.gov.au/aadc/whales>, accessed September 07.


2005a, Southern Right Whale Recovery Plan 2005–2010,



2005b Blue, Fin and Sei Whale Recovery Plan 2005–2010,


Department of the Env�ronment and Her�tage, 2005c,

Humpback Whale Recovery Plan 2005–2010, Commonwealth


Department of the Env�ronment and Her�tage

(Natural Resource Management M�n�ster�al Counc�l),

2005d, National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin

Watching, Commonwealth of Austral�a, Canberra,

<www.env�ronment.gov.au/coasts/publ�cat�ons/

whalewatch�ng-gu�del�nes-2005.html> accessed May 07.




<www.env�ronment.gov.au/sprat>, accessed February 08.

Engel, M.H., Marcondes, M.C.C., Mart�ns, C.C.A., O Luna,

F., L�ma, R. P. and Campos, A., 2004, Are Seismic Surveys

Responsible for Cetacean Strandings? An Unusual Mortality

of Adult Humpback Whales in Abrolhos Bank, Northeastern

Coast of Brazil, paper subm�tted to the IWC Sc�ent�fic

Comm�ttee (SC/56/E28).

Env�ronment Austral�a, 2002, The Framework for Marine and

Estuarine Water Quality Protection, EA, Canberra.

Evans, K., H�ndell, M. and H�nce, G., 2004,

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(Physeter macrocephalus) from Southern Austral�an Waters’,

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<www.�wcoffice.org>, accessed February 08.

Kemper, C.M. and G�bbs, S.E., 2001, ‘Dolph�n Interact�ons

w�th Tuna Feedlots at Port L�ncoln, South Austral�a

and Recommendat�ons for M�n�m�s�ng Entanglements’,

Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 3:283–292.

Knowlton, A. and Kraus, S., 2001, ‘Mortal�ty and Ser�ous

Injury of Northern R�ght Whales (Eubalaena glacilis) �n

the Western North Atlant�c Ocean’, Journal of Cetacean

Research and Management (spec�al �ssue) 2:193–208.

La�st, D.W., Knowlton, A.R., Mead, J.G., Collet, A.S. and

Podesta, M., 2001, ‘Coll�s�ons between Sh�ps and Whales’,

Marine Mammal Science 17:35–75.

L�mpus, C., Curr�e, K. and Ha�nes, J., 2003, Marine Wildlife

Stranding and Mortality Database Annual Report 2002: II

Cetacean and Pinniped, conservat�on techn�cal and data

report, volume 2002, No. 2 Queensland Env�ronment

Protect�on Agency/Parks and W�ldl�fe Serv�ce.






Parra, G.J., 2006, ‘Resource Part�t�on�ng �n Sympatr�c

Delph�n�d: Space Use and Hab�tat Preferences of

Austral�an Snubfin and Indo-Pac�fic Humpback Dolph�ns’,

Journal of Animal Ecology, 75: 862–874.

Po�ner, I., Gla�ster, J., P�tcher, R., Burr�dge, C.,

Wassenberg, T., Gr�bble, N., H�ll, B., Blaber, S., M�lton,

D., Brewer, D. and Ell�s, N., 1998, Final Report on Effects

of Trawling in the Far Northern Section of the Great Barrier

Reef: 1991–1996. CSIRO D�v�s�on of Mar�ne Research,

Cleveland.

Ross, G.J.B., 2006, Review of the Conservation Status

of Australia’s Smaller Whales and Dolphins, Austral�an

Government Department of the Env�ronment and

Her�tage, Canberra.

Thompson, C., 2000, ‘Focus on Impact of Sea Trash’,

Cairns Post, Thursday 09/11/2000, p.12.

Van Par�js, S.M. and Corkeron, P.J., 2001, ‘Boat Traffic

Affects the Acoust�c Behav�our of Pac�fic Humpback

Dolph�ns, (Sousa chinensis)’, Journal of the Marine Biological

Association of the United Kingdom, 81:533–538.

Watson-Capps, J.J. and Mann, J., 2005, ‘The Effects of

Aquaculture on Bottlenose Dolph�n (Tursiops sp.) Rang�ng

�n Shark Bay’, Biological Conservation, 24:519–526.

217


Abbreviations and AcronymsACAP The Agreement on the Conservat�on of Albatross and Petrels

AFMA Austral�an F�sher�es Management Author�ty

CAMBA Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the People’s Republic of

China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their Environment 1986

CBD The Convent�on on B�olog�cal D�vers�ty

CCSBT Comm�ss�on for the Conservat�on of Southern Bluefin Tuna

CDEP Commun�ty Development Employment Projects

CITES Convent�on on Internat�onal Trade �n Endangered Spec�es of W�ld Fauna and Flora

CMS Convent�on on M�gratory Spec�es (also known as the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species

of Wild Animals or the Bonn Convent�on)

CSIRO Commonwealth Sc�ent�fic and Industr�al Research Organ�sat�on

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

EEZ Exclus�ve Econom�c Zone

GBRMPA Great Barr�er Reef Mar�ne Park Author�ty

HQNORCOM Headquarters Northern Command

IMCRA Integrated Mar�ne and Coastal Reg�onal�sat�on of Austral�a

IOSEA Mar�ne Turtle MoU Ind�an Ocean - South-East As�an Mar�ne Turtle Memorandum of Understand�ng

IOTC Ind�an Ocean Tuna Comm�ss�on

IUCN Internat�onal Un�on for the Conservat�on of Nature and Natural Resources (World Conservat�on

Un�on)

IWC Internat�onal Whal�ng Comm�ss�on

JAMBA Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Japan for the Protection of Migratory

Birds in Danger of Extinction and their Environment 1974

MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Ships, 1973, as mod�fied by the Protocol

of 1978 relat�ng thereto

NT Northern Terr�tory

NTFJA Northern Terr�tory F�sher�es Jo�nt Author�ty

PSLA MOE Regulat�ons Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management of Env�ronment) Regulat�ons 1999 made under

the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967

QFJA Queensland F�sher�es Jo�nt Author�ty

Qld Queensland

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convent�on 1971)

ROKAMBA Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Korea- on the Protection

of Migratory Birds, 2007

SCUBA Self-Conta�ned Underwater Breath�ng Apparatus

UNCLOS Un�ted Nat�ons Convent�on on the Law of the Sea

UNEP Un�ted Nat�ons Env�ronment Programme

WA Western Austral�a

218

Glossary

abyssal plain

The flat, relat�vely featureless bottom of the deep

ocean, at depths greater than 2000 m. The average

depth of the abyssal floor �s about 4000 m.

aggregating behaviour

Group�ng of fish or other an�mals. Th�s can be for

reasons such as ava�lab�l�ty of food organ�sms, or for

spawn�ng.

amphidrome

The centre of a t�dal system; a no-t�de or nodal po�nt

around wh�ch the crest of a stand�ng wave or a h�gh-

water level rotates once �n each t�dal cycle. Also

known as amph�drom�c po�nt.

amphipod

A small crustacean belong�ng to the order Amph�poda

that has a laterally compressed body w�th no

carapace.

anthropogenic

Of human or�g�n or result�ng from human act�v�ty.

anti-cyclonic

Rotat�on about a vert�cal ax�s that �s clockw�se �n the

Northern Hem�sphere and counter-clockw�se �n the

Southern Hem�sphere.

Arafura Depression

The Arafura Depress�on �s a geolog�cal feature located

�n the Arafura Sea to the north just outs�de of the

Reg�on. The locat�on of th�s feature can be found on

the A3 map �n the back cover.

Arafura Fan

The Arafura Fan �s a smooth, fan-l�ke depos�t�onl

feature that slopes away from the outflow of a ser�es

of large canyons �n the Arafura Sea to the north of the



ascidians

Members of the class Asc�d�acea (sea squ�rts), a group

of sess�le mar�ne filter-feed�ng an�mals charater�sed

by a tough outer sac or ‘tun�c’. Asc�d�an spec�es may

be sol�tary, communal, or colon�al (where many

�nd�v�duals l�ve attached together and funct�on as a

s�ngle organ�sm).

assemblage

A collect�on of plants and/or an�mals character�st�cally

assoc�ated w�th a part�cular env�ronment.

Australian margin

Refers to the Austral�an cont�nental marg�n: the

offshore zone cons�st�ng of the cont�nental shelf,

slope and r�se that separates the dry-land port�on of a

cont�nent from the deep ocean floor.

ballast water

Water carr�ed �n sh�ps’ tanks to ma�nta�n stab�l�ty

when a sh�p �s l�ghtly loaded. It �s normally d�scharged

�nto the sea when the sh�p �s loaded w�th cargo.

bathymetry

The measurement of ocean depths to determ�ne the

sea floor topography.

benthos/benthic

Refers to all mar�ne organ�sms l�v�ng upon or �n the

seabed.

biodiversity

The var�at�on of l�v�ng organ�sms w�th�n a g�ven

ecosystem or place, at all levels of b�olog�cal

organ�sat�on �nclud�ng genet�c d�vers�ty w�th�n

spec�es, spec�es d�vers�ty w�th�n an ecosystem, and

d�vers�ty between ecosystems.

biofouling

B�ofoul�ng (b�olog�cal foul�ng) �s the accumulat�on of

plants, an�mals and m�cro-organ�sms on submerged

structures such as sh�ps’ hulls, wharves, o�l r�gs, and

even on other organ�sms.

biogenic

Produced by l�v�ng organ�sms.

biogeographic

Relat�ng to large reg�ons w�th d�st�nct fauna and flora.

bioherm

A lens-shaped or mound-shaped mass of rock

exclus�vely or ma�nly constructed through the

depos�t�on of m�nerals (e.g. calc�um or s�l�con)

by mar�ne organ�sms such as corals, algae or

sclerosponges. Also known as an organ�c mound.

biological or ecological productivity

The ab�l�ty of an ecosystem to produce, grow or

y�eld organ�c products. Usually refers to pr�mary

product�v�ty: the rate at wh�ch plants (�nclud�ng

219

phytoplankton) produce organ�c b�omass that can be

ut�l�sed by other organ�sms further up the foodcha�n.

biomass

The quant�ty of organ�c matter w�th�n an area or

ecosystem (usually expressed as dry we�ght for un�t

area or volume).

bioprospecting

The search for new chem�cals der�ved from b�olog�cal

processes, systems or organ�sms.

bioregion

A large area of the ocean that �s class�fied as hav�ng

s�m�lar types of plants, an�mals and ocean cond�t�ons,

compared to other s�m�larly-s�zed areas. For the

purpose of th�s document, b�oreg�on means prov�nc�al

b�oreg�on as defined �n the Integrated Mar�ne and

Coastal Reg�onal�sat�on of Austral�a Vers�on 4.0.

biota

All of the l�v�ng organ�sms at a part�cular local�ty.

bioturbation

The d�sturbance and m�x�ng of sed�ment layers by

b�olog�cal act�v�ty (plants or an�mals).

bryomol reef

A reef formed (ma�nly) by bryozoans and molluscs.

bryozoans

Sess�le, filter-feed�ng mar�ne an�mals somet�mes

known as moss an�mals, sea mats or lace coral. The

major�ty of l�v�ng bryozoans are encrust�ng (they

grow �n flat sheets that spread out over the substrate)

but others grow upwards �nto the water column.

carbonate organisms

L�fe-forms that �ncorporate calc�um and carbon from

sea water �nto the�r skeletons or shells. They �nclude a

range of organ�sms such as algae, corals and b�valves,

and can be m�croscop�c.

carbonate reefs/banks

Reefs or banks whose structure pr�mar�ly cons�sts of

calc�um carbonate.

cetaceans

Members of the mammal�an group Cetacea, �nclud�ng

whales, dolph�ns and porpo�ses.

Commonwealth waters

The Commonwealth mar�ne area, wh�ch �ncludes

‘Commonwealth waters’ �s defined �n the EPBC Act

as any part of the sea, �nclud�ng the waters, seabed,

and a�rspace, w�th�n Austral�a’s Exclus�ve Econom�c

Zone and/or over the cont�nental shelf of Austral�a,

exclud�ng State and Northern Terr�tory coastal waters.

Generally, the Commonwealth mar�ne area stretches

from three naut�cal m�les from the terr�tor�al sea

basel�ne to the outer l�m�t of the Exclus�ve Econom�c

Zone, 200 naut�cal m�les from the basel�ne. It may

extend further where the edge of the cont�nental

shelf extends beyond the outer l�m�ts of the Exclus�ve

Econom�c Zone. The terr�tor�al sea basel�ne �s normally

the low water mark along the coast.

conservation dependent (see also: threatened

species)

The defin�t�on of a conservat�on dependant spec�es �n

the EPBC Act (Sect�on 179) �s:

‘A nat�ve spec�es �s el�g�ble to be �ncluded �n the

conservat�on dependent category at a part�cular t�me

�f, at that t�me:

(a) the spec�es �s the focus of a spec�fic conservat�on

program the cessat�on of wh�ch would result �n the

spec�es becom�ng vulnerable, endangered or cr�t�cally

endangered; or

(b) the follow�ng subparagraphs are sat�sfied:

(�) the spec�es �s a spec�es of fish;

(��) the spec�es �s the focus of a plan of management

that prov�des for management act�ons necessary to

stop the decl�ne of, and support the recovery of, the

spec�es so that �ts chances of long term surv�val �n

nature are max�m�sed;

(��) the plan of management �s �n force under a law of

the Commonwealth or of a State or Terr�tory;

(�v) cessat�on of the plan of management would

adversely affect the conservat�on status of the

spec�es.’

continental rise

The gently slop�ng surface located at the base of a

cont�nental slope.

continental slope

The reg�on of the outer edge of a cont�nent between

the relat�vely shallow cont�nental shelf and the deep

ocean.

continental shelf

The sect�on of the seabed from the shore to the edge

of the cont�nental slope.

convergence front

An �nterface or zone of trans�t�on between two

d�ss�m�lar water masses.

220

copepod

Any small, aquat�c crustacean belong�ng to the

subclass Copepoda, character�zed by compound eyes

and the lack of a carapace, usually hav�ng s�x pa�rs

of l�mbs on the thorax. Can be found �n mar�ne or

freshwater env�ronments.

critically endangered (see also: threatened species)

The defin�t�on of a cr�t�cally endangered spec�es �n the

EPBC Act (Sect�on 179) �s:

‘A nat�ve spec�es �s el�g�ble to be �ncluded �n the

cr�t�cally endangered category at a part�cular t�me

�f, at that t�me, �t �s fac�ng an extremely h�gh r�sk

of ext�nct�on �n the w�ld �n the �mmed�ate future,

as determ�ned �n accordance w�th the prescr�bed

cr�ter�a.’

crustacea/crustaceans

A class of ma�nly aquat�c arthropods that have g�lls,

segmented bod�es covered by a hard external skeleton,

two pa�rs of antennae and a pa�r of often much

mod�fied appendages on each segment (e.g. crabs,

lobsters, shr�mps).

cumacean

An order of small mar�ne crustaceans d�st�ngu�shed by

an enlarged carapace (head sh�eld) and pereon (breast

sh�eld), a sl�m abdomen and forked ta�l. Occas�onally

called ‘hooded shr�mps’.

cyanobacteria

A large and var�ed group of bacter�a wh�ch possess

chlorophyll a and wh�ch carry out photosynthes�s �n

the presence of l�ght and a�r, produc�ng oxygen. They

were formerly regarded as algae and were called “blue-

green” algae.

decapods

An order of mostly scaveng�ng crustaceans that have

five pa�rs of legs (e.g. lobsters, crabs and shr�mps).

demersal

L�v�ng on or near the bottom of the sea.

deposit feeders

An�mals such as worms, molluscs, ech�noderms and

crabs that feed on part�cles of l�v�ng or dead organ�c

matter found �n or on the sed�ments.

detritivores

An�mals or plants that consume decompos�ng organ�c

matter and �n do�ng so contr�bute to decompos�t�on

and recycl�ng of nutr�ents.

detritus

Any loose, unconsol�dated debr�s such as finely d�v�ded

rock or the finely d�v�ded rema�ns of an�mal, plant or

bacter�al t�ssue.

diatom

M�croscop�c alga w�th cell walls made of s�l�con.

D�atoms usually have two separated asymmetr�cal

s�des.

dinoflagellate

A s�ngle-celled organ�sm found �n fresh and mar�ne

waters, wh�ch comb�nes character�st�cs of both plants

(e.g. photosynthes�s) and an�mals (e.g. uses external

organ�c sources of nutr�t�on).

downwelling

A downward mov�ng current of surface water �n the

ocean.

echinoderms/echinoids

Exclus�vely mar�ne an�mals d�st�ngu�shed from all

others by an �nternal (mesodermal) skeleton composed

of calc�te plates and sp�nes. Includes starfishes, sea

cucumbers, sand dollars, br�ttle-stars, basket stars,

sea l�l�es, feather stars and sea urch�ns. Ech�no�ds are

a group (class) of ech�noderms �nclud�ng sea urch�ns,

heart urch�ns and sand dollars. They are sp�ny and

globular to d�sc-l�ke �n shape.

ecological community

The defin�t�on of an ecolog�cal commun�ty �n the

EPBC Act �s an assemblage of nat�ve spec�es that:

(a) �nhab�ts a part�cular area �n nature; and

(b) meets the add�t�onal cr�ter�a spec�fied �n the

regulat�ons (�f any) made for the purposes of th�s

defin�t�on.

More broadly, an ecolog�cal commun�ty �s a group�ng

of spec�es that commonly occur together and �nteract

�n a way that �s recogn�sably d�fferent from other

group�ngs.

ecologically sustainable development

The pr�nc�ples of ecolog�cally susta�nable development

are defined �n the EPBC Act as:

(a) dec�s�on-mak�ng processes should effect�vely

�ntegrate both long-term and short-term econom�c,

env�ronmental, soc�al and equ�table cons�derat�ons;

(b) �f there are threats of ser�ous or �rrevers�ble

env�ronmental damage, lack of full sc�ent�fic certa�nty

should not be used as a reason for postpon�ng

measures to prevent env�ronmental degradat�on;

221

(c) the pr�nc�ple of �nter-generat�onal equ�ty—that

the present generat�on should ensure that the health,

d�vers�ty and product�v�ty of the env�ronment �s

ma�nta�ned or enhanced for the benefit of future

generat�ons;

(d) the conservat�on of b�olog�cal d�vers�ty and

ecolog�cal �ntegr�ty should be a fundamental

cons�derat�on �n dec�s�on-mak�ng;

(e) �mproved valuat�on, pr�c�ng and �ncent�ve

mechan�sms should be promoted.

cosystem

A dynam�c complex of plant, an�mal and m�cro-

organ�sm commun�t�es and the�r non-l�v�ng

env�ronment that �nteracts as a funct�onal un�t.

cosystem approach

An approach to manag�ng human �mpacts on the

env�ronment that attempts to take �nto account the

complex relat�onsh�ps between organ�sms and phys�cal

processes �n a part�cular ecosystem.

cosystem services

The role played by organ�sms and env�ronmental

processes �n creat�ng a healthy env�ronment for

human be�ngs, from product�on of oxygen to so�l

format�on and ma�ntenance of water qual�ty.

ddies

C�rcular movements of water formed on the s�de of a

ma�n current.

lasmobranch

A cart�lag�nous fish of the subclass Elasmobranch��,

wh�ch �ncludes skates, rays and sharks.

l Niño Southern Oscillation (see also: La Niña)

The El N�ño phenomenon �s an unpred�ctable

warm�ng of surface ocean waters �n the eastern

trop�cal Pac�fic (off Peru) and cool�ng of western

trop�cal Pac�fic waters that �s caused by a susta�ned

drop �n a�r pressures over the south-eastern Pac�fic

Ocean due to the Southern Osc�lllat�on: a pattern of

revers�ng surface a�r pressure between the eastern

and As�an Pac�fic reg�ons. When the surface pressure

�s h�gh �n the eastern trop�cal Pac�fic �t �s low �n the

western trop�cal Pac�fic and v�ce versa. El N�ño �s

often assoc�ated w�th dr�er than normal cond�t�ons �n

northern and eastern Austral�a.

ndangered species (see also: threatened species)

The defin�t�on of an endangered spec�es �n the EPBC

Act (Sect�on 179) �s:

e

e

e

e

e

E

e

A nat�ve spec�es �s el�g�ble to be �ncluded �n the

endangered category at a part�cular t�me �f, at that

t�me:

(a) �t �s not cr�t�cally endangered; and

(b) �t �s fac�ng a very h�gh r�sk of ext�nct�on �n the

w�ld �n the near future, as determ�ned �n accordance

w�th the prescr�bed cr�ter�a.

endemic

Nat�ve to a part�cular area and found nowhere else.

epibenthic

L�v�ng on the top surface of the sea floor. Ep�benth�c

organ�sms may be freely mov�ng (mot�le) or

permanently attached to a surface (sess�le).

epicontinental sea

A large, shallow body of salt water that l�es over a

part of a cont�nent (also known as an epe�r�c sea).

epifauna

An�mals l�v�ng attached to rocky reefs or on the

seafloor. They �nclude hydro�ds, sea-pens, small

bryozoans and sponges (compare to �nfauna).

euphotic

The euphot�c zone �s the depth of the water �n a lake

or an ocean that �s exposed to suffic�ent sunl�ght for

photosynthes�s to occur. It extends from the surface

down to a depth where l�ght �ntens�ty falls to one

per cent of that at the surface (also called euphot�c

depth). The depth of the euphot�c zone �s greatly

affected by turb�d�ty; euphot�c depths vary from only

a few cent�metres �n h�ghly turb�d lakes and estuar�es,

to about 200 m �n the open ocean. Also known as the

ep�pelag�c zone.

eutrophic

Refers to any env�ronment w�th h�gh levels of

nutr�ents, usually �n the form of compounds

conta�n�ng n�trogen or phosphorus. Th�s may lead to

an �ncrease �n the ecosystem’s pr�mary product�v�ty

(compare to ol�gotroph�c).

exclusive economic zone

The sovere�gn waters of a nat�on, recogn�zed

�nternat�onally under the Un�ted Nat�ons Convent�on

on the Law of the Sea as extend�ng out 200 naut�cal

m�les from the shorel�ne.

fauna

The ent�re group of an�mals found �n an area.

222

filter feeder

An�mals that feed by stra�n�ng suspended part�cles

from water (also known as suspens�on feeders). Some

an�mals that use th�s method of feed�ng are corals,

kr�ll, sponges and whale sharks.

finning

Removal of the fins from shark spec�es. Shark fins are

regarded as a del�cacy �n Ch�nese cook�ng. Because

shark meat �s worth very l�ttle, finless and often st�ll-

l�v�ng sharks may be thrown back �nto the sea to make

room on board sh�p for more of the valuable fins. If

returned to the ocean, finless sharks are unable to

move and d�e from suffocat�on or are eaten by other

an�mals.

flora

The ent�re group of plants found �n an area.

foraminifer

Members of the order Foram�n�fera, a large group of

ma�nly mar�ne s�ngle-celled organ�sms w�th calcareous

shells perforated by small holes.

genus

The sc�ent�fic group�ng of plants and an�mals

�mmed�ately above the spec�es level; when comb�ned

w�th the spec�es name th�s prov�des a un�que �dent�fier

for a plant or an�mal �n sc�ent�fic nomenclature (plural:

genera).

geomorphology

The study of landforms and the processes that shape

them.

geo-oceanographic

Concern�ng the nature of the earth beneath the

oceans; �ncludes the topography, structure and

geolog�cal processes of the ocean floor.

gobiid fish

Any spec�es of fish from the fam�ly Gob��dae, one of

the largest fam�l�es of fish. Gob�es are carn�vorous,

usually small �n s�ze, and found throughout the world.

Gulf of Carpentaria Gyre

A surface current w�th�n the Gulf of Carpentar�a.

Th�s clockw�se current �s dr�ven by net t�dal flows

and water flow�ng �nto the Gulf from the east and

flow�ng out to the west. More deta�ls of the Gulf of

Carpentar�a Gyre can be found �n chapter 2.

Holocene

Refers to the geolog�cal per�od of t�me between the

present and 10 000 years before the present.

hydrocarbon seep

The seep�ng of gaseous or l�qu�d hydrocarbons

(�nclud�ng o�l and methane) to the surface of the

seabed from fractures and fissures �n the underly�ng

rock.

hydroids

Small predatory aquat�c an�mals whose colon�es of

polyps can take many growth forms �nclud�ng flower-

l�ke, tree-l�ke or feathery.

hydrography

The sc�ence of the measurement, descr�pt�on and

mapp�ng of the surface waters of the earth, espec�ally

�n relat�on to nav�gat�on.

hydrology

The study of the movement, d�str�but�on, and qual�ty

of water throughout the earth.

hypersaline

Water w�th excess�ve or supersaturated salt content,

well �n excess of that of sea water.

Indonesian Throughflow

An oceanograph�c current that br�ngs warm water

of low sal�n�ty from the trop�cal western Pac�fic

Ocean between the Indones�an �slands to the Indo–

Austral�an bas�n. More deta�ls of th�s current can be

found �n chapter 2.

infauna

An�mals that �nhab�t the sandy or muddy surface

layers of the ocean bottom, �.e. those that l�ve bur�ed

or d�g �nto the substrate (compare to ep�fauna).

invertebrates

An an�mal w�thout a backbone (e.g. �nsects, worms,

sna�ls, mussels, prawns and cuttlefish).

isobath

A mapp�ng l�ne connect�ng po�nts of equal depth

below the sea’s surface.

krill

Shr�mp-l�ke mar�ne �nvertebrate an�mals, dense

swarms of wh�ch occur �n ocean waters. They feed

ma�nly on phytoplankton and themselves compr�se

the ma�n food of filter-feed�ng whales. Kr�ll are up

to 5 cm �n length and are found �n both surface and

bottom waters.

La Niña (see also: El Niño)

La N�ña �s the normal pattern of surface ocean

water c�rculat�on �n the trop�cal Pac�fic Ocean that

occurs whenever El N�ño �s not tak�ng place. Dur�ng

La N�ña, the waters of the western trop�cal Pac�fic

(off northern Austral�a and Papua New Gu�nea) are

3–8o C warmer than those of the eastern trop�cal

Pac�fic. La N�ña �s often assoc�ated w�th above average

ra�nfall �n eastern Austral�a.

macroalgae

The algae are a major group of plants w�thout a

vascular or ve�n system, wh�ch l�ve �n fresh or mar�ne

waters. Macroalgae are the large, v�s�ble algae, such as

kelps, as opposed to m�croalgae, the m�croscop�c algae

that form phytoplankton.

macroplankton

The component of plankton that cons�sts of large

organ�sms (plant or an�mal) 2–20 cm �n s�ze.

macrophytes

Large water plants such as seagrasses and kelps.

marine conservation values

Mar�ne conservat�on values are defined for the purpose

of mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng as �nclud�ng:

(a) Protected spec�es and commun�t�es, �nclud�ng:

(�) spec�es and commun�t�es l�sted as threatened

under the EPBC Act; (��) spec�es l�sted as m�gratory

under the EPBC Act; (��) spec�es l�sted as cetaceans

(�nclud�ng all whales, dolph�ns and porpo�ses) under

the EPBC Act; and (�v) spec�es l�sted as mar�ne spec�es

under the EPBC Act;

(b) Key ecolog�cal features of the mar�ne env�ronment,

�nclud�ng: (�) spec�es and commun�t�es cons�dered to

play an �mportant ecolog�cal role �n the Reg�on; and

(��) hab�tats or areas cons�dered to be ecolog�cally

�mportant at a reg�onal scale; and

(c) Protected places, �nclud�ng: (�) her�tage places

(�nclud�ng World Her�tage, Nat�onal Her�tage and

Commonwealth Her�tage); (��) h�stor�c sh�pwrecks;

(��) Commonwealth mar�ne reserves; and (�v) l�sted

cr�t�cal hab�tats.

marine protected area

Any area of �ntert�dal or subt�dal terra�n, together

w�th �ts overly�ng water and assoc�ated plants,

an�mals, h�stor�cal or cultural features, wh�ch has been

reserved by law or other effect�ve means to protect

part or all of the enclosed env�ronment.

marine reserve

A mar�ne protected area that �s h�ghly protected and

�s effect�ve as a complete sanctuary; no extract�ve

uses are perm�tted, and very few (or no) other human

uses (�nclud�ng sc�ent�fic research) are perm�tted.

marine snow

A cont�nuous shower of mostly organ�c detr�tus

fall�ng from the upper layers of the water column. The

compos�t�on of mar�ne snow �ncludes dead or dy�ng

an�mals and plants (plankton), prot�sts (d�atoms),

fecal matter, sand, soot and other �norgan�c dust. The

‘snowflakes’ (wh�ch are more l�ke clumps or str�ngs)

are aggregates of smaller part�cles held together by a

sugary mucus exuded as waste products by bacter�a

and phytoplankton. These aggregates grow over

t�me and may reach several cent�metres �n d�ameter,

travell�ng for weeks before reach�ng the ocean floor.

Prov�des a major source of food for an�mals �n the

deep ocean, but may also be �mportant �n coastal

waters.

marine species (listed)

Mar�ne spec�es are those spec�es �ncluded �n the l�st

referred to �n Sect�on 248 of the EPBC Act.

The l�st conta�ns the follow�ng:

(a) all spec�es �n the fam�ly Hydroph��dae (seasnakes);

(b) all spec�es �n the fam�ly Lat�caud�dae (seasnakes);

(c) all spec�es �n the fam�ly Otar��dae (eared seals);

(d) all spec�es �n the fam�ly Phoc�dae (true seals);

(e) all spec�es �n the genus Crocodylus (crocod�les);

(f) all spec�es �n the genus Dugong (dugongs);

(g) all spec�es �n the fam�ly Chelon��dae (mar�ne

turtles);

(h) the spec�es Dermochelys cor�acea (leatherback

turtles);

(�) all spec�es �n the fam�ly Syngnath�dae (seahorses,

sea-dragons and p�pefish);

(j) all spec�es �n the fam�ly Solenostom�dae (ghost

p�pefish);

(k) all spec�es �n the class Aves (b�rds) that occur

naturally �n Commonwealth mar�ne areas.

megabenthic/megabenthos

Large �nvertebrates l�v�ng upon or �n the bottom of

the sea, such as clams, sea stars, sea cucumbers, crabs

and lobsters.

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mesopelagic

A zone of open ocean that extends from 200 m down

to around 1000 m below sea level (also known as

the m�ddle pelag�c or tw�l�ght zone). Although some

l�ght penetrates to th�s depth, �t �s �nsuffic�ent for

photosynthes�s.

meso-scale

Of �ntermed�ate s�ze (e.g. hundreds of k�lometres).

mesotidal

T�dal ranges can be defined as the d�fference between

mean h�gh and mean low spr�ng t�des. Where the

mean spr�ng t�de range �s between 2 and 4 m �t �s

termed mesot�dal.

microalgae

M�croscop�c algae and d�atoms wh�ch form the base of

the ocean food cha�n; somet�mes called m�crophytes.

micro-organism

A m�croscop�c organ�sm (an�mal or vegetable).

migratory species (listed)

M�gratory spec�es are those spec�es �ncluded �n the

l�st referred to �n Sect�on 209 of the EPBC Act. Under

the Act, m�gratory spec�es has the mean�ng g�ven

by Art�cle 1 of the Bonn Convent�on: “the ent�re

populat�on, or any geograph�cally separate part of

the populat�on, of any spec�es or lower taxon of w�ld

an�mals, a s�gn�ficant proport�on of whose members

cycl�cally and pred�ctably cross one or more nat�onal

jur�sd�ct�onal boundar�es.”

myctophids

Small, deep sea fish of the fam�ly Myctoph�dae, a

large fam�ly of mar�ne, ma�nly deepwater, fish; also

known as lanternfish because of the�r consp�cuous

use of b�olum�nescence. Generally small fish, they

are probably the most abundant group of deep-sea

fish, occurr�ng �n schools at depths exceed�ng 500 m

dur�ng the day but feed�ng near the surface at n�ght.

mysids

A group of small, shr�mp-l�ke crustaceans belong�ng to

the order Mys�dacea. In contrast to the larger shr�mps

and other decapods, they have e�ght pa�rs of legs

rather than five pa�rs.

nanoplankton

Plankton�c organ�sms that are 2–20 m�crometres �n

s�ze.

neritic

Of or perta�n�ng to the ocean waters that l�e between

the low t�de mark on the coast to the edge of the

cont�nental shelf. These waters are relat�vely shallow,

reach�ng about 200 m depth.

oligotrophic

Refers to any env�ronment that offers l�ttle to susta�n

l�fe. Th�s term �s usually used to descr�be bod�es of

water or so�ls w�th very low nutr�ent levels (compare

to eutroph�c).

organochlorines

Organ�c compounds conta�n�ng at least one chlor�ne

atom. Some types of organochlor�nes have s�gn�ficant

tox�c�ty to plants and an�mals, �nclud�ng humans, and

are pers�stent organ�c pollutants wh�ch pose dangers

to the env�ronment.

ostracod

T�ny mar�ne and freshwater crustaceans w�th a

shr�mp-l�ke body enclosed �n a h�nged shell.

outwellings

Transport of nutr�ents and detr�tus of terrestr�al or�g�n

�nto mar�ne waters.

paeleo-

Relat�ng to the geolog�cal past.

pelagic

Assoc�ated w�th the open ocean.

phytobenthos

M�croscop�c plants that l�ve �n the surface layers of

the seabed, part�cularly �n shallow water and �ntert�dal

areas.

phytoplankton

Small plants, mostly m�croscop�c, wh�ch are suspended

�n water and free-dr�ft�ng; usually found near the

water surface where there �s suffic�ent l�ght to

support photosynthes�s.

planktivores

Organ�sms that eat plankton.

plankton

Any small or m�croscop�c dr�ft�ng organ�sm (plant or

an�mal) that �nhab�ts the water column of oceans,

seas, and fresh water.

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Pliocene

The geolog�cal epoch from 5.2–1.64 m�ll�on years ago.

The Pl�ocene was a per�od of gradual cool�ng lead�ng

up to the Ple�stocene �ce ages.

polychaetes

Members of the class Polychaetae, a group of ma�nly

mar�ne annel�d worms, also known as br�stle worms.

There are more than 10,000 known spec�es �n th�s

class.

propagule

A d�spers�ve structure, such as a seed, fru�t, eggs

or sperm, released from a parent organ�sm for

reproduct�ve purposes.

proponent

In the context of the EPBC Act, th�s refers to the

person who �s propos�ng an act�on (as des�gnated

under D�v�s�on 2 of Part 7 of the Act).

province

A large-scale b�ogeograph�c un�t. The prov�nc�al

b�oreg�ons of IMCRA v.4.0 that prov�de the framework

for mar�ne b�oreg�onal plann�ng were developed from:

a demersal reg�onal�sat�on based on a class�ficat�on

of demersal fish spec�es d�vers�ty and r�chness, that

defines 17 cont�nental shelf prov�nces and b�otones

that are grouped on cl�mate character�st�cs �n

trop�cal to temperate waters; and

a pelag�c reg�onal�sat�on that descr�bes four

cont�nental shelf prov�nces and b�otones based on

pelag�c fish spec�es d�vers�ty and r�chness, as well

as n�ne classes of water mass types �n deep water

beyond the cont�nental shelf.

prospective

Referr�ng to the l�kel�hood of find�ng commerc�al

m�neral depos�ts.

prymnesiophytes

Pr�mar�ly un�cellular, photosynthet�c algae also known

as Haptophytes. Includes about 500 l�v�ng spec�es �n

50 genera, w�th many add�t�onal foss�l genera and

spec�es. Prymnes�ophyte algae are generally mar�ne

and are mostly trop�cal, though there are a few

freshwater and terrestr�al spec�es reported.

Ramsar-listed wetlands

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance,

known as the Ramsar Convent�on, was s�gned �n 1971

�n Ramsar, Iran, and �s an �ntergovernmental treaty

•

•

wh�ch prov�des the framework for nat�onal act�on and

�nternat�onal cooperat�on for the conservat�on and

w�se use of wetlands and the�r resources.

recruitment

The �nflux of new members �nto a populat�on by

reproduct�on or �mm�grat�on.

refugia

Locat�ons of �solated or rel�ct populat�ons of once

w�despread an�mal or plant spec�es (s�ngular:

refug�um).

relict

�) An organ�sm or spec�es surv�v�ng as a remnant of

an otherw�se ext�nct flora or fauna �n an env�ronment

much changed from that �n wh�ch �t or�g�nated;

��) a geolog�cal feature that �s a remnant of a pre-

ex�st�ng format�on after other parts have d�sappeared.

salt marsh

A type of marsh that �s a trans�t�onal zone between

land and salty or brack�sh water (e.g. bays, estuar�es),

dom�nated by halophyt�c (salt tolerant) herbaceous

plants.

sedimentology

The study of sed�ments and the processes that depos�t

them.

sea cucumber (see also trepang)

An ech�noderm of the class Holothuro�dea w�th an

elongated body and leathery sk�n. Sea cucumbers

are ed�ble and have been harvested and traded �n

northern Austral�a and South-East As�a for hundreds

of years. When processed for eat�ng, the sea cucumber

�s known as bêche-de-mer or trepang.

seismic

Relat�ng to earthquakes or other v�brat�ons of the

Earth and �ts crust. Also relates to geolog�cal survey�ng

methods that �nvolve v�brat�ons produced art�fic�ally

by explos�ons. A se�sm�c source generates controlled

se�sm�c energy that �s used �n se�sm�c surveys. A

se�sm�c source can be s�mple, such as dynam�te, or

�t can use more soph�st�cated technology, such as

a spec�al�zed a�r gun. The source prov�des a pulse

of energy that generates se�sm�c waves, wh�ch

travel through a med�um such as water or layers of

rocks. Some of the waves then reflect and refract to

rece�vers, such as geophones or hydrophones.

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semidiurnal

Half da�ly.

sessile

Sess�le an�mals are fixed and �mmob�le. They are

usually permanently attached to a sol�d substrate

of some k�nd, such as a rock or the hull of a sh�p �n

the case of barnacles. Other sess�le an�mals such as

corals lay down the�r own substrate. Sess�le an�mals

typ�cally have a free-mov�ng (mot�le) phase �n the�r

development.

shelf break

The area of the seabed where the cont�nental shelf

meets the steeper slope, commonly around depths of

200 m.

sipunculans

S�puncul�d worms, or peanut worms, are members

of the phylum S�puncula, wh�ch conta�ns 144–320

spec�es (est�mates vary) of b�laterally symmetr�cal,

unsegmented mar�ne worms.

socio-economic

Of or relat�ng to both soc�al and econom�c

cons�derat�ons.

South Equatorial Current

An equator�al current that flows west across the

Pac�fic just south of the equator. The current moves

westward carry�ng low sal�n�ty water from the

Indones�an Throughflow.

spawning

A reproduct�ve strategy where large quant�t�es of eggs

and sperm are released �nto water.

State/Territory waters

State or Terr�tory waters are a belt of water that

extends from the terr�tor�al sea basel�ne for three

naut�cal m�les seawards, and are under the jur�sd�ct�on

of the adjacent Austral�an State or Terr�tory. The

normal terr�tor�al sea basel�ne �s the low water mark

measured along the coast.

stock

A group of �nd�v�duals of a spec�es, usually occupy�ng

a part�cular spat�al range. Stocks are used as a un�t for

manag�ng and assess�ng fisher�es.

substrate

A surface on wh�ch organ�sms l�ve.

subtropical

Relat�ng to or occurr�ng �n a reg�on �ntermed�ate

between trop�cal and temperate.

supratidal

Perta�n�ng to the shore area above the h�gh-t�de level.

tanaid

Small bottom-dwell�ng mar�ne and brack�sh water

crustaceans of the order Tana�dacea that make up a

m�nor group w�th�n the class Malacostraca. There are

about 940 spec�es �n th�s order.

taxon

Any un�t used �n the sc�ence of b�olog�cal class�ficat�on

(taxonomy). The most commonly used un�ts are genus

and spec�es (plural: taxa).

teleost

A large and extremely d�verse group of ray-finned

fishes �n the �nfraclass Teleoste�, one of the three

major subd�v�s�ons of the class Act�nopteryg��, the

most advanced of the bony fish.

temperate

The reg�ons of the earth that l�e between the trop�cs

and the polar c�rcles (pr�mar�ly between 30 and 60

degrees lat�tude �n both hem�spheres).

terrigenous

Sed�ments der�ved from the eros�on of rocks on land;

cons�st�ng of sand, mud, and s�lt carr�ed out to sea by

r�vers. Depos�t�on of these sed�ments �s largely l�m�ted

to the cont�nental shelf.

threatened species

Threatened spec�es are l�sted under the EPBC Act

(Sect�on 178) �n s�x categor�es:

(a) ext�nct;

(b) ext�nct �n the w�ld;

(c) cr�t�cally endangered;

(d) endangered;

(e) vulnerable; and

(f) conservat�on dependent.

The defin�t�ons for these categor�es of l�st�ng are

deta�led �n Sect�on 179 of the EPBC Act.

Timor Trough

A geomorph�c feature located to the north-west and

outs�de of the Reg�on. The locat�on of th�s feature can

be found on the A3 map �n the back cover.

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trepang (see also sea cucumber)

The Indones�an word for sea cucumber or holothur�an.

Trepangers were or�g�nally Moluccan fishermen who

v�s�ted the north coast of Austral�a to collect and

process sea cucumbers for eat�ng.

trophic level

The pos�t�on an organ�sm occup�es �n a food cha�n;

levels �nclude pr�mary producers, herb�vores, pr�mary,

secondary and tert�ary carn�vores (or consumers), and

decomposers.

turbidity

The cloud�ness �n water that �s caused by suspended

part�cles, usually of fine sed�ment or m�croscop�c

part�cles of b�olog�cal mater�al.

upwelling

The phenomenon of deep ocean water r�s�ng to the

surface, usually br�ng�ng nutr�ents that can �ncrease

b�olog�cal product�v�ty.

Van Diemen Rise

A geomorph�c feature cons�st�ng of terraces, banks,

shoals and valleys located to the north-west of the



vulnerable species (see also: threatened species)

The defin�t�on of a vulnerable spec�es �n the EPBC Act

(Sect�on 179) �s:

A nat�ve spec�es �s el�g�ble to be �ncluded �n the

vulnerable category at a part�cular t�me �f, at that

t�me:

(a) �t �s not cr�t�cally endangered or endangered; and

(b) �t �s fac�ng a h�gh r�sk of ext�nct�on �n the w�ld �n

the med�um-term future, as determ�ned �n accordance

w�th the prescr�bed cr�ter�a.

zooplankton

An�mal component of the plankton commun�ty.

Maps

Geomorphic (seafloor) features of the North Marine Region

Key ecological features of the North Marine Region

The N

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