Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00930:reg:1:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00930
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 1 (pt 2/10)
Character Range: 39452–42643

whale abundance (both populations) is still well below estimated historic abundance and habitat occupancy is still limited to a portion of their range within well-established calving areas. Specifically, a comprehensive understanding of the population demographics, including the degree of spatial connectivity and population interchange, of southern right whales in Australian waters (and Southern Ocean foraging grounds) limits our understanding of the impacts from threats on the species.
The seasonal spatial distribution of southern right whales in Australian waters is predominantly coastal, and the review highlighted limited understanding of the migratory paths connecting foraging grounds to coastal breeding areas. There is currently a varying degree of overlap between coastal and offshore industrial development activities, with the prospect of this overlap to increase with emerging industries such as offshore renewable energy. In association, and as coastal development expands, there is the potential for habitat degradation of BIAs, with greater risk to the eastern population.
The review identified there has been a better understanding of the correlation between climate variability and anthropogenically driven climate change and female reproductive success and recovery on their breeding grounds in regions other than Australia. This new knowledge highlights the need for long-term annual monitoring of population abundance and trend for identifying the contribution of separate potential threats to southern right whale breeding success, particularly within the context of the species non-annual calving rate. The review noted that the CMP objectives which related to threats such as anthropogenic underwater noise and entanglements had not been fully met, and nor had the plan adequately considered the effects of cumulative impacts.
The review recommended future recovery planning should prioritise actions to:
       * Increase knowledge of southern right whale distribution, abundance and habitat use across the species' distribution range to inform a greater understanding of spatial and temporal recovery and improved management actions.
       * Undertake studies on specific threats that quantify the degree to which the biology of southern right whales may be impacted and associated risks.
       * Mitigate and manage threats to southern right whale populations across their range.
       * Improve understanding and mapping of BIAs to identify habitat critical to survival of the species.
       * Determine and implement an appropriate framework that addresses cumulative effects in conservation planning.

The review recommended a new Recovery Plan be made that would reflect the current knowledge accumulated during the lifetime of the CMP, prioritise research and management actions needed to monitor population recovery and better predict the risks and associated impacts from threats. The review acknowledged the complexities in ensuring ongoing recovery of southern right whale. Across the distribution of the species within Australian waters, there is a wide range of partners and management capacities, and a range of increasing marine development