Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01389:body:0:p104
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01389
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 352492–355471

park category. The conservation of the marine environment was the primary focus, but visitor access and activities such as fishing were provided for under permit.

Terrestrial flora
Aim: To protect and manage the native vegetation communities of North Keeling Island and prevent the introduction of invasive species.
Status: Concerned
Trend: Stable
Rationale
No new weed species were detected. However, some increases in the distribution and abundance of existing weeds were thought to be occurring. The 2009 Island Wide Survey results will provide a baseline for future weed monitoring and management and identified that weeds were estimated to cover approximately 40 per cent of the understorey of the island. A program to monitor and assess/manage weed impacts on native vegetation commenced in 2010.

Terrestrial fauna
Aim: To protect and manage native fauna and the natural functioning ecosystems of which they are a part, and prevent the introduction of exotic or feral species.
Status: Concerned
Trend: Stable
Rationale
Surveys indicated that the red-footed booby population was stable although taking of seabirds from the park is still thought to be occurring. Monitoring of buff-banded rail populations indicated that they appear stable. However, as PKNP contains their only populations, a catastrophic event (e.g. cyclone, disease outbreak) could threaten their existence.
There were no known new invasive species introduced but crazy ant super-colonies were detected.

Marine flora and fauna
Aim: To protect and manage flora and fauna and preserve their habitats in their natural condition.
Status: Healthy
Trend: Stable
Rationale
Available evidence from studies shows that the marine habitats and species populations are largely intact and healthy. Setting of fishing bag limits may need to be considered in the future.

Research and monitoring
Aim: To conduct and support research which will lead to a better understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of the park; to provide information that will contribute to effective management of the park and surrounding region; and to identify any changes in the park environment, which will provide an indication of the effectiveness of management and which may be linked to the condition of the environment.
Status: Concerned
Trend: Stable
Rationale
Although the research priorities identified in the plan were largely achieved and helped to assess the status of biodiversity, securing funding or providing in-kind support for their implementation was an issue of concern and may continue to be in the future.

Cultural heritage management
Aim: To protect and preserve the park's cultural heritage values.

Status: Healthy
Trend: Stable
Rationale
There were no incidents involving impacts on cultural heritage. Malay graves were maintained to a standard agreed to by the Cocos-Malay Community.

Public access and use
Aim: To protect and preserve the park from adverse impacts of visitation, and ensure, as