Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00930:reg:5:p9
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00930
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 5 (pt 9/11)
Character Range: 256899–265216

the western and eastern population regions.
Interim objectives addressed                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Threats to be mitigated
1, 2, 3, 4, 5                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8
Description
Southern right whales that occur seasonally off the Australian coast are recognised as constituting two populations (the western and eastern) based on genetic differentiation, population size, and varying rates of population increase. There is some evidence that whales from each population are mixing on shared migratory corridors as they move from summer foraging grounds to winter breeding grounds. Greater understanding of the connectivity and degree of interchange of individuals between the two populations is needed to evaluate population abundance estimates of each population, particularly as there is a risk that estimates for the eastern population may incorporate individuals from the western population to an unknown degree. Further improved understanding of the genetic connectivity of the eastern population with breeding areas in New Zealand is also needed for better evaluating recovery trajectories, repopulation of historical habitats, and factors that might be currently limiting recovery of this population.
Within the period of this plan
Measure of success
    1. The population structure of southern right whales in Australian waters is characterised to the extent that the degree of genetic and reproductive isolation of the western and eastern populations are determined.

Risks: Contemporary samples that would facilitate the establishment of this information are not collected during the life of the plan, and population structure that enhances current understanding is not achieved. Research may be initiated, yet not completed, during the life of this Recovery Plan.
Likelihood of success: Moderate.

Action Area B3                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Priority
Determine migratory paths and offshore distribution.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             High
Action
   1. Spatially identify and map migratory pathways and movement between high latitude foraging grounds and coastal breeding areas.
   2. Review and update BIA maps as new information becomes available.
   3. Support international collaborations (e.g., IWC-SORP) that facilitate improved understanding of distribution and migrations.
Interim objectives addressed                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Threats to be mitigated
1, 2, 3, 4                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8
Description
Southern right whales demonstrate strong fidelity to feeding and breeding areas and annually migrate to coastal winter grounds to mate, calve and rest. However, little is known about the summer feeding grounds and migratory routes between these coastal breeding areas and offshore foraging areas. There is a degree of movement and genetic mixing between the western and eastern population demonstrated by photo-identification and genetic data (Carroll et al. 2015, Evans et al. 2021, Watson et al. 2021). Such movements indicate that connectivity of coastal habitat is important for southern right whales and given connectivity may be disrupted temporarily or permanently by human activities, it is important conservation planning considers the importance of connecting