Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00321:front:0:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00321
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 42811–45978

plan.
Table 2.2 Summary of pressures in the Temperate East Network
Climate change
The impacts of climate change on the marine environment are complex and may include changes in sea temperature, sea level, ocean acidification, sea currents, increased storm frequency and intensity, species range extensions or local extinctions, all of which have the potential to impact on marine park values. The International Panel on Climate Change recognises climate change as a major contributor to Australian marine ecosystem changes since 2007. Habitats vulnerable to the effects of climate change include Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs and other reef and fish communities.
Changes in hydrology
Rivers, estuaries and other waterways have the potential to discharge increased sediment loads and pollutants into the marine environment from activities such as coastal development and agriculture. This can result in increased turbidity and siltation, impacting on species that inhabit or spawn in coastal, estuary and offshore waters. Examples of habitat vulnerable to changes in hydrology include reefs and fish communities surrounding islands in the Temperate East Network.
Extraction of living resources
Australia's world class fisheries management, led by Commonwealth, state and territory governments is important for ensuring sustainable fishing practices. Fishing, including illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing (including illegal foreign fishing), can modify natural populations of target species. Bycatch of non-target species and/or physical disturbance to habitats can result from certain fishing methods, and may therefore impact on marine park values. Examples of habitats, key ecological features and species vulnerable to such impacts include reef and shoal habitats, the Tasmantid and Lord Howe seamount chains, and species of shark, dolphin and fish.
Habitat modification
Commonwealth, state and territory governments play an important role in managing activities in the marine environment. For example, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) works with the mining industry to ensure their environment plans address environmental management issues. Impacts on habitat in marine parks can occur directly through physical disturbance, or indirectly through the presence of infrastructure. For example, benthic communities are vulnerable to the discharge of sediments which can result in localised smothering of benthic biota and or reduction in the quality and quantity of light received at the seabed. In addition, modification of natural light through the installation of lighting associated with infrastructure can cause changes in animal behaviour. Examples of habitats and species vulnerable to habitat modification pressures include reef, shoal and pinnacle habitats, and species of seabirds, fish, dolphin and shark.
Human presence
Activities such as wildlife watching are a drawcard for people visiting marine parks. While enjoying the wildlife experience, it is important to be aware of the potential impacts of human presence on the natural behaviour of wildlife. Activities such as boating, camping,