Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2008C00685:front:0:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2008C00685
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 23710–26787

by the Authority and entitled Marine Turtles in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area: A compendium of information and basis for the development of policies and strategies for the conservation of marine turtles can be found on the Authority's website at http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au.

Subdivision 4 Whales and dolphins

1.13 Values

 (1) Whales and dolphins are an integral part of the Marine Park and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

 (2) The Marine Park is an important breeding and feeding ground for several species of whales, all of which are protected species.

 (3) Migratory species of whales breed in the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef from May to September.

 (4) Several species of dolphin inhabit the area.

1.14 Issues

 (1) The following are protected species:
 (a) humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae);
 (b) dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata);
 (c) Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni);
 (d) Indo‑Pacific hump‑backed dolphin (Sousa chinensis).

Note   See the Regulations for provisions declaring protected species.

 (2) Whales in the Planning Area may be disturbed by human activities.

 (3) Human impacts may result in interruption of mating or calving, noise induced effects, separation of calves and mothers, collisions, displacement from areas, or behavioural change.

 (4) Further information is needed about species such as the humpback whale and the dwarf minke whale to further understand their distribution, abundance and key habitats, and also about the effects of human activities on the animals.

 (5) Dolphins and whales are occasionally injured by vessels.

1.15 Strategies

 (1) As part of its management of activities in the Planning Area, the Authority continues to monitor marine animals, plants and habitat and to develop conservation measures that address the interaction of vessels, aircraft and people with whales and dolphins.

Note 1   The document published by the Authority and entitled Operational Policy on Whale and Dolphin Conservation in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park can be found on the Authority's website at http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au.

Note 2   Best environmental practices for whale and dolphin watching activities are encouraged by the Authority.

 (2) The Authority will take a precautionary approach to minimise disturbance to whales, by limiting the number of relevant permissions for conducting swimming‑with‑whales activities in the Planning Area (see the Regulations).

Note   Swimming‑­with‑­whales activity is defined in the Regulations.

Subdivision 5 Fish spawning aggregation sites

1.16 Values

 (1) Aggregation sites in the Planning Area are essential for the reproduction cycles of many reef fish species.

 (2) Many species of coral reef fish aggregate to spawn at sites with specific attributes.

 (3) Attributes of fish spawning aggregation sites include clean water, high coral cover, complex coral forms and protection from prevailing winds.

 (4) Spawning aggregations are a principal reproductive need for some species.

 (5) There is evidence