Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775:reg:18:p119
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 18 (pt 119/152)
Character Range: 367487–370552

the population may have declined by more than 40%, based on a comparison between contemporary and historical records (Dennis and Lashmar 1996). Conversely, populations in the northern and remote tropical regions of Australia appear to be stable (Dennis and Lashmar 1996; Hollands 2003). A national population estimate and trends have not been determined.

Conservation Concerns and Actions
Declines in White-bellied Sea-Eagle populations are related in no small part to anthropogenic encroachment, in all its forms, during critical phases of the breeding cycle (Dennis et al. 2012). The main threats to the White-bellied Sea-Eagle are the loss of habitat due to land development, and the disturbance of nesting pairs by human activity (Bilney and Emison 1983; Dennis and Lashmar 1996). Land clearance reduces the amount of suitable habitat available to the sea-eagle, and this can force birds to nest in sub-optimal habitats where their breeding success is greatly reduced (Emison and Bilney 1982; Bilney and Emison 1983). The intensity and spread of coastal development are, presumably, likely to increase in future, as is the resultant pressure on White-bellied Sea-Eagle habitat and, subsequently, the sea-eagle itself.
The White-bellied Sea-Eagle is sensitive to disturbance when nesting, especially during the early stages of the breeding season, and may desert nests and young if confronted by humans or exposed to human activity (Hollands 2003; Stokes 1996). The disturbance of nesting pairs by human activity can thus lower breeding success, and has been associated with some local population declines, for example, abandoned territories on the Eyre Peninsula and far west coast of South Australia were located in areas that had been developed for tourism or that contained recreational sites accessible by vehicles (Dennis and Lashmar 1996). Abandonment of nesting sites on Kangaroo Island also followed developments in the areas (Dennis and Baxter 2006). The frequency and intensity of disturbance is likely to increase in future as human populations continue to expand and increase in density.

Potential threats to the White-bellied Sea-Eagle include poisoning, shooting, competition with Wedge-tailed Eagles, and the deterioration of inland water resources. Collision with wind turbines have also been identified as a known threat to the White-bellied Sea-Eagle. Raptors are thought to be at higher risk of collision due to their tendency to make flights in the swept area. Intensive monitoring of White–bellied Sea-Eagles and other raptor species need to be undertaken nationally in order to ascertain base levels of environmental contaminants in Australian avifauna.

Recommended Management Actions
        Quantify the breeding population in Australia

        Regularly monitor breeding populations at index locations

      Complete of a population viability assessment once the necessary information becomes available

        Quantify and manage the potential impacts of human disturbance

        Measure contaminant levels in all relevant