Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00930:reg:5:p6
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00930
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 5 (pt 6/11)
Character Range: 235019–243263

quantification of anthropogenic noise in the marine soundscape.
Interim objectives addressed                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Threats to be mitigated
1, 2, 3                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           3.3, 3.4, 3.5
Description
The potential for impacts from anthropogenic underwater noise is greatest where noise-generating activities occur within or close to southern right whale reproductive BIAs. Within these areas whales demonstrate site fidelity, are resident for long periods (e.g., weeks to months) of time, young calves are present, and females are engaged in calving and nursing. The risks from anthropogenic underwater noise to southern right whales need to be quantified, considered in environmental impact assessments in accordance with policy (e.g., EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1) and guidelines, and appropriate mitigation measures implemented to reduce the risks within BIAs. To ensure the risks of auditory impairment and disturbance from anthropogenic underwater noise to southern right whales are minimised, there is need for improved understanding of the characteristics of underwater noise (i.e., amplitude, frequency, duration) that individual whales are exposed to and their behavioural and physiological responses. There is also need for a better understanding of the overlap between southern right whale BIAs and potential sources of significant anthropogenic underwater noise. Currently, little is known on the direct pathways of impact to southern right whales from anthropogenic noise and what long-term effects from cumulative exposure may have on their behaviour, health, and life history traits. A precautionary approach should be applied where relevant, to the management of activities proposed to occur in or adjacent to designated HCTS and BIAs.
Within the period of this plan
Measure of success
    1. Activities that generate underwater noise and the risks they pose to southern right whales are assessed in accordance with relevant policy and guidelines, and mitigation measures outlined in these documents are implemented to minimise the potential for disruption and displacement from BIAs and HCTS to an acceptable level.
    2. An improved understanding of the exposure and behavioural responses to impulsive and non-impulsive anthropogenic noise.

Risks: There are difficulties in assessing both short and long-term impacts of anthropogenic noise on southern right whales and there is potential that short-term effects will not inform the long-term effects on health, habitat occupancy, and life history traits (i.e., calving rates).
Likelihood of success: Moderate.

Action Area A6                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Priority
Manage, minimise, and mitigate the threat of vessel strike.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Very High
Action
   1. Assess risk of vessel strike to southern right whales in BIAs.
   2. Improve understanding of the behavioural response of southern right whales in close vicinity to vessels (e.g., type, number, distance) in BIAs to inform risk assessments of vessel strike.
   3. Ensure environmental impact assessments and associated plans consider and quantify the risk of vessel strike and associated potential cumulative risks in BIAs and HCTS.
   4. Undertake