Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01285:reg:3:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01285
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 3/26)
Character Range: 77073–80281

some form of ground-truthing to confirm the existence of the species or ecological community at locations of interest.

3.2           Threat prioritisation
Each of the threats to albatrosses and petrels has been assessed to determine the risk posed to albatross and petrel populations using a risk matrix. This in turn determines the priority for actions outlined below. The threats were considered in the context of the current management regimes. The impact of that threat has been assessed assuming that existing management measures continue to be applied appropriately. If management regimes change, then the level of risk associated with threats may also change.
The risk matrix considers the likelihood of an incident occurring and the consequences of that incident. Threats may act differently in different parts of the species range and at different times of year. Population-wide threats are generally considered to present a higher risk.
The risk matrix uses a qualitative assessment drawing on peer reviewed literature and expert opinion. In some cases, the consequences of activities are unknown. In these cases, the precautionary approach has been applied. Levels of risk and the associated priority for action are defined as follows:
Very high — immediate mitigation action required.
High — mitigation action and an adaptive management plan required.
Moderate — obtain additional information and develop mitigation action if required.
Low — monitor the threat occurrence and reassess threat level if likelihood or consequences change.
Table 3: Risk prioritisation
Likelihood of occurrence  Consequences

Not significant           Minor         Moderate  Major      Catastrophic

Almost certain            Low           Moderate  Very High  Very High     Very High

Likely                    Low           Moderate  High       Very High     Very High

Possible                  Low           Moderate  High       Very High     Very High

Unlikely                  Low           Low       Moderate   High          Very High

Rare or Unknown           Low           Low       Moderate   High          Very High

Categories for likelihood are defined as follows:
Almost certain — expected to occur every year.
Likely — expected to occur at least once every five years.
Possible — might occur at some time.
Unlikely — such events are known to have occurred on a worldwide basis but only a few times.
Rare or Unknown — may occur only in exceptional circumstances, OR it is currently unknown how often the incident will occur.
Categories for consequences are defined as follows:
Not significant — no long-term effect on individuals or populations.
Minor — individuals are adversely affected but no effect at population level.
Moderate — population recovery stalls or reduces.
Major — population decreases.
Catastrophic — population extinction.

3.3           Terrestrial threats
Human disturbance
Threats from human disturbance at or adjacent to breeding sites including direct habitat destruction, damage, and disturbance, as well as interactions with built structures and artificial lighting.

Coastal development involves the progressive encroachment of natural coastal habitat for human use.