Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775:reg:18:p85
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 18 (pt 85/152)
Character Range: 274706–277755

due to the long term persistence of marine debris. In the past, organochemical pollution has caused a significant reduction in reproductive success due to the thinning of eggshells, often caused by DDT use in agricultural areas as well as, in one case, mosquito control for a tourist development. Currently, eggshell thickness varies in relation to individual characteristics and/or feeding sources, as opposed to actual exposure and, where records are available, eggshell thickness has recovered to pre-DDT conditions (Mellink et al. 2009). Introduced rats are also thought to impact on the species through reduction of reproductive success on islands (Pitman et al. 2005; del Hoyo et al. 2019).

118 Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds

Species profiles

Recommended Management Actions
        Quantify the breeding population in Australia

        Regularly monitor breeding populations at index locations

        Determine non-breeding areas and migration routes

        Measure contaminant levels in all relevant life stages
      Quantify and manage the potential impacts of fisheries interactions and human disturbance

        Control, or eradicate invasive species on breeding islands

      Implement best practice quarantine measures at breeding colonies to reduce the risk of any invasive species (re)establishing on islands
Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds 119
Species profiles

Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens)

Life History and Distribution
The Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) is a moderately large black and white cormorant endemic to southern Australia. This species is found along the coast of Tasmania and Victoria with two independent populations one on the coast of southern Western Australia, the other on the coasts of South Australia (del Hoyo et al. 1992). Breeding usually occurs on rocky islands, but also on stacks, slopes and sea cliffs in colonies of up to 2,500 individuals (del Hoyo et al. 1992). It feeds in coastal waters, sometimes in sheltered places such as bays and islets and can be found entering rivers along the coast.

Population Estimates and Trends
The total population estimate is uncertain but is thought to be several 10,000s of birds (del Hoyo et al. 1992). The population trend is difficult to determine because of uncertainty over the extent of threats to the species. Population at the large Port Adelaide colony saw increases since colonisation after breakwater construction from 250-300 nests in 1967, 2,000 nests in 1987, 6,000 nests early 1990s but have declined to approx. 2,300 individuals (1,150 nests) in recent counts 2018.

Conservation Concerns and Actions
The species is occasionally persecuted by fishermen who perceive it as a threat to their livelihoods, but the incidence has not been quantified. Among the few colonies that have been monitored in recent years, no resulting declines have been observed due to human disturbance. Oil spills and marine debris (entanglement) pose risks to individuals. In