Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775:reg:18:p43
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 18 (pt 43/152)
Character Range: 159339–162389

on rock-crevices and ledges, often under dense vegetation. It feeds on krill, small fish, salps and jellyfish (Marchant and Higgins 1990, Heather and Robertson 1997).

  Population Estimates and Trends
The total population has been estimated at 2.5 million birds (Marchant and Higgins 1990), although this is now regarded as too high (Waugh et al. 2013; BirdLife International 2019). Between 1938 and 1981, the population on Aorangi increased from approximately 200 to 200,000 pairs (Harper 1983, Heather and Robertson 1997). However, surveys in 2011-13 suggested that there are around 100,000 burrows, similar to estimates in 1960s (Waugh et al. 2013). The species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.

  Conservation Concerns and Actions
This species is at risk from fisheries by-catch throughout its range. It was previously caught in north Pacific drift-nets (Gould et al. 1998), and is still potentially at risk from set-nets. It may be caught on longlines, in trawling operations and on hand and reel lines, but by-catch levels have not been quantified and documented evidence is scarce (Taylor 2000, Tennyson et al. 2012). Climate change is anticipated to have a significant effect on this species due to its limited breeding range, and its observed sensitivity to climatic fluctuations and apparent lower productivity during La Niña years. Domestic Pigs (Sus domesticus) were previously present on Aorangi Island, but eradicated in the 1930s, when the island was declared a Reserve; vegetation and soil conditions there have subsequently improved (Heather and Robertson 1997).

  Recommended Management Actions
           Gain an improved understanding of the at sea distribution in Australia

           Determine non-breeding areas and migration routes

           Assess the impact of trawl fisheries bycatch and maintain mitigation strategies

74 Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds
Species profiles

 Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes)

Life History and Distribution
The Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) is a large, bulky all-dark shearwater, superficially like Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni). The bill is more robust than other Ardenna spp., and more bulky than other dark shearwater species. The Flesh-footed Shearwater mainly occurs in the subtropics over continental shelves and slopes, and occasionally in inshore waters. Individuals pass through the tropics and over deeper waters when on migration to the North Pacific and Indian Oceans (Brooke 2004). The species breeds on St Paul Island (French Southern Territories), Lord Howe and Phillip Island, islands off south-west mainland Australia, South Australia (at two colonies), and islands off North and South Islands (New Zealand). Pairs breed on islands in burrows on sloping ground in coastal forest, scrubland, or grassland (Powell et al. 2007). Nests consist of enlarged chambers at the end of burrows (1-3 metres in length), with the entrance often covered by plant material (Waugh et al. 2014). In the non-breeding