Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00677:reg:12:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00677
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 12 (pt 10/33)
Character Range: 30609–33629

(Hemiramphus robustus), Snub-nosed Garfish (Arrhamphus sclerolepis) and flying fish (Exocoetidae spp.) up to
   ~150 mm in length (C. N. Greenwell pers. obs.). At the Abrolhos Islands, Australian Fairy Terns handled during banding operations regurgitated Hardyheads between 20 and
   50 mm and, surface-schooling, post-larvae of the Black-spot Goatfish (Parupeneus signatus), approximately 20–40 mm (Dunlop 2018; J.N. Dunlop pers. obs). In estuarine environments, Gobiidae spp. and Western Hardyheads (Leptatherina wallacei) are important dietary constituents (C. N. Greenwell pers. obs). Contemporary dietary studies in eastern Australia are lacking and require further investigation.

1.7            Habitat critical to the survival of the Australian Fairy Tern

   As noted above, the habitat, or biophysical environment, of the Australian Fairy Tern varies across its range, so it is not possible to generate one detailed description or definition of habitat critical to survival. The habitat critical to the survival of the Australian Fairy Tern may be more usefully defined at a bioregional scale that takes into account the local combination of plants, animals, geology, landforms, and climate that are relevant to a geographical unit. However, any categorisation of habitat critical to survival must acknowledge that it exists as a mosaic of coastal habitats and the adverse effects of extant threats.

   In general, Australian Fairy Terns utilise a variety of habitats including offshore, estuarine or lacustrine (lake) islands, coastal wetlands, beaches and sand spits.
   The species migrates within southern and mid-west Western Australia and possibly Tasmania, where they are seen less frequently during the winter months. The Tasmanian and Victorian populations may form a single subpopulation. The species is more sedentary in the north of Western Australia (Hill et al. 1988; Dunlop 2018). Australian Fairy Terns nest above the high water mark often in clear view of the water and on sites where the substrate is sandy and the vegetation low and sparse. Nests typically consist of a shallow scrape in the sand which is often lined with small shells and vegetation.
   Birds will utilise seagrass covered beaches for nesting in Victoria.

   As a guide, habitat critical to the survival of the Australian Fairy Tern can be considered to comprise:
     •       suitable habitat where the species is known or likely to breed or forage as shown in the indicative distribution map (Figure 1)

     •       any suitable habitat outside the above area that may be periodically occupied by non-breeding Australian Fairy Terns.

   Habitat critical to the survival of the Australian Fairy Tern is centred on beaches and offshore islands (for nesting) and near-shore waters (for foraging) and occurs across a wide range of land tenures, including on Indigenous Protected Areas, freehold land, state reserves, and national parks. It is essential that the locations where the species regularly occurs are given the