Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2017L00641:body:0:p50
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2017L00641
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 163272–169118

remote areas in Australia. International engagement, as well as domestic programs, are necessary to achieve a reduction in discarded fishing gear, other marine debris, plastics and microplastics entering the environment.
Ghost net hot spots and turtle habitat use are known to overlap, however those stocks most affected are unknown. More information is required to quantify the impact of marine debris (both ghost nets and plastic ingestion) on stock viability[230] and to identify management hotspots.
Responsible agencies and potential partners: Australian Government, state and territory governments, research institutions, relevant non-government organisations, industry partners, Indigenous rangers and community groups.
Within the life of this plan
Measure of success: International agreements and domestic mechanisms are in place to reduce the source of marine debris. Local communities are supported to manage the source and clean up of marine debris, and government agencies work collaboratively to manage marine waste. The impact of marine debris on stock viability is better understood. The implementation of the Threat Abatement Plan for Impacts of Marine Debris on Vertebrate Marine Life is supported.
Risks: Most marine debris is plastic and will persist in the environment (up to decades). It is difficult to remove, and continues to break down into microplastics that are also hazardous. Plastic is increasingly being used in all aspects of production, so will remain prevalent as a commercial product.
Likelihood of success: Moderate

Action Area A4                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Number of stocks with threat rated as 'very high' or 'high'
Minimise chemical and terrestrial discharge                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  0
10
Action
    * Implement best practice industrial, urban and agricultural runoff and storm water management for new and existing developments in coastal catchments to minimise impacts to marine turtle health and habitats.
    * Ensure spill risk strategies and response programs adequately include management for marine turtles and their habitats, particularly in reference to 'slow to recover habitats', e.g. nesting habitat, seagrass meadows or coral reefs.
    * Quantify the impacts of decreased water quality on stock viability.
    * Quantify the accumulation and effects of anthropogenic toxins in marine turtles, their foraging habitats and subsequent stock viability.
Recovery targets addressed                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Threats to be mitigated
1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 3.1                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           C
Description
Reduced water quality resulting from pollutants, including sediment, entering the marine environment have the potential to affect marine turtle health directly or reduce the viability of habitats necessary for survival, which has implications for stock viability. Once pollutants enter the marine environment it is difficult to limit marine turtle exposure to these compounds, or the impacts of poor water quality on their habitats. As such, the most effective mitigation is to manage pollutants at the source and limit the amount entering the marine environment. Where primary mitigation fails, rigorous emergency response plans must be in place