Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L00219:body:0:p15
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L00219
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 42821–46031

seabird populations and breeding behaviour
               (d)    the reproductive biology of threatened Norfolk Island plants to assist in propagation
               (e)    the impact and control of threats
               (f)      potential impacts of chemicals and biological control agents considered for conservation and management purposes; and
               (g)    landscape change, soil chemistry, vegetation recovery and species distribution on Phillip Island.

2.4.7          Develop and maintain systems for collecting, storing and retrieving research and monitoring data to improve accessibility and usability.
2.4.8          Use research and monitoring to help prioritise and, as needed, adapt management actions.
             2.5              Community use of natural resources

         Our aim
         Allow non-commercial harvesting of resources by the Norfolk Island community while ensuring the protection and conservation of the park and botanic garden's natural values.

         Background
         Natural resources such as knots from the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) and the leaves of the Norfolk Island palm (Rhopalostylis baueri), ti (Cordyline obtecta), and flax (Phormium tenax) are used by the Norfolk Island community for craft, cultural and other purposes.

         Fresh fruit is a limited and valued resource primarily available seasonally on the island. Island residents use the park as a source of fruit such as guava (Psidium cattleianum cattleianum) and lemon (Citrus jambhiri). There are no restrictions on people collecting guava or lemons from the park.

         Historically, the eggs of the sooty tern (Onychoprion fuscata) have been harvested as a food resource from Phillip Island. This practice still continues during a declared harvest period. While the sooty tern is not endangered worldwide, the annual harvest may be               affecting the Phillip Island population. The sooty tern is a listed marine species under Part 13 of the EPBC Act and the collection of sooty tern eggs is prohibited under Part 13 unless an exemption under that Part applies.

         Apart from the number of eggs taken, studies indicate that the effect of sooty tern egg harvesting on the overall population is linked to both the timing of the harvest and its duration. Since 1977, a set season for sooty tern egg harvesting has been implemented. The recent arrival and increase in numbers of Australasian Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus–locally known as tarler birds) on Phillip Island has also impacted on the breeding of sooty terns on Phillip Island.
         Under ss.354 and 354A of the EPBC Act, native species may only be taken in the park and botanic garden in accordance with this plan.

         Issues
           •      Community use of natural resources needs to be carried out in an environmentally sustainable way.
           •      Community participation is necessary in determining appropriate use, and level of use, of traditional resources.

         Prescriptions
2.5.1          Non-commercial taking of guava and lemons from the park is allowed.

2.5.2          Non-commercial taking of other non-native and native plant material may only be