Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775:front:0:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775
Segment Type: other
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Character Range: 6520–9713

and many migrate beyond Australian jurisdiction to complete their lifecycle. For these species, efforts to conserve seabirds in one country can only be effective with the cooperation and complementary actions of all countries in which they occur, including the high seas. Globally, there is a growing urgency to conserve seabirds and minimise the threats to the habitats critical to their survival in the face of ever-increasing human impacts across the world (Croxall et al. 2012).

Responsibility for the conservation and management of seabirds in Australia lies jointly with the Commonwealth and, state and territory governments. Australia has statutory obligations to conserve EPBC Act listed seabird species within its jurisdiction and internationally through agreements such as the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Agreement of the Conservation of Albatross and Petrels (ACAP) and the bilateral migratory bird agreements (JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA). Most Australian seabird breeding colonies are on islands within state or territory waters and are managed accordingly by the relevant authority. Greater coordination amongst government agencies, research institutions, conservation organisations, industry groups and community organisations will significantly improve the knowledge base and capacity for the management of seabirds in Australia.
Governments, industry and conservation groups including the Australian Antarctic Division, Parks Australia, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, CSIRO, Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers, BirdLife Australia and the Australasian Seabird Group, have undertaken some major projects relating to seabirds and their habitats. Population monitoring, island colony counts and research programs which have been operational for many years, have been successful due to the large number of scientists and volunteers that have contributed to these projects. There are a number of projects aimed at the conservation of marine and migratory listed seabirds in Australia which are primarily funded by the Australian Government, state and territory agencies, industry groups and philanthropic organisations.
Through the variety of research and volunteer programs that have been carried out, there is a strong baseline of information on seabirds throughout Australia. However, much remains unknown and it is important to sustain research and expand monitoring activities in order to detect significant changes in seabird populations. Whilst there is a strong network between many of the conservation groups who have an interest in seabirds, there may be many projects that would benefit from a coordinated system of communication and information exchange.

Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds 3

Introduction

This Plan seeks to facilitate a nationally coordinated effort to protect and conserve EPBC Act listed seabirds and provides an over-arching framework for their research and management. This Plan encourages a cross-sectorial effort to address threats to seabirds and their habitats. A prioritised research program, nationally coordinated monitoring program and the implementation of on-ground actions to alleviate threats