Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018C00019:front:0:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018C00019
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 40610–43645

carrying out works for the development of marine infrastructure.
Note: The policy Dredging coral reef habitat ‑ operating a facility or carrying out works for the development of marine infrastructure is available at www.gbrmpa.gov.au.
 (16) Require a relevant permission for the taking of coral under the Zoning Plan.
Note: Taking coral (including damaging or collecting coral) requires a relevant permission under the Zoning Plan. See the definition of taking in the Zoning Plan available at www.gbrmpa.gov.au.

Subdivision 4—Seagrass meadows, dugong and marine turtles

1.9A  Values
 (1) The Authority has identified the following values in relation to seagrass meadows, dugong and marine turtles in the Planning Area.
 (2) Dugong, marine turtles, their habitats and lifecycles are of significant cultural, spiritual and social importance, especially to Traditional Owners.
 (3) The Planning Area includes seagrass meadows at Repulse Bay, bays surrounding Whitsunday Island such as Tongue Bay, and mainland coastal bays such as Shoal Bay. Seagrass meadows are important habitats for dugong and green turtles as they provide a critical food source and important nursery habitat for a variety of marine life.
 (4) Several threatened species of marine turtles inhabit the Planning Area.

1.9B  Issues
 (1) The Authority has identified the following issues relating to seagrass meadows, dugong and marine turtles in the Planning Area.
 (2) Seagrass meadows throughout the Marine Park are facing increased pressure from poor water quality, and habitat loss and modification, resulting from increased land‑based run‑off, coastal development, marine traffic, intensity of extreme weather events, sea surface temperature and sea level rise.
 (3) Dugong and marine turtles are adversely impacted (injury and death) by underwater noise, vessel strike, incidental capture or ingestion of marine debris.
 (4) Marine turtle nesting sites adjacent to the Planning Area are vulnerable to human interference and hatchlings can be impacted by artificial light sources both on land and in the water when trying to access the ocean and navigate away from the beach.

1.9C  Strategies
 (1) Work in partnership with Traditional Owner groups whose sea country includes the Planning Area to formalise their aspirations for sea country relating to seagrass meadows, dugong and marine turtles.
 (2) Enforce the Zoning Plan requirements for taking of protected species.
Note: Section 5.3 of the Zoning Plan refers to the entry to zones for the purpose of taking protected species. See the definition of taking in the Zoning Plan available at www.gbrmpa.gov.au.
 (3) Enforce the limits in the Zoning Plan and Regulations on netting and bait netting activities by commercial fishers particularly within the Species Conservation (Dugong Protection) Special Management Areas (Repulse Bay and Edgecumbe Bay).
 (4) Encourage the use of responsible reef practices around dugong and marine turtles.
Note: Information about responsible reef practices around turtles is