Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016C01080:clause:1_2:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016C01080
Segment Type: clause
Provision Reference: sch 1 cl 2 (pt 2/2)
Character Range: 135250–137427

at the nest. Restrictions in activities permitted at breeding sites, including a prohibition of banding, were introduced in the mid 1980s. While the population at Hawker Island has not recovered to the same extent as that on the Frazier Islands, it is showing signs of long‑term recovery.
  Reductions in breeding populations of southern giant petrels at other locations in the Antarctic and subantarctic have been attributed to activities associated with research stations. The bycatch of southern giant petrels in longline fisheries operating in the Southern Ocean is also likely to have contributed to observed population decreases. Decreases in breeding populations of southern giant petrels have also been observed at sites where human disturbance has been minimal, such as Heard Island.
  The global breeding population of southern giant petrels is estimated at around 31 300 pairs, and is inferred to be declining at a rate of 20‑50% over the past three generations. A total of 30 populations contain 500 or fewer breeding pairs, and at 15 of these sites there are 50 or fewer breeding pairs. It is believed that the global decrease in population is primarily due to fatal interactions with longline fisheries, although the species is also sensitive to other forms of human‑induced disturbance such as scientific research and visitor activities, ship movements and overflights. The species is listed as Vulnerable under IUCN criteria and has conservation status under a number of international agreements.
  The overall decrease in the Hawker Island population of southern giant petrels since its discovery is consistent with global trends and suggests that continued and formalised protection of the colony is warranted. Long‑term protection and monitoring of the colony at Hawker Island will contribute to the development of appropriate regional and global conservation strategies for the species and will provide information for comparisons with populations elsewhere.
  The designation of Hawker Island as an Antarctic specially protected area completes a suite of protected areas that safeguard all known southern giant petrel breeding locations in East Antarctica.