Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2008C00685:front:0:p8
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2008C00685
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 18381–21291

strategy for approval by the Authority. The purpose of the anchoring strategy is to minimise potential coral damage. The strategy is to be developed for sites where the applicant proposes to anchor the large vessel.

 (2) An approved anchoring strategy must contain:
 (a) a statement by the applicant setting out how coral damage from anchoring of the vessel will be minimised, including how 'best environmental practices' will be applied when anchoring; and
 (b) a list of the proposed anchoring sites which the applicant seeks to be included under an approved anchoring strategy for the vessel; and
 (c) a description (by diagram or otherwise) of the amount of coral cover at the anchoring sites nominated in accordance with paragraph (b); and
 (d) any other information reasonably required by the Authority.

 (3) When considering an anchoring strategy, the Authority must consider whether the potential environmental impact from anchoring is acceptable.

Note 1   See subclause 2.4 (1A) for further information.

Note 2   Schedule 6C lists the Locations where an anchoring strategy may be considered.

Subdivision 3 Dugongs and marine turtles

1.10 Values

 (1) Dugongs and marine turtles are an integral part of the Marine Park and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

 (2) The largest global population of dugong live in Australian waters.

 (3) The Marine Park is a major habitat for dugong populations in Australian waters.

 (4) Dugongs have high biodiversity value as the only species in the family Dugongidae and 1 of only 4 species in the order Sirenia.

 (5) Dugongs are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

 (6) Dugongs are generally found in coastal and inshore areas, feeding primarily on seagrasses. Seagrass beds occur in many areas and support a rich and diverse fauna and flora. The seagrass beds provide sheltered, nutrient‑rich habitat and grazing areas for dugongs and marine turtles, and important nurseries for a variety of marine life.

 (7) Dugongs exist in inshore waters in the Planning Area which contain shallow and deep water seagrass, particularly in the Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation inshore waters.

1.11 Issues

 (1) The following are protected species:
 (a) dugong (Dugong dugon);
 (b) flatback turtle (Natator depressus);
 (c) green turtle (Chelonia mydas);
 (d) hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata);
 (e) loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).

Note   See the Regulations for provisions declaring protected species.

 (2) Dugong populations are under pressure in the Planning Area and have suffered a serious decline in parts of the Marine Park south of Cooktown.

 (3) Dugongs have a low reproductive capability and those that live close to the shore are susceptible to human activities. A slight fall in adult numbers can cause a long‑term decline in the population.

 (4)