Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775:reg:18:p18
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 18 (pt 18/152)
Character Range: 88871–91997

then be released upon disturbance. Consequently, top order predators, such as seabirds and coastal raptors, may accumulate high levels of chemicals in tissues, a problem which is exacerbated because these birds are long-lived and highly mobile species (Falkenberg et al. 1994).
Copley (1996) reported that nutrient enrichment or coastal eutrophication was the marine pollution issue with highest priority in South Australia, particularly with regards to inshore habitat loss of seagrass off the Adelaide metropolitan area and related impacts upon fish and coastal erosion. Flow-on effects of these impacts to seabird populations are not usually obvious but are nonetheless likely to occur (Copley 1996).

32 Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds

Threats

Turbidity is implicated in coastal and deepwater seagrass habitat loss (Westphalen et al. 2006; Tanner 2006). The implications of turbidity related impacts from other activities such as dredging on seabirds is unclear. Turbidity may impact upon seabird feeding, for species which may need clear water to view prey (i.e. terns). For example, increased turbidity from European Carp in Murray Mouth lakes appeared to interfere with Australian Fairy Tern feeding (Copley 1996).

 Pesticides accumulate in seabirds and species which had been tested in South Australia have had elevated organochlorine levels (Silver Gulls, Little Penguins, Australian Pelican, White-bellied Sea-eagle) (Falkenberg et al. 1994). There have been concerns over organochlorine pesticide contamination and reproductive failure in Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and White-bellied Sea Eagle (Falkenberg et al. 1994). Pesticide levels were also of concern for several prey species commonly found in the diet of White-bellied Sea Eagle, such as Feral Pigeon and Silver Gull. DDT was also found at high concentration in pelican eggs. Concentrations found were well above those known to cause
 reproductive failure in falcons (Falco spp.). Dieldrin was present in most samples, but at low concentrations (Falkenberg et al. 1994).

Agricultural land runoff containing pesticides may inhibit zooplankton grazing which can then result in algal blooms (Hallegraeff 1995). Harmful algal blooms can affect seabirds that feed on filter-feeding fish and shellfish. Harmful algal blooms can affect a range of marine species including seabirds, including reduced feeding activity, inability to lay eggs, loss of motor coordination and death, and impacts to seabird population recruitment (Shumway et al 2003). Systematic monitoring of blooms and impacts on marine species is needed to determine long-term impacts.
Hormones and endocrine disruptors which may be present in pesticides, agricultural runoff, antifouling and municipal and industrial effluent are known to impact on some fish species and other wildlife (Environment Canada 1999, ORD & USEPA 1998, Colborn et al. 1993). More recently concerns have been raised over Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) contained in Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) which may enter aquatic environments in sewerage or reclaimed water