Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00043:reg:5:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00043
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 5 (pt 12/15)
Character Range: 50168–54220

the threats outlined above has been assessed to determine the risk posed to migratory shorebird populations using a risk matrix. This determines the priority for actions outlined in Section 9. The risk matrix considers the likelihood of an incident occurring and the consequences of that incident. Threats may act differently on different species and populations at different times of year, but the precautionary principle dictates that the threat category is determined by the group at highest risk. Population-wide threats are generally considered to present a higher risk.

   The risk matrix uses a qualitative assessment drawing on peer reviewed literature and expert opinion.
   In some cases the consequences of activities are unknown. In these cases, the precautionary principle has been applied. Levels of risk and the associated priority for action are defined as follows:

Very High—immediate mitigation action required

High—mitigation action and an adaptive management plan required, the precautionary principle should be applied

Moderate—obtain additional information and develop mitigation action if required
Low—monitor the threat occurrence and reassess threat level if likelihood or consequences change
Figure 3. Risk Prioritisation
 Likelihood       Consequences
                   Not significant     Minor      Moderate      Major       Catastrophic
 Almost certain      Low              Moderate    Very High    Very High    Very High
 Likely              Low              Moderate     High        Very High    Very High
 Possible            Low              Moderate     High        Very High    Very High
 Unlikely            Low               Low        Moderate      High        Very High
 Rare or Unknown     Low               Low        Moderate      High        Very High

         Categories for likelihood are defined as follows:
Almost certain—expected to occur every year Likely—expected to occur at least once every five years Possible—might occur at some time
Unlikely—such events are known to have occurred on
a worldwide basis but only a few times

Rare or Unknown—may occur only in exceptional circumstances; OR it is currently unknown how often the incident will occur

  Categories for consequences are defined as follows:

  Not significant—no long-term effect on individuals or populations
  Minor—individuals are adversely affected but no effect at population level
  Moderate—population recovery stalls or reduces Major—population decreases Catastrophic—population extinction

 Figure 4. Migratory Shorebird Population Residual Risk Matrix

 Likelihood of occurrence   Consequences
                              Not significant  Minor                                   Moderate                                    Major                                         Catastrophic
 Almost certain                                  •       Harvesting of shorebird prey    •       Coastal development in Australia                                              •       Coastal development, particularly in the Yellow Sea*
 Likely                                          •       Hunting*                        •       Anthropogenic disturbance           •       Climate variability and change

                                                 •       Fisheries by-catch*             •       Altered hydrological regimes

                                                                                         •       Invasive species
 Possible
 Unlikely                                        •       Chronic pollution
 Rare or Unknown                                 •       Acute pollution

 * threat occurs mostly outside Australia.

              9                    Actions to achieve the Specific Objectives

Actions identified for the protection, conservation and management of the species covered by this plan are described below. Some of the objectives are long-term and may not be fully achieved during the lifetime of this wildlife conservation plan.1 Lead organisations are identified in