Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01633:body:0:p28
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01633
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Character Range: 76201–79121

is unique for each vessel. Generally large commercial ships produce frequencies mostly between 10 to 50 Hz, and small boats between 1 to 5 kHz49. Ships generally produce louder noise as they increase in size and speed49. Shipping noise is expected to be more predominant along shipping lanes or near marinas and ports. A study off California has shown that blue whales increase calling due to shipping noise, indicating that it is likely to affect their communication77.
In Australia, shipping noise associated with the port in Fremantle, Western Australia impacts on the known blue whale habitat in the Perth Canyon. The Victorian port of Portland is also associated with industrial activity and is on a major shipping route that runs through the Bonney Upwelling.  Additionally, there are an increasing numbers of ports in north-western Australia and existing ports in south-western Australia (Albany and Esperance).
Aircraft noise
Airplanes and helicopters used for scenic tours, passenger transport, military and private use create sound in the air that enters the water. Off Portland helicopter-based whale watching has targeted blue whales in the Bonney Upwelling, and was managed by whale watching regulations (see 5E Vessel Disturbance). The power of the sound entering the water depends on how far the sound has travelled through the air, and the angle of the sound waves and the sea state which determine the amount of sound reflected (i.e. not entering the water). This makes it difficult to determine the sound exposure of submerged whales, however a few studies on aircraft noise have shown it can cause at least short-term behavioural changes in baleen whales such as shorter surfacing durations84. Aircraft noise is likely to have a considerably lower impact that the other sources of noise identified here.

5D Habitat Modification
Habitat modification in this context refers to physical modification of habitat, and has the potential to spatially displace individuals. This includes the construction of ports and marinas, oil and gas rigs and platforms, marine aquaculture facilities, and marine renewable energy facilities. In Australia, such developments are subject to assessment under the EPBC Act and relevant state and territory legislation where the facilities occur in state waters or on land.

Commercial fisheries and aquaculture equipment
Marine aquaculture involves farming 'shellfish' such as oysters and mussels, or 'finfish' such as salmon and bluefin tuna. The former takes place in inshore areas, and does not require nets, cages or supplemental feeding, and the latter takes place in inshore or offshore areas, requires nets or cages to contain the finfish and supplemental feeding. Baleen whales could potentially be affected from offshore aquaculture by displacement.
Baleen whales can become entangled in nets, lines and ropes that are used for commercial fishing or aquaculture.