Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01389:body:0:p85
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01389
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 238570–241542

significant changes within this habitat (Hobbs 2010). The closure of the lagoon has impacted on water quality and the seagrass beds which were previously foraging habitat for green and hawksbill turtle. It is estimated that there are several thousand hawksbill turtles that forage within the Cocos (Keeling) Islands feeding on algae, seagrass and sponges (Whiting 2006). However, data are limited to monitoring from the southern atoll and the importance of the Ramsar site for this species is not known.
Hobbs (2010) speculates that the seagrass habitat of the lagoon was also an important nursery habitat for a number of fish species, including blacktip reef sharks, mullets, emperors, trevallies and cods; and these species may become locally extinct if suitable alternative nursery habitats cannot be found. The lagoon habitat was also important for species of pipefish and other small fish that may be significantly affected by the lagoon closure.
The closure of the lagoon, although due to natural rather than anthropogenic causes, is considered to represent a (natural) change in ecological character of the Ramsar site. However, this has not affected the site with respect to meeting the listing criteria.
The Ecological Character Description for the site also identifies threats to the ecological character of the site:
 -     Biological resource utilisation – fishing and hunting of seabirds
 -     Invasive species – in particular, yellow crazy ants
 -     Climate change and severe weather – temperature extremes, storms, sea level rise
  -     Human intrusion and disturbance – recreational activities.
Strategies to minimise the impact of these threats are dealt with in sections: 3.1 ~ 3.3 and 5.1.
China–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA)
CAMBA provides for China and Australia to cooperate in the protection of migratory birds listed in the annex to the agreement and their environment, and requires each country to take appropriate measures to preserve and enhance the environment of migratory bird species listed under this agreement. Fifteen species listed under this agreement occur in Pulu Keeling National Park.
Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA)
JAMBA provides for Japan and Australia to cooperate in taking measures for the management and protection of migratory birds and birds in danger of extinction, and the management and protection of their environments, and requires each country to take appropriate measures to preserve and enhance the environment of birds protected under the provisions of the agreement. Fifteen species listed under this agreement occur in Pulu Keeling National Park.
Republic of Korea – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA)
ROKAMBA provides for the Republic of Korea and Australia to cooperate in taking measures for the management and protection of migratory birds and their habitat by providing a forum for the exchange of information, support for training activities and collaboration on