Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2017L00641:body:0:p22
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2017L00641
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 60539–63523

including the presence of multiple species, feasibility for monitoring (physical access to the location and cost), and ability to repeat observations.
In Australia there are a number of long-term monitoring programs at index beaches that provide vital information underpinning management programs. One example is Mon Repos, Queensland, where loggerhead, green and flatback turtle nesting has been continuously monitored for more than 40 years. For some stocks, establishing index beaches would be beneficial, as there is currently insufficient information to determine the viability of the stock. In addition, long-term monitoring data allows the efficacy of management programs to be tested. It should be noted that to determine the status of a species it is not necessary to monitor index beaches for all stocks.

Biologically important areas for marine turtles in Australia
Biologically important areas (BIAs) are areas where protected species display biologically important behaviour, such as breeding, foraging, resting and migration. All of the identified 'habitat critical to the survival of a species or ecological community' areas will be included in the BIA database. BIA's were originally identified for marine turtles through a rigorous and robust process as part of the Commonwealth Bioregional Planning Process and are referenced in Commonwealth Marine Bioregional Plans. They represent areas where a specific behaviour is known to occur. The absence of an identified BIA does not mean that an area is not important habitat, just that it wasn't known. This is because BIA maps reflect the best available information at the time of publication.
Specifically, BIAs are based on the following:
    a)      Behaviour (feeding, nesting, internesting, migration) occurs in the area;
    b)      Certainty of occurrence (only areas of 'known' or 'likely' occurrence are considered);
    c)       The level to which species use the BIA;
    d)      The season(s) during which species use the BIA; and
    e)      Source(s) of the information upon which the BIA is based.
The BIA maps are a dynamic tool which allow for up-to-date information to be stored and referenced in a geospatial environment, building on information used to inform the recovery plan.

Tools for assessing important marine turtle habitats
This plan identifies nesting and internesting habitat critical to the survival of marine turtles (Table 6). However, this designation only protects one component of the life cycle. It should be noted that each stock typically uses a broad range of feeding grounds, and feeding grounds can often comprise turtles from multiple stocks and species. Further, marine turtles require migratory corridors between foraging and breeding areas, habitat for mating or courtship, and hatchling dispersal. These habitats have not yet been described such that habitat critical to the survival of the stock can be identified. This knowledge gap is to be addressed during the life of