Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01285:reg:3:p23
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01285
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 23/26)
Character Range: 131978–135077

bans, particularly when coupled with reduced availability of small shoaling pelagic fish, can result in an increase in predation by Great Skua (Catharacta skua) on other birds (Votier et al. 2004). Accordingly changes to discarding practices should be introduced gradually rather than abruptly, as scavenging seabirds are opportunistic, and a gradual reduction in the availability of discards enables them to switch prey species and habituate to a reduction in food availability (Fondo et al. 2015).
Marine tourist boat operators conducting wildlife viewing trips off the coastline of Australia and other parts of the world may throw 'chum' (such as frozen squid) to attract seabirds, particularly albatrosses, to the vessel. This technique is used to provide tourists with the opportunity to see flocks of seabirds feeding and competing at a close range. This practice offers another artificial food source for the birds, and further encourages and habituates them to follow boats which in turn increases the likelihood of seabirds interacting with fishing vessels. In many cases, 'chumming' is carried out by experienced birdwatchers and is considered acceptable behaviour by some parts of the birding fraternity (for example, Onley & Schofield 2007), but not by others (for example, Orams 2002). Compared to discards from commercial fishing operations, 'chumming' is not a significant food source for albatrosses and petrels in Australian waters.

Marine infrastructure interactions
Threats from interactions with offshore installations and ships, including artificial lighting.

Seabirds are at risk of disorientation at night from artificial light sources (Bruderer et al. 1999, Rodríguez et al. 2014, 2017). There is significant commercial, tourism, fishing, recreational vessel activity worldwide in coastal and offshore waters. Sea installations, particularly for energy extraction purposes including oil and gas, and wind farms are commonplace, particularly on continental shelf margins. Seabird interactions have been reported across the marine infrastructure sectors including vessels (Black 2005), oil and gas platforms (Wiese et al. 2001, Ronconi et al. 2015) and offshore wind farms (Dierschke et al. 2016). The response of seabirds to marine infrastructure can lead to avoidance behaviours, collisions where the bird may be killed or injured, and fallouts where the bird may be unable to return to the air without assistance (Commonwealth of Australia 2019b).
The development of offshore wind farm turbine infrastructure is an emerging issue, with offshore wind farm proposals being considered for sites along the southern Australian coastline within the foraging range of albatrosses and petrels.
Climate variability and change
Threats from climatic changes resulting in significant weather changes beyond historical variance, with effects on food dispersion and availability.

Climate change is causing major shifts in the distribution of species throughout the world (Albouy et al. 2014). Seabirds including albatrosses and petrels are susceptible to extreme climatic events