Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L00289:body:0:p41
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L00289
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 143274–151836

and implications for population recovery
    b)      ascertaining rates of genetic interchange amongst the south-east and south-west populations
    c)       ascertaining geographic range and habitat occupancy for the two populations
    d)      improving the understanding of interchange between populations from Australia and New Zealand waters.
Recovery Targets Addressed                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Threats to be Mitigated
1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          D, F
Description
This action is fundamental to effective conservation management of southern right whales in Australian waters. Research, including further genetic analysis on increased sample sizes and photo identification, to define population boundaries will be necessary to better understand the appropriate management unit for southern right whales in Australian waters and the likely effect of impacts on the overall Australian population and on individual populations in Australian waters. This information will ensure recovery efforts are appropriately targeted.
Within the life of this plan
Measure of success: Southern right whale populations delineated and genetic interchange defined.

Risks: New research begun during the life of this plan may not be completed during the life of this plan.

Likelihood of success: High

Action Area B.3                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Priority

Understanding offshore distribution and migration                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               High

Action
Investigate the offshore distribution of southern right whales, specifically:
     a)      offshore distribution within Australian waters
     b)      movements between feeding and breeding grounds
     c)       winter distribution of the component of the population that does not migrate to the Australian coast.
Recovery Targets Addressed                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Threats to be Mitigated
3.3, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Description
Currently there is limited knowledge of southern right whales' non-coastal distribution in Australian waters and how they approach the Australian coastline on migration between feeding and breeding grounds. Biologically Important Areas (identified in marine bioregional plans) include aggregation, calving and coastal corridor areas, but vital life functions such as feeding and mating are occurring outside these regions. Without knowledge of the areas being used, it is difficult to provide appropriate advice to industry on the likelihood of encountering southern right whales in Australian waters. This increases the risk of approving new maritime activities without sufficient safeguards. Increased understanding of offshore distribution and migratory movements through satellite tracking for example, would address this information gap. This action will increase the ability to minimise anthropogenic threats to individuals and the population outside the coastal zone.
Within the life of this plan
Measure of success: Indicative maps and/or models providing improved information about offshore distribution and migratory movements between breeding and feeding grounds are developed.

Risks: It may be difficult to generalise offshore distribution from small samples and a very large effort may be required to develop a comprehensive picture of migratory movements and offshore distribution.

Likelihood of success: Moderate – low

Action Area B.4                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Priority

Characterising behaviour