Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00326:front:0:p92
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00326
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 266402–269462

mixing that results from the dynamics of major ocean currents when these meet the seafloor, particularly in the Perth Canyon; and
  * South-west Shelf Transition—consists of a narrow continental shelf that is noted for its physical complexity. The Leeuwin Current has a significant influence on the biodiversity of this nearshore area as it pushes subtropical water southward along the area's western edge. The area contains a diversity of tropical and temperate marine life including a large number of endemic fauna species.
Key ecological features of the Marine Park are:
  * Perth Canyon and adjacent shelf break, and other west-coast canyons—unique seafloor features give rise to ecologically important events of localised productivity and aggregations of marine life. The Perth Canyon is prominent among these canyons because of its large size and ecological importance. The upwelling of deep ocean currents in the canyon creates a nutrient-rich cold-water habitat that attracts feeding aggregations of deep-diving mammals, such as pygmy blue whales and large predatory fish that feed on aggregations of small fish, krill and squid;
  * Demersal slope and associated fish communities of the Central Western Province—an area that provides important habitat for demersal fish communities and is characterised by high species diversity and endemism;
  * Western rock lobster—plays an important trophic role in many of the inshore ecosystems of the South-west Marine Region. Western rock lobsters are an important part of the food web on the inner shelf, particularly as juveniles; and
  * Mesoscale eddies—important transporters of nutrients and plankton communities that form at predictable locations off the western and south-western shelf break.
The Marine Park supports a range of species including species listed as threatened, migratory, marine or cetacean under the EPBC Act. Biologically important areas within the Marine Park include foraging habitat for seabirds, Antarctic blue, pygmy blue and sperm whales, a migratory pathway for humpback, Antarctic blue and pygmy blue whales, and a calving buffer area for southern right whales.
Cultural values
Sea country is valued for Indigenous cultural identity, health and wellbeing. Across Australia, Indigenous people have been sustainably using and managing their sea country for tens of thousands of years.
The Swan River traditional owners have responsibilities for sea country in the Marine Park. Traditional owners have maintained cultural responsibilities for sea country as passed down from elders, to keep the oceans healthy, to support spiritual wellbeing and to uphold and protect obligatory cultural responsibilities for future generations.
The South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council is the Native Title Service Provider for the South-west region.
Heritage values
No international, Commonwealth or national heritage listings apply to the Marine Park at commencement of this plan.
Social and economic values
Tourism, commercial shipping, commercial fishing, recreation, including fishing,