Evans K (2022). Marine and coastal threatened species and communities scoping study sub-component: Seabirds and marine mammals (excluding dugongs). Report to the National Environmental Science Program. CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere.
Overview
This project component aimed to identify research priorities for threatened species taxa groups of seabirds and marine mammals (excluding dugongs) by conducting (i) a literature review of recovery plans, conservation management plans, conservation advice and wildlife management plans issued under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and literature produced in the form of peer-reviewed publications, reports and assessments conducted as part of the 2021 State of the Environment report; and (ii) stakeholder workshops where stakeholder views on priorities and research gaps were gathered. The two components were used to identify research gaps that the NESP could potentially direct efforts to fill.
Key priority areas identified included: monitoring of seabird and marine mammal populations, particularly for identifying changes in populations over time; linking at-sea behaviours to measures of populations over time (e.g. abundance) to attribute biological and ecological change to drivers; integrative approaches that allow for the quantification of risk, attribution of the effects of biological and ecological changes on population viability and future projection of population trajectories; identification and utilisation of new technologies and novel approaches for monitoring of populations and reducing threats and associated impacts to species; understanding risks and impacts associated with the offshore renewable energy industry; supporting data and knowledge exchange and delivery including best practices and protocols.
