DOCSLIB.ORG

Informing Risk Assessment Through Estimating Interaction Rates Between Australian Sea Lions and Western Australia’S Temperate Demersal Gillnet Fisheries

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Informing Risk Assessment Through Estimating Interaction Rates Between Australian Sea Lions and Western Australia’S Temperate Demersal Gillnet Fisheries Informing risk assessment through estimating interaction rates between Australian sea lions and Western Australia’s temperate demersal gillnet fisheries Hesp, S. A., Tweedley, J.R. , McAuley, R., Tink, C.J. , Campbell, R.A. , Chuwen, B.M. & Hall, N.G. Project No. 2009/096 Informing risk assessment through estimating interaction rates between Australian sea lions and Western Australia’s temperate demersal gillnet fisheries Hesp, S.A., Tweedley, J.R., McAuley, R., Tink, C.J., Campbell, R.A., Chuwen, B.M. & Hall, N.G January 2012 Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research Murdoch University, Murdoch Western Australia, 6150 ISBN: 978-1-921877-00-1 Copyright: Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and Murdoch University 2012 This work is copyright. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of the copyright owners. Information may not be stored electronically in any form whatsoever without such permission. Disclaimer: The authors do not warrant that the information in this document is free from errors or omissions. The authors do not accept any form of liability, be it contractual, tortious, or otherwise, for the contents of this document or for any consequences arising from its use or any reliance placed upon it. The information, opinions and advice contained in this document may not relate, or be relevant, to a readers particular circumstances. Opinions expressed by the authors are the individual opinions expressed by those persons and are not necessarily those of the publisher, research provider or the FRDC. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation plans, invests in and manages fisheries research and development throughout Australia. It is a statutory authority within the portfolio of the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, jointly funded by the Australian Government and the fishing industry. Fisheries Research and Development Corporation Report FRDC Project 2009/096 TABLE OF CONTENTS OBJECTIVES: ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY:............................................................................................................................ 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................................................... 4 BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................................. 5 Temperate demersal gillnet fisheries in Western Australia ........................................................................... 5 Australian sea lions ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Conservation status and distribution ......................................................................................................................... 6 Movements and foraging behaviour .......................................................................................................................... 8 Australian sea lion interactions with fisheries ............................................................................................. 10 Interactions with demersal gillnets .......................................................................................................................... 11 Agent-based modelling ................................................................................................................................ 13 Approaches for modelling animal movements ............................................................................................ 14 NEED .............................................................................................................................................................. 17 OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................................................... 18 MATERIALS AND METHODS ........................................................................................................................... 19 Description of the agent-based model ........................................................................................................ 19 Method for describing the model............................................................................................................................. 19 Software platform, hardware and software requirements and simulation time ..................................................... 19 The purpose of the model ........................................................................................................................................ 19 State variables and scale .......................................................................................................................................... 20 Process overview and scheduling ............................................................................................................................. 22 Design concepts ........................................................................................................................................................ 23 Simulations undertaken for this study ..................................................................................................................... 40 RESULTS ......................................................................................................................................................... 41 Visual comparisons of observed vs simulated ASL locations ....................................................................... 41 Observed vs simulated distributions for speed, depth, distance and forage time ....................................... 44 Broad spatial patterns of simulated ASL movements .................................................................................. 47 Broad spatial patterns of fishing effort ....................................................................................................... 47 Broad spatial patterns of estimated potential encounters of ASLs with gillnets ......................................... 49 Estimated numbers and annual rates of potential encounters ................................................................... 53 Effect of different proximity-to-net distance values on potential encounters ............................................. 56 DISCUSSION ................................................................................................................................................... 58 Model simulations of Australian sea lion movements ................................................................................. 58 Model development and data analysis..................................................................................................................... 58 Extent of matching between simulated and observed ASL location data ................................................................ 59 Spatial patterns of ASL movements ............................................................................................................. 61 Spatial patterns in fishing effort .................................................................................................................. 62 Statistics on potential encounters of ASLs with gillnets............................................................................... 63 BENEFITS AND ADOPTION .............................................................................................................................. 67 FURTHER DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................................... 68 PLANNED OUTCOMES .................................................................................................................................... 72 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................................. 72 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................... 75 APPENDIX 1: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY .......................................................................................................... 82 APPENDIX 2: PROJECT STAFF .......................................................................................................................... 82 2009/096 Informing risk assessment through estimating interaction rates between Australian sea lions and Western Australia’s temperate demersal gillnet fisheries PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR : S. Alex Hesp ADDRESS: Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Murdoch University South St, Murdoch Western Australia, 6150 Telephone: 08 9360 7621 Fax: 08 9360 6303 OBJECTIVES: 1. Develop a tool to assist in determining the implications of the current distribution of commercial gillnet fishing for different colonies of Australian sea lions. 2. Estimate the proportion of Australian sea lions, in different colonies, that encounter commercial gillnets in Western Australian waters each year. 1 NON TECHNICAL
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Great Australian Bight BP Oil Drilling Project
    Submission to Senate Inquiry: Great Australian Bight BP Oil Drilling Project: Potential Impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance within Modelled Oil Spill Impact Areas (Summer and Winter 2A Model Scenarios) Prepared by Dr David Ellis (BSc Hons PhD; Ecologist, Environmental Consultant and Founder at Stepping Stones Ecological Services) March 27, 2016 Table of Contents Table of Contents ..................................................................................................... 2 Executive Summary ................................................................................................ 4 Summer Oil Spill Scenario Key Findings ................................................................. 5 Winter Oil Spill Scenario Key Findings ................................................................... 7 Threatened Species Conservation Status Summary ........................................... 8 International Migratory Bird Agreements ............................................................. 8 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 11 Methods .................................................................................................................... 12 Protected Matters Search Tool Database Search and Criteria for Oil-Spill Model Selection ............................................................................................................. 12 Criteria for Inclusion/Exclusion of Threatened, Migratory and Marine
    [Show full text]
  • Overview of Tasmania's Offshore Islands and Their Role in Nature
    Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania, Volume 154, 2020 83 OVERVIEW OF TASMANIA’S OFFSHORE ISLANDS AND THEIR ROLE IN NATURE CONSERVATION by Sally L. Bryant and Stephen Harris (with one text-figure, two tables, eight plates and two appendices) Bryant, S.L. & Harris, S. 2020 (9:xii): Overview of Tasmania’s offshore islands and their role in nature conservation.Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 154: 83–106. https://doi.org/10.26749/rstpp.154.83 ISSN: 0080–4703. Tasmanian Land Conservancy, PO Box 2112, Lower Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7005, Australia (SLB*); Department of Archaeology and Natural History, College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601 (SH). *Author for correspondence: Email: [email protected] Since the 1970s, knowledge of Tasmania’s offshore islands has expanded greatly due to an increase in systematic and regional surveys, the continuation of several long-term monitoring programs and the improved delivery of pest management and translocation programs. However, many islands remain data-poor especially for invertebrate fauna, and non-vascular flora, and information sources are dispersed across numerous platforms. While more than 90% of Tasmania’s offshore islands are statutory reserves, many are impacted by a range of disturbances, particularly invasive species with no decision-making framework in place to prioritise their management. This paper synthesises the significant contribution offshore islands make to Tasmania’s land-based natural assets and identifies gaps and deficiencies hampering their protection. A continuing focus on detailed gap-filling surveys aided by partnership restoration programs and collaborative national forums must be strengthened if we are to capitalise on the conservation benefits islands provide in the face of rapidly changing environmental conditions and pressure for future use.
    [Show full text]
  • Issues Paper for the Australian Sea Lion(Neophoca Cinerea)
    Issues Paper for the Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) 2013 The recovery plan linked to this issues paper is obtainable from: www.environment.gov.au/coasts/species/seals/index.html © Commonwealth of Australia 2013 This work is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in unaltered form only (retaining this notice) for your personal, non-commercial use or use within your organisation. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Public Affairs, GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 or email [email protected]. Disclaimer While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication. Images credits Front cover left to right: entangled Australian sea lion, close up image of Australian sea lion, colony of Australian sea lions, Australian sea lion on the water’s surface – Derek Hamer, Australian sea lion underwater – David Muirhead Back cover left to right: Australian sea lion on a rocky shore, close up image of Australian sea lion, Australian sea lion on the water’s surface – Derek Hamer 2 |
    [Show full text]
  • Draft Flinders Council Planning Scheme 2012
    Joins Map 57 Beagle Island Little Goose Island Goose Island Boxen Island Legend Draft Flinders Council 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 Scheme Overlays Land Titles Metres Planning Scheme 2012 - Overlays Airport Buffer Roads Map Scale 1 : 25,000 when printed at A3 1:25000 Series Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Buffer/Attenuation Map 56 of 81 Local Scenic Management Area Base data from theLIST, © State of Tasmania Regional Model Overlays Land title data current as of 30/04/2012 Flood Risk Priority Habitat Before taking any action based on data shown on this map Acid Sulfate Soil Probability it should first be verified with a Planning Officer of Date: 16/05/2012 Flinders Council. Doc. Version: 0 Prepared by Joins Map 55 Badger Island Little Badger Island Joins Map 56 Legend Draft Flinders Council 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 Scheme Overlays Land Titles Metres Planning Scheme 2012 - Overlays Airport Buffer Roads Map Scale 1 : 25,000 when printed at A3 1:25000 Series Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Buffer/Attenuation Map 57 of 81 Local Scenic Management Area Base data from theLIST, © State of Tasmania Regional Model Overlays Land title data current as of 30/04/2012 Flood Risk Priority Habitat Before taking any action based on data shown on this map Acid Sulfate Soil Probability it should first be verified with a Planning Officer of Date: 16/05/2012 Flinders Council. Doc. Version: 0 Prepared by Joins Map 53 Vansittart Island Pelican Island Cape Barren Island Puncheon Island Joins Map 62 Legend Draft Flinders Council 0 200 400 600 800 1,000
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix 7-2 Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) Report for the Risk EMBA
    Environment plan Appendix 7-2 Protected matters search tool (PMST) report for the Risk EMBA Stromlo-1 exploration drilling program Equinor Australia B.V. Level 15 123 St Georges Terrace PERTH WA 6000 Australia February 2019 www.equinor.com.au EPBC Act Protected Matters Report This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected. Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report. Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details. Report created: 13/09/18 14:02:20 Summary Details Matters of NES Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Extra Information Caveat Acknowledgements This map may contain data which are ©Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), ©PSMA 2010 Coordinates Buffer: 1.0Km Summary Matters of National Environmental Significance This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in, or may relate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report, which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an activity that may have a significant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance then you should consider the Administrative Guidelines on Significance. World Heritage Properties: 11 National Heritage Places: 13 Wetlands of International Importance: 13 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: None Commonwealth Marine Area: 2 Listed Threatened Ecological Communities: 14 Listed Threatened Species: 311 Listed Migratory Species: 97 Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated.
    [Show full text]
  • Turquoise Coast Island Nature Reserves
    PREFACE All national parks, conservation parks and nature reserves in Western Australia are vested in the Conservation Commission of Western Australia (Conservation Commission) and are managed on its behalf by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM). CALM prepares management plans on behalf of the Conservation Commission which issues draft plans for public comment and provides final plans for approval by the Minister for the Environment. The Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 (CALM Act) specifies that management plans must contain: v a statement of the policies or guidelines proposed to be followed; and v a summary of operations proposed to be undertaken. In accordance with Section 55 of the CALM Act, the term of this plan will be ten years, or until such time that the plan is superseded by a new management plan. This management plan is for the 13 island nature reserves which represent a chain of approximately 40 islands off the Western Australian coast between Lancelin and Dongara. One island (Target Rock) is proposed for inclusion in the nature reserves. The reference to ‘the islands’ in this management plan refers to both the existing and proposed island nature reserves. This management plan should be viewed in conjunction with the management plan for the Jurien Bay Marine Park in which many of the islands lie. The planning process for both the islands and marine park was undertaken concurrently, and their management will be integrated and implemented together. i ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This Turquoise Coast Island Nature Reserves Management Plan was prepared by Liesl Jonker (CALM’s Marine Conservation Branch) and Laurina Bullen (CALM’s Management Planning Unit).
    [Show full text]
  • Geococcus Pusillus (Earth Cress)
    GeococcusListing Statement forpusillus Geococcus pusillus (earth cress) earth cress T A S M A N I A N T H R E A T E N E D S P E C I E S L I S T I N G S T A T E M E N T (Permission from the RBG of Victoria) Scientific name: Geococcus pusillus J.Drumm. ex Harv., Hook. J. Bot. Kew Gard. Misc. 7: 52 (1855) Common name: earth cress (Wapstra et al. 2005) Group: vascular plant, dicotyledon, family Brassicaceae Status: Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 : rare Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 : Not listed Distribution: Endemic status: Not endemic to Tasmania Tasmanian NRM Regions: North, Cradle Coast Figure 1. The distribution of Geococcus pusillus within Plate 1. Geococcus pusillus Tasmania (permission from the RBG of Victoria) 1 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Listing Statement for Geococcus pusillus (earth cress) IDENTIFICATION AND ECOLOGY DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT Geococcus pusillus is an annual herb that emerges With the exception of Queensland and the in years of favourable cool-season rainfall Northern Territory, this species is widespread (Cunningham et al. 1992). While it is usually on mainland Australia. In Tasmania, Geococcus found in low numbers, it can cover large areas pusillus is known to be extant in only three in favourable conditions. This implicates locations on separate islands (Mount Chappell, recruitment from soil-stored seed with the Mile and Little Chalky islands) to the west of pendulant seed pods often becoming buried Flinders Island in the Furneaux Group, and the when the pedicels bend back and elongate.
    [Show full text]
  • Draft Flinders Council Planning Scheme 2012
    Joins Map 34 L o w I s l e t s Legend Draft Flinders Council 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 Low Density Residential General Industrial Metres Planning Scheme 2012 - Zoning Rural Living Rural Resource Map Scale 1 : 25,000 when printed at A3 1:25000 Series Environmental Living Utilities Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Map 39 of 81 Urban Mixed Use Environmental Management ´ Base data from theLIST, © State of Tasmania Community Purpose Port and Marine Land title data current as of 30/04/2012 Recreation Particular Purpose General Business Locality Boundary Before taking any action based on data shown on this map it should first be verified with a Planning Officer of Date: 15/05/2012 Flinders Council. Doc. Version: 0 Prepared by L o Joins Map 35 n g g P o i n t t R o a d Whitemark Chalky Island Joins Map 41 Reef Island Mile Island Little Chalky Island R e e f I s l a n d Isabella Island Legend Draft Flinders Council 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 Low Density Residential General Industrial Metres Planning Scheme 2012 - Zoning Rural Living Rural Resource Map Scale 1 : 25,000 when printed at A3 1:25000 Series Environmental Living Utilities Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Map 40 of 81 Urban Mixed Use Environmental Management ´ Base data from theLIST, © State of Tasmania Community Purpose Port and Marine Land title data current as of 30/04/2012 Recreation Particular Purpose General Business Locality Boundary Before taking any action based on data shown on this map it should first be verified with a Planning Officer of Date: 15/05/2012 Flinders Council.
    [Show full text]
  • Figure B.9 Seasonal Distribution of ECSAS Other Alcid (Including Razorbill, Black Guillemot and Atlantic Puffin) Observations (2001 – 2017)
    GXT GrandSPAN Marine Exploration Program 2018 Environmental Assessment Update Figure B.9 Seasonal Distribution of ECSAS Other Alcid (including Razorbill, Black Guillemot and Atlantic Puffin) Observations (2001 – 2017) GXT GrandSPAN Program (2014-2018) 2018 Environmental Assessment Update May 2018 Page 125 GXT GrandSPAN Marine Exploration Program 2018 Environmental Assessment Update Figure B.10 Seasonal Distribution of ECSAS Jaeger and Skua Observations (2001 – 2017) GXT GrandSPAN Program (2014-2018) 2018 Environmental Assessment Update May 2018 Page 126 GXT GrandSPAN Marine Exploration Program 2018 Environmental Assessment Update Figure B.11 Seasonal Distribution of ECSAS Northern Fulmar Observations (2001 – 2017) GXT GrandSPAN Program (2014-2018) 2018 Environmental Assessment Update May 2018 Page 127 GXT GrandSPAN Marine Exploration Program 2018 Environmental Assessment Update Figure B.12 Seasonal Distribution of ECSAS Shearwater Observations (2001 – 2017) GXT GrandSPAN Program (2014-2018) 2018 Environmental Assessment Update May 2018 Page 128 GXT GrandSPAN Marine Exploration Program 2018 Environmental Assessment Update Figure B.13 Seasonal Distribution of ECSAS Storm-petrel Observations (2001 – 2017) GXT GrandSPAN Program (2014-2018) 2018 Environmental Assessment Update May 2018 Page 129 GXT GrandSPAN Marine Exploration Program 2018 Environmental Assessment Update Figure B.14 Seasonal Distribution of ECSAS Waterfowl Observations (2001 – 2017) GXT GrandSPAN Program (2014-2018) 2018 Environmental Assessment Update May 2018
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Assessment of Beach Nesting and Migratory Shorebirds in Tasmania
    Conservation assessment of beach nesting and migratory shorebirds in Tasmania Dr Sally Bryant Nature Conservation Branch, DPIWE Natural Heritage Trust Project No NWP 11990 Tasmania Group Conservation assessment of beach nesting and migratory shorebirds in Tasmania Dr Sally Bryant Nature Conservation Branch Department Primary Industries Water and Environment 2002 Natural Heritage Trust Project No NWP 11990 CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT OF BEACH NESTING AND MIGRATORY SHOREBIRDS IN TASMANIA SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Summary of Information Compiled during the 1998 –1999 Shorebird Survey. Information collected Results Survey Effort Number of surveys undertaken 863 surveys Total number of sites surveyed 313 sites Number of islands surveyed 43 islands Number of surveys on islands 92 surveys Number of volunteers 75 volunteers Total number of participants 84 participants Total number of hours spent surveying 970 hours of survey Total length of all sites surveyed 1,092 kilometres surveyed Shorebird Species No of shorebird species observed 32 species No of shorebird species recorded breeding 13 species breeding Number of breeding observations made 294 breeding observations Number of surveys with a breeding observation 169 surveys Total number of sites where species were breeding 92 sites Highest number of species breeding per site 5 species breeding Total number of species records made 3,650 records Total number of bird sightings 116,118 sightings Site Disturbance Information Number of surveys with disturbance information recorded 407 surveys Number of individual
    [Show full text]
  • Picturesque Atlas of Australasia Maps
    A-Signal Battery. I-Workshops. B-Observatory . K-Government House. C-Hospital. L-Palmer's Farm. .__4 S URVEY D-Prison. M-Officers ' Quarters. of E-Barracks . N-Magazine. F-Store Houses. 0-Gallows. THE SET TLEMENT ;n i Vh u/ ,S OUTN ALES G-Marine Barracks . P-Brick-kilns. H-Prisoners ' Huts. Q-Brickfields. LW OLLANI) iz /` 5Mile t4 2 d2 36 Engraved by A.Dulon 4 L.Poates • 1FTTh T i1111Tm»iTIT1 149 .Bogga 1 a 151 Bengalla • . l v' r-- Cootamundra Coola i r A aloe a 11lichellago 4 I A.J. SCALLY DEL. , it 153 'Greggreg ll tai III IJL. INDEX TO GENERAL MAP OF NE W SOUTH W ALES . NOTE -The letters after the names correspond with those in the borders of the map, and indicate the square in which the name will be found. Abercrombie River . Billagoe Mountain Bundella . J d Conjurong Lake . Dromedary Mountain. Aberdeen . Binalong . Bunda Lake C d Coogee . Drummond Mountain. Aberfoyle River . Binda . Bundarra . L c Cook (county) . Dry Bogan (creek) Acacia Creek . Bingera . Bunganbil Hill G g Coolabah . Dry Lake . Acres Billabong . Binyah . Bungarry Lake . E g Coolaburrag u ndy River Dry Lake Adelong Bird Island Bungendore J h Coolac Dry Lake Beds . Adelong Middle . Birie River Bungle Gully I c Coolah . Dry River . Ailsa . Bishop 's Bridge . Bungonia . J g Coolaman . Dubbo Creek Albemarle Black Head Bunker 's Creek . D d Coolbaggie Creek Dubbo Albert Lake . Blackheath Bunna Bunna Creek J b Cooleba Creek Duck Creek Albury . Black Point Bunyan J i Cooma Dudanman Hill . Alice Black Swamp Burbar Creek G b Coomba Lake Dudley (county) .
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Assessment of the Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus Fuliginosus
    Conservation assessment of the Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus Birgita D. Hanse n1, Clive D.T. Minto n2, Annette E. Harrison 3,4 & Rosalind Jesso p5 1Faculty of Science, Federation University Australia, Victoria 3353, Australia. [email protected] 2165 Dalgetty Rd, Beaumaris, Victoria 3193, Australia 3Department of Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2350, Australia 4National Marine Science Centre, PO Box J321, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia 5Phillip Island Nature Park, PO Box 97, Cowes, Victoria 3922, Australia Hansen, B.D., Minton, C.D.T. Harrison & A.E. Jessop, R. 2014. Conservation assessment of the Sooty Oyster - catcher Haematopus fuliginosus. International Wader Studies 20: 161 –172. Australian oystercatchers have received relatively little attention compared with their international counter - parts. Few studies have dealt specifically with the biology or ecology of Sooty Oystercatchers Haematopus fuliginosus and have tended instead to focus on population counts and movement patterns. Nevertheless, several key aspects of their biology are well established. Sooty Oystercatchers have proved to be widespread at low densities. They typically inhabit rocky shores, which are used for both foraging and nesting. Breeding is largely restricted to offshore islands and reefs, where rocky headlands and platforms provide nesting habitat. Outside the breeding season many feed and roost on muddy and sandy shores, often in areas where nearby rocky habitats are absent (e.g. Corner Inlet, Victoria). Like their sympatric counterpart, the Australian Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris , they are long-lived and appear to form monogamous pair bonds for life. There is concern expressed in Australian literature that, because so little is known about this species especially the northern subspecies, the conservation status of populations is not sufficiently known.
    [Show full text]