1. science
2. biology
3. zoology
4. endangered species

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
An Overview of
the Draft
Threatened
Species
Priorities
Action
Statement
Public Consultation Document May 2008
NSW Department of Primary Industries
Fisheries Conservation & Aquaculture Branch
Port Stephens Fisheries Centre
Author: NSW Department of Primary Industries
© State of New South Wales
NSW Department of Primary Industries
This work is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this
material in an unaltered form only (retaining this notice) for your own
personal use or for non-commercial use in your organisation. To copy, adapt,
publish, distribute, or commercialise any of this publication you will need to
seek permission from the Manager Publishing, NSW Department of Primary
Industries, Orange, NSW.
Published by NSW Department of Primary Industries
First Published May 2008
For updates to this publication, check http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/
ISBN 978 0 7347 1815 0
Acknowledgements: This overview document was prepared by Gabrielle
Holder and Peter Gallagher of the NSW Department of Primary Industries
Threatened Species Unit.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and
understanding at the time of writing. However, because of advances in
knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information on
which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the information with
the appropriate officer of New South Wales Department of Primary Industries
or the user’s independent advisor.
Job No: 7201
Contents
Contents
iii
Executive summary
4
1. Introduction
5
1.1 Background
5
1.2 PAS requirements
5
1.3 Objectives of the PAS
5
1.4 Relationship of the PAS to recovery and threat abatement plans
6
2. PAS structure
7
2.1 Status reports and profiles
7
2.2 PAS strategies and actions
7
2.3 Establishing relative priorities
9
3. Implementation mechanisms and responsibilities
9
3.1 Stakeholder involvement
10
4. Monitoring, evaluation and review
11
4.1 Performance indicators
11
4.1.1 Monitoring implementation
11
4.1.2 Assessing response to recovery and threat abatement strategies
11
4.2 Review and reporting arrangements
11
4.3 Timetable for recovery and threat abatement planning
12
Appendices
14
Appendix 1: Priority recovery strategies for 2008 – 2011
14
Appendix 2: Priority threat abatement strategies for 2008 – 2011
16
Appendix 3 - Recovery strategy descriptions
17
Appendix 4 - Threat abatement strategy descriptions
20
page iii
Executive summary
The impact of human activities on aquatic systems is generally less visible than they are
on land, and are often poorly understood. Nonetheless the loss of biodiversity in
freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems is well documented. The cumulative impact
of human activities has resulted in significant modification and degradation of many
aquatic ecosystem types. It has also led to dramatic declines in the distribution and
abundance of many native species, to the point that some are now in danger of extinction.
Managing key threatening processes and recovering species to a position of viability in
nature are major long-term challenges in biodiversity conservation.
In November 2004, the NSW State Government reformed the State’s threatened species
legislation (Fisheries Management Act 1994 and the Threatened Species Conservation
Act 1995). One element of the reforms included a requirement for the Director-Generals
of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Department of Environment and
Climate Change (DECC) to prepare and adopt a Priorities Action Statement (PAS). A
separate PAS has been prepared by each agency. The PAS developed by the DECC can
be found at www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au
The draft DPI PAS is based on 15 priority recovery strategies and 9 priority threat
abatement strategies. The strategies aim to recover threatened species, populations and
ecological communities and to abate key threatening processes listed under the Fisheries
Management Act 1994. The draft PAS provides a strategic approach to aquatic
threatened species management in NSW by identifying high priority recovery and threat
abatement strategies for implementation.
The final PAS will be reviewed every 3 years, and amendments may be adopted
following the review. As part of the review process the Director-General is to report on
achievements in implementing the strategies established by the PAS.
State agencies, catchment management authorities, community groups, non-government
organisations, and members of the public will be encouraged to use the PAS as a source
of information about the status of threatened species, populations and ecological
communities of fish and marine vegetation, and the key threatening processes affecting
them. Furthermore, the PAS may be used to identify priority recovery and threat
abatement strategies and to guide action at a range of scales and jurisdictions.
The draft PAS is an online tool available at the DPI website at http://pas.dpi.nsw.gov.au.
This document provides an introduction and overview of the draft PAS. Hard copies of
the draft PAS and the overview document are available upon request by calling the DPI
Threatened Species Unit on Ph: (02) 4982 1232.
The draft PAS is on exhibition until 30th of June 2008. During the exhibition period, the
DPI is seeking comments from a range of stakeholders. The closing date for submissions
on the draft PAS is the 30th of June 2008. Submissions can be made via the online
submission form at http://pas.dpi.nsw.gov.au
Written submissions can be posted to:
Threatened Species Unit (Draft Priorities Action Statement)
NSW Department of Primary Industries
Locked Bag 1
NELSON BAY NSW 2315
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
page 4
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
Threatened species legislation in NSW consists of the Fisheries Management Act 1994
(FM Act), and the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). The FM Act
deals with threatened fish and marine vegetation and associated threatening processes and
is administered by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI). The TSC Act deals
with all other threatened biota and threatening processes in the State and is administered
by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC). Under the FM Act,
“fish” means marine, estuarine or freshwater fish or other aquatic animal life at any stage
of their life history and includes molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, beachworms and
other polychaetes.
In November 2004, the NSW State Government amended the FM Act and the TSC Act
through the introduction of the Threatened Species Legislation Amendment Act 2004. The
amendments formed part of a broader natural resource management reform package in
NSW. One of the elements of the reforms includes a requirement for the DirectorGenerals of DPI and DECC to prepare and adopt a Priorities Action Statement (PAS). A
separate PAS has been prepared by each agency.
This document provides an overview of the draft PAS including information on the
objectives, statutory requirements, structure and content, recovery and threat abatement
strategies, and the monitoring, review and reporting arrangements.
1.2 PAS requirements
The PAS is a statutory, non-regulatory document addressing each threatened species,
population and ecological community and key threatening process listed on the schedules
of the FM Act. The PAS:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Sets out the strategies to be adopted for promoting the recovery of each
threatened species, population or ecological community to a position of viability
in nature and for managing each key threatening process;
Establishes relative priorities for the implementation of recovery and threat
abatement strategies;
Establishes performance indicators to facilitate reporting on the implementation
of recovery and threat abatement strategies and their effectiveness;
Contains a status report on each threatened species, where information is
available; and
Sets out clear timetables for recovery and threat abatement planning and
achievement.
1.3 Objectives of the PAS
The objectives of the PAS are to:
ƒ
Down-grade or de-list species, populations and ecological communities from the
threatened species schedules of the FM Act;
ƒ
Abate or eliminate the impacts of key threatening processes (KTPs); and
ƒ
Provide an agreed list of priority recovery and threat abatement strategies that all
levels of government, community groups and catchment management authorities
can target and work cooperatively towards implementing.
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
page 5
1.4 Relationship of the PAS to recovery and threat
abatement plans
The PAS differs significantly from previous approaches to threatened species recovery.
Existing recovery and threat abatement plans are statutory, regulatory documents.
Approval must be sought from affected public authorities prior to the inclusion of any
matter that affects them in a recovery or threat abatement plan. Public authorities have a
statutory responsibility to take any appropriate action available to them to implement
those measures and must report on implementation in their annual report to Parliament.
Recovery and threat abatement plans also establish formal links to the NSW
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and affect consents and approvals
issued under Parts 4 and 5 of that Act.
The PAS is statutory, however it is not regulatory. Recovery and threat abatement
strategies identified in the PAS do not bind agencies or individuals. The PAS identifies
and prioritises recovery and threat abatement strategies, and establishes a timetable to
prepare recovery and threat abatement plans. However, public authorities are not bound
to report annually on the implementation of the PAS, and the PAS does not establish
statutory links to broader land use planning and development assessment frameworks in
NSW, although information contained in the PAS may still be considered by consent and
determining authorities.
The Threatened Species Legislation Amendment Act 2004 removed the mandatory
requirement to prepare recovery and threat abatement plans for all listed biota and KTPs.
In some cases more effective strategies to recover threatened biota or to manage KTPs
may exist. In these situations, the PAS can identify alternative strategies to be used in lieu
of, or in addition to, formal recovery or threat abatement plans. The PAS may be used by
individuals, groups, public authorities and organisations to inform management
decisions, determine investment priorities, or for consideration when exercising consent
or determining functions.
Statutory recovery and threat abatement plans still constitute important strategies for
some species, populations and ecological communities and KTPs. The PAS identifies the
species, populations, ecological communities and KTPs for which a recovery or threat
abatement plan will be prepared.
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
page 6
2. PAS structure
The draft PAS consists of an online delivery mechanism supported by a threatened
species database. The application has been designed to allow the user to access, analyse,
organise and display large amounts of information related to threatened fish and marine
vegetation in a manner that suits their individual needs. Users can search the database for
species profiles, and recovery and threat abatement strategies by geographic region or by
species type. The central elements of the draft PAS include comprehensive status reports
and profiles for each species, population, ecological community and KTP, a description
of each recovery and threat abatement strategy, and a list of recovery and threat
abatement actions related to each strategy.
2.1 Status reports and profiles
The PAS must contain a status report on each threatened species, population and
ecological community where information is available. The status reports are provided by
a profile for each listing. Profiles have also been prepared for each KTP. For threatened
species, populations and ecological communities the profiles provide information on:
ƒ
Description
ƒ
Conservation status
ƒ
Status of recovery plan
ƒ
Distribution
ƒ
Habitat and ecology
ƒ
Threatening processes impacting the species, and
ƒ
General recovery or threat abatement required to improve the long term viability
of species, populations and communities.
In the case of a KTP, the profiles describe the threat and its adverse impact, identify the
species affected, and provide an overview of the actions required to abate or ameliorate
the threat.
In all cases, the profiles provide links to additional information including the
recommendations and final determinations of the Fisheries Scientific Committee. The
profiles also often include photographs or video footage, links to the priority recovery or
threat abatement strategies and actions that are proposed for the three year term of the
PAS.
2.2 PAS strategies and actions
The draft PAS identifies 15 recovery and 9 threat abatement strategies that will be used to
promote the recovery of each threatened species, population and ecological community to
a position of viability in nature and to manage each KTP. These are shown in Table 1 and
2. The strategies have been derived from a review of existing approved and draft
recovery and threat abatement plans. In general, the strategies are common to all
threatened species, populations and ecological communities and KTPs listed under the
FM Act, however the significance and importance of individual strategies will vary
between species. For example, barriers to fish passage affect most species, but may have
a greater impact on obligate migratory species.
The strategies identified as a priority for each species, population and ecological
community and KTP vary according to the abundance/size/condition of the listed species,
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
page 7
the nature of the identified threats, current knowledge of the species biology and ecology,
and the management requirements for each species.
In addition to identifying recovery and threat abatement strategies, the PAS includes
information on the individual actions proposed under each strategy for each species,
population, ecological community and KTP listed under the FM Act. The actions contain
more detail of how the strategy will be implemented.
The PAS will be periodically updated to reflect new listings to the FM Act, and the
addition of any new recovery or threat abatement strategies and actions that may be
required. Each amendment or review must be subject to a public consultation procedure
and will occur each 3 years or more often as required.
Table 1 – Draft PAS recovery strategies 2008 - 2011
Recovery strategies
1. Management and dissemination of information
2. Survey and mapping
3. Research
4. Monitoring
5. Habitat protection
6. Remediate barriers to fish passage
7. Protect and reinstate large woody debris
8. Restore riparian vegetation
9. Pest species eradication and control
10. Advice to consent and determining authorities
11. Fisheries management regulations
12. Community and landholder liaison, awareness and education
13. Conservation stocking
14. Recovery plan preparation and implementation
15. Threat abatement plan preparation and implementation
Table 2 – Draft PAS threat abatement strategies 2008 - 2011
Threat abatement strategies
1. Collate and review existing information
2. Research
3. Survey and mapping
4. Threat abatement plan preparation and implementation
5. Review and amend existing statutory frameworks, policies and guidelines
6. Implement regulatory and non-regulatory incentive based mechanisms to ameliorate impacts
7. Monitoring
8. Habitat rehabilitation
9. Pest species eradication and control
The recovery and threat abatement strategies identified for each threatened species,
population and ecological community listed under the FM Act are detailed in Appendix 1
and 2. Note that only priority actions are shown in these tables. An expanded description
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
page 8
of each recovery and threat abatement strategy is provided in the draft PAS and summary
details may also be found in Appendix 3 and 4.
2.3 Establishing relative priorities
The PAS is required to establish relative priorities for the implementation of recovery and
threat abatement strategies. This has been achieved by identifying high priority recovery
and threat abatement strategies over the next 3 years (2008 – 2011) for each species,
population, ecological community and KTP listed under the FM Act. Lower priority
strategies are not shown in the draft PAS. The aim of this approach is to ensure that
actions are implemented for every listing under the FM Act and that resources are
invested in those strategies that are expected to provide the greatest recovery or threat
abatement benefit.
For example, some recovery strategies such as conservation stocking could be applied to
a large number of listed species. However, conservation stocking activities have only
been identified as a priority strategy for certain species. This has been determined by the
nature of the threats affecting the species, the objectives of recovery programs and plans,
existing breeding technology, availability of resources, expected response to stocking,
and a range of social factors. Consequently, over the next three years the implementation
of conservation stocking strategies may be a relative priority for trout cod but not for
Oxleyan pygmy perch.
Additionally, some strategies may need to be completed before other strategies can be
commenced. For example, it may be necessary to undertake detailed survey work to
establish the current distribution of a cryptic species such as the river snail or the Sydney
hawk dragonfly, before targeted habitat rehabilitation strategies can occur. In this
instance, survey strategies would be identified as a relative priority in the PAS for 2008 –
2011.
It is important to note that although a number of potential recovery and threat abatement
strategies have not been identified as priorities for any given listing in the PAS for 2008 2011, this situation may change in the future. In particular, priorities may change as
existing strategies are implemented and as new research data informs management
requirements. For example, on completing surveys to identify the current distribution and
location of a cryptic species, habitat protection and rehabilitation activities in targeted
areas may become a priority in the next 3 year term of the PAS.
3. Implementation mechanisms and
responsibilities
There are a diverse range of programs currently underway throughout NSW that will
assist with the implementation of strategies and actions outlined in the draft PAS. Many
of the programs are part of existing efforts to assist with the recovery of threatened
species, populations and ecological communities and to abate or ameliorate KTPs. Other
programs may indirectly benefit threat abatement and species recovery. This may be, for
example, by conducting research and monitoring projects to determine the conservation
status of a species or ensuring strict controls on conservation stocking activities.
Programs and/or strategies of relevance to the implementation of the PAS include:
ƒ
NSW Hatchery Quality Assurance Program;
ƒ
NSW DPI Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation Program;
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
page 9
ƒ
NSW DPI Aquatic Pest Program;
ƒ
NSW DPI Statewide Compliance Plan;
ƒ
NSW DPI Fishery Management Strategies;
ƒ
NSW DPI Conservation Stocking Program;
ƒ
Approved recovery and threat abatement plans;
ƒ
Marine Park Zoning Plans;
ƒ
Sustainable Rivers Audit;
ƒ
Catchment Action Plans;
ƒ
Water Sharing Plans;
ƒ
NSW River Bank Program;
ƒ
NSW Biodiversity Strategy; and
ƒ
Murray-Darling Basin Native Fish Strategy.
The threatened species objects of the FM Act include a requirement to encourage the
conservation of threatened species, populations and ecological communities of fish and
marine vegetation by the adoption of measures involving co-operative management. The
draft PAS facilitates cooperative management by providing a readily accessible source of
information and inventory of strategies and actions that may be used by anyone with an
interest in, or responsibility for, the protection and enhancement of aquatic biodiversity in
NSW.
Implementation of the PAS will also occur at a range of scales. This will be influenced
by:
ƒ
The nature of the recovery or threat abatement strategy,
ƒ
The range or extent of the relevant species or threat,
ƒ
The administrative and jurisdictional responsibilities of the implementing body,
and,
ƒ
Available resources.
DPI has a responsibility to prepare and lead the implementation of the PAS. However,
successful recovery and threat abatement is contingent on the efforts of many
stakeholders and the broader community. The implementation of many recovery
strategies and actions will rely on obtaining grant funds or securing other forms of
investment.
3.1 Stakeholder involvement
Stakeholders such as catchment management authorities, community groups, government
agencies, planning authorities, research institutions and landholders have an important
role to play in assisting with implementing the PAS. In turn the PAS provides
stakeholders with a management tool that can be used to:
ƒ
Target funding for high priority actions within specific geographic areas;
ƒ
Select priority research projects for threatened species, populations and
ecological communities and KTPs;
ƒ
Educate the community and raise community awareness of relevant issues;
ƒ
Develop applications for grant funding to implement PAS actions;
ƒ
Meet threatened species targets in natural resource planning documents such as
catchment actions plans and Statewide targets;
ƒ
Assess the impact of developments or other activities on threatened species; and
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
page 10
ƒ
Select priority recovery and threat abatement strategies to implement.
4. Monitoring, evaluation and review
Monitoring and evaluation are important components of the draft PAS as they gauge the
implementation and effectiveness of recovery and threat abatement strategies and form
the basis for the PAS review every three years.
4.1 Performance indicators
The FM Act requires the PAS to establish performance indicators to facilitate reporting
on the implementation of recovery and threat abatement strategies and their effectiveness.
These obligations will be met in the PAS by:
ƒ
Monitoring the implementation of recovery and threat abatement strategies; and
ƒ
Assessing the response of threatened species, populations and ecological
communities to recovery and threat abatement strategies.
4.1.1 Monitoring implementation
NSW DPI will maintain a recovery and threat abatement implementation database that
will be available as an online tool linked to the PAS. The database will record the
implementation of recovery and threat abatement strategies in functional areas. The
database will archive implementation details annually and will permit end users to
generate reports based on geographic regions (e.g. State-wide, catchment management
authority areas, local government areas etc.), by strategy type, by recovery or threat
abatement plan, or for a given species, population, ecological community or KTP.
4.1.2 Assessing response to recovery and threat abatement
strategies
The response of threatened species, populations and ecological communities to recovery
and threat abatement strategies will be assessed using two primary sources:
1. Rolling triennial threatened species status reports prepared by NSW DPI that include
the latest information on abundance, distribution and trends for each listing, and
2. Indicators for the State-wide biodiversity target for threatened species, populations
and ecological communities recommended by the NRC and adopted by the NSW
Government including:
-
Abundance/size/condition of selected threatened species, populations and
ecological communities at sampling points across their respective
distributions and/or within defined regions.
-
Abundance/size/condition of selected threatened species, populations and
ecological communities in response to management actions.
-
Distribution of selected threatened species, populations and ecological
communities.
4.2 Review and reporting arrangements
The PAS is subject to statutory review every 3 years. DPI is required to seek advice from
the Natural Resources Commission, the Fisheries Scientific Committee, the Biological
Diversity Advisory Council, the Social and Economic Advisory Council and other
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
page 11
relevant State government agencies in reviewing the PAS. DPI must also give the public
the opportunity to make submissions on any changes made to the PAS. During the review
DPI will report directly on the conservation status of threatened species, populations and
ecological communities.
A number of existing reporting arrangements will also be used to monitor the
effectiveness of PAS strategies. The FM Act requires public authorities with identified
responsibilities in approved recovery and threat abatement plans to report on the
implementation of actions in their annual reports to Parliament. Many of these actions are
included in the PAS. Local councils must also report on actions in annual State of the
Environment Reports. Other relevant reporting mechanisms relevant to reporting on PAS
strategies include:
ƒ
NSW State of the Environment Report;
ƒ
Sustainable Rivers Audit;
ƒ
Murray-Darling Basin Native Fish Strategy;
ƒ
Annual reports of the Natural Resources Commission and Catchment
Management Authorities on the progressive implementation of the State-wide
targets for natural resource management (which incorporates a biodiversity target
relating to threatened species recovery);
ƒ
Scientific observer-based programs associated with Fishery Management
Strategies for commercial fisheries.
4.3 Timetable for recovery and threat abatement planning
The PAS must set out clear timetables for recovery and threat abatement planning and
achievement. A timetable for the completion of recovery and threat abatement plans
during the three year term of the PAS has been included in Table 3. The DPI will finalise
6 recovery plans in the first 3 years of the PAS. The plans identified in Table 3 include
recovery plans for single species, multiple species (generally with similar habitat
requirements and threatening processes), and entire endangered ecological communities.
Species, populations and ecological communities and KTPs not listed in Table 3 either
have final plans currently in place, or will be more appropriately addressed via the
implementation of other strategies identified in the PAS. The complete list of finalised
recovery and threat abatement plans is shown at Table 4.
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
page 12
Table 3: List of recovery and threat abatement plans to be commenced or completed
by 2011.
Plan name
Plan type
Plan status
Completion date
Recovery
Grey nurse shark
Single species
Exhibited draft
2009
Aquatic EEC of the lower Murray River
catchment
Ecological
community
In prep.
2009
Black cod
Single species
In prep.
2009
Macquarie perch
Single species
In prep.
2009
Purple spotted gudgeon
Multi species
In prep.
2010
Murray hardyhead
Multi species
In prep.
2010
Southern pygmy perch
Multi species
In prep.
2010
Olive perchlet
Multi species
In prep.
2010
Sydney hawk dragonfly
Multi species
In prep
2011
Adams emerald dragonfly
Multi species
In prep
2011
Threat abatement
-
-
-
-
Table 4: Finalised recovery and threat abatement plans as at December 2007.
Plan name
Plan type
Plan status
Completion date
Recovery
River snail
Single species
Complete
2007
Oxleyan pygmy perch
Single species
Complete
2005
Eastern freshwater cod
Single species
Complete
2004
Trout cod
Single species
Complete
2006
Silver perch
Single species
Complete
2006
Complete
2007
Threat abatement
Removal of large woody debris from
NSW rivers and streams
-
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
page 13
Improve dissemination & mgt. of
existing information
Surveying & mapping
Research
Monitoring
Habitat protection
Grey nurse shark
Endangered
X
X
X
X
X
Murray hardyhead
Endangered
X
X
Eastern cod
Endangered
X
Trout cod
Endangered
X
Oxleyan pygmy perch
Endangered
River snail
Endangered
X
Southern bluefin tuna
Endangered
X
Sydney hawk dragonfly
Endangered
X
X
Adams emerald
dragonfly
Vulnerable
X
X
Silver perch
Vulnerable
Buchanans fairy
shrimp
Vulnerable
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
X
X
X
page 14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Community / landholder education
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Prepare threat abatement plan for
relevant threatening processes.
Recovery plan preparation &
implementation.
Conservation stocking
Compliance with fishing regulations
Advice to consent & determining
authorities
Aquatic pest eradication & control
Restoring riparian vegetation
Reinstating large woody debris
Removal of barriers to fish passage
Conservation status
Species, population & ecological
communities
Appendices
Appendix 1: Priority recovery strategies for 2008 – 2011
Black cod
Vulnerable
Macquarie perch
Vulnerable
Southern pygmy perch
Vulnerable
Nereia lophocladia
Vulnerable
Olive perchlet
Endangered
Purple spotted
gudgeon
Endangered
Lower Murray
Endangered
Darling River
Endangered
Lachlan River
Endangered
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
X
X
page 15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Advice to consent & determining
authorities
Aquatic pest eradication & control
Restoring riparian vegetation
Reinstating large woody debris
Removal of barriers to fish passage
Habitat protection
Monitoring
Research
Surveying & mapping
Improve dissemination & mgt. of
existing information
Conservation status
Species, population & ecological
communities
X
X
X
X
Populations
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Ecological
communities
X
Prepare threat abatement plan for
relevant threatening processes.
Recovery plan preparation &
implementation.
Conservation stocking
Community / landholder education
Vulnerable
Compliance with fishing regulations
Great white shark
X
Degradation of native riparian vegetation along NSW watercourses
X
Installation and operation of instream structures that alter natural flow
regimes of rivers and streams
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Hook and line fishing in areas important to the survival of threatened
fish species
X
X
X
Shark meshing program in NSW waters
X
X
X
X
X
X
Introduction of non-indigenous fish & marine veg to the coastal
waters of NSW
X
„ Overview of the NSW DPI Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement
X
page 16
X
X
X
X
X
Pest eradication & control
X
X
Habitat rehabilitation
Removal of large woody debris from NSW rivers and streams
Monitoring
X
Implement regulatory mechanisms &
non-regulatory incentives
X
Review / amend statutory frameworks,
policies & guidelines
Surveying & mapping
Introduction of fish to freshwaters within a river catchment outside
their natural range
Threat abatement plan prep.
Research
Collate & review existing information
Key threatening processes
Appendix 2: Priority threat abatement strategies for 2008 – 2011
Appendix 3 - Recovery strategy descriptions
Recovery Strategies
Management and dissemination of existing information
This strategy will typically involve actions such as collecting and compiling information
on various aspects of species life history, biology and ecology, habitat requirements, and
threatening processes. It will also involve identifying gaps in knowledge to guide future
survey, monitoring and research programs, as well as communicating the results of such
programs and ensuring that they are applied to conservation planning and natural
resource management processes.
Survey and mapping
This recovery strategy will typically involve targeted and general surveys for aquatic
species using the following methods: electro-fishing, seine netting, fyke netting, gill
netting, tagging, visual observation, and analysis of commercial by-catch and recreational
fishing databases. Mapping products assist with the interpretation and application of
research information and can be readily distributed to relevant stakeholders including
public authorities, local councils and catchment management authorities.
Research
Scientific information is required to effectively manage threatened species, populations
and ecological communities. The PAS identifies three key areas requiring further
investigation including:
Life history and ecology: Scientific investigation into key areas of a species biology and
ecology, typically including environmental tolerances, habitat requirements, age and
growth, ability to survive in disturbed habitats and factors influencing population
dynamics and variability.
Genetics: Genetic information provides useful insights into the impacts of barriers to fish
passage and other forms of habitat fragmentation, stocking activities and the suitability of
conservation stocking programs. Genetic research is needed to determine the extent of
population differentiation and genetic diversity and to enable management of potential
population genetic impacts associated with stocking activities.
Causes of decline: Research into the causes of decline assists in clarifying specific threats
to species, populations and ecological communities, formulating appropriate and
effective recovery actions, and prioritising actions for implementation.
Monitoring
Monitoring is informed by survey activities and usually involves the establishment of
baseline information and consistent and repeated assessment over time to detect changes.
The Sustainable Rivers Audit is the primary monitoring mechanism that will be used to
determine fish and community assemblage for aquatic threatened species.
Habitat protection
Habitat protection enables the habitat that a species or population relies on for its survival
to be formally protected into the future. The listing of species, populations and ecological
communities under the FM Act establishes offences for damaging habitat and increases
the level of protection. An important mechanism used to protect threatened species
habitat is the declaration of ‘critical habitat’. Critical habitat is defined as “the whole or
any part or any part of the habitat of an endangered species, population or ecological
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community that is critical to the survival of the species, population or ecological
community…”.
Other possible habitat protection measures include declaring aquatic reserves and marine
protected areas, and entering into joint management agreements with public authorities
and enforcement of the general aquatic habitat protection provisions of the FM Act.
Remediate barriers to fish passage
This strategy may involve actively managing structures to lessen their impacts,
constructing fishways at major barriers to provide fish passage, removing redundant
structures, modifying existing structures, assessing and mitigating the impacts of new
structures and designing fish friendly road crossings.
Protect and reinstate large woody debris
This strategy will involve actions such as retaining large woody debris to the greatest
extent possible, initiating habitat rehabilitation projects involving the re-introduction of
large woody debris and ensuring minimal impacts on the environment from large woody
debris management. This strategy will also involve promoting and enforcing NSW DPI
policy and guidelines for large woody debris management and the aquatic habitat
protection provisions of the FM Act.
Restore riparian vegetation
This strategy will typically involve actions such as managing riparian areas to maintain
the health of existing native vegetation, rehabilitation, replanting or facilitating the
natural regeneration of riparian areas, controlling stock access in rural areas and replacing
exotic vegetation with native vegetation.
Pest species eradication and control
This strategy will typically involve initiating eradication, control and containment
activities and involvement with various Commonwealth and state-wide pest species
programs.
Advice to consent and determining authorities
The provision of advice to consent and determining authorities regarding the potential
impacts of developments and activities is a high priority recovery strategy that seeks to
prevent adverse impacts on species, populations and ecological communities. Advice
may include providing local councils, agencies and catchment management authorities
with resource materials and guidelines to support planning, determination, impact
assessment and concurrence decision making processes.
Fisheries management regulations
Regulations are in place in NSW to prevent the harm or capture of threatened species.
Fisheries management activities including commercial and recreational fishing and
freshwater fish stocking have the potential to impact on threatened species, populations
and ecological communities in a number of ways. The impacts of these activities are
assessed and mitigated through the development, implementation and enforcement of
fishing regulations and fishery management strategies. Each commercial fishery is
subject to a comprehensive environmental assessment and fishery management strategies
must have regard to, and mitigate the impacts of activities on threatened species,
populations and ecological communities listed under the Act.
The enforcement of fishing regulations is also an important strategy used to recover
threatened species, populations and ecological communities. Despite the protected status
of many threatened species and the regulations in place for their protection, anecdotal
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reports indicate that illegal fishing and harvesting still takes place. Enhanced monitoring
of, and compliance with, fishing regulations is a key recovery priority for several species,
populations and ecological communities listed under the FM Act.
Community and landholder liaison, awareness and education
This strategy will typically involve the development and distribution of advisory
materials such as brochures, Primefacts, field days, displays and advisory signs to
increase Community awareness, understanding, ownership and support for threatened
species recovery.
Conservation stocking
Conservation stocking involves stocking native species into waterways for the purpose of
supporting fisheries conservation management objectives. Increasingly, conservation
stocking programs play an important role in threatened species recovery programs. Fish
are stocked throughout their former range for the purpose of re-establishing selfsustaining populations.
Recovery plan preparation and implementation
Recovery plans may be prepared for certain species, populations and ecological
communities including those with complex management arrangements in place and for
those where other management strategies and/or programs fail to address priority
recovery issues. Recovery plans may also be prepared to facilitate formal collaboration
with public authorities and other stakeholders. A timetable for recovery and threat
abatement plans is shown in Table 3 above.
Threat abatement plan preparation and implementation
The preparation and implementation of threat abatement plans to ameliorate the impacts
of KTPs is a priority for the recovery of a number of threatened species, populations or
ecological communities. The preparation of threat abatement plans may also assist in
achieving a more coordinated threat abatement effort from a range of stakeholders and
public authorities. A timetable for recovery and threat abatement plans is shown in Table
3 above.
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Appendix 4 – Threat abatement strategy descriptions
Threat abatement strategies
Collate and review existing information
This strategy will typically include actions such as coordinating, collating and
synthesising existing information and data from various sources provides a basis for
assessing future threat abatement research and management priorities.
Research
Addressing the impacts of KTPs requires adequate information upon which to make wellinformed management decisions. Information is required to assist decision-making
processes for developments or resource management proposals, and to determine the
most effective options for recovering threatened species, populations and communities.
This strategy will typically involve research into the biological and ecological impacts of
KTPs, the nature and scale of the impacts and ways to ameliorate the effect of the KTP.
Survey and mapping
Surveying and mapping products are useful management tools. They can be used to
determine the spatial scale and distribution of key threatening processes and provide
insights into possible/likely interactions with threatened species and their habitats.
The widespread distribution of surveying and mapping products to management
authorities and other relevant stakeholders assists with abating, ameliorating or
eliminating the impacts of threatening processes by identifying and prioritising works and
activities including education initiatives, habitat rehabilitation projects, compliance
activities, pest eradication programs and habitat protection measures.
Threat abatement plan preparation and implementation
The preparation and implementation of threat abatement plans to ameliorate the impacts
of particular key threatening processes is a priority for the recovery of some species,
populations or ecological communities threatened with extinction. The development of
threat abatement plans can assist to ensure a more coordinated effort from a range of
stakeholders and public authorities. A timetable for recovery and threat abatement plans
is shown in Table 3 above.
Review and amend existing statutory frameworks, policies and guidelines
This threat abatement strategy will involve reviewing and amending anomalies and
deficiencies in legislative and policy frameworks to increase protection and/or streamline
management arrangements.
Implement regulatory mechanisms and non-regulatory incentives to ameliorate
impacts
The wide ranging scope and complexity of KTPs requires an integrated management
approach using both regulatory and non-regulatory incentive mechanisms. Regulatory
mechanisms may involve declaring critical habitat and enhancing compliance with
fishing regulations. Voluntary mechanisms may involve entering into joint management
agreements with public authorities and community group involvement and participation
in habitat rehabilitation projects.
Monitoring
Monitoring is informed by survey activities and usually involves the establishment of
baseline information and consistent and repeated assessment over time to detect changes.
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Monitoring activities help to establish baseline information on the impacts of KTPs and
to provide insights into changes and trends resulting from the implementation of
management activities. Long-term monitoring programs also inform adaptive
management frameworks by examining the effectiveness of threat abatement strategies.
Habitat rehabilitation
Habitat rehabilitation plays an important role in reversing or ameliorating the impacts of
several KTPs listed under the FM Act. KTPs have direct impacts on native fish
populations and the health of aquatic habitats. There is a need for long-term
comprehensive rehabilitation efforts to be undertaken to repair degraded aquatic habitats.
Habitat rehabilitation can include actions such as rehabilitating riparian vegetation,
fishway construction, the removal of barriers to fish passage and reinstating large woody
debris.
Pest species eradication and control
Pest species have a number of detrimental impacts on native species, populations and
ecological communities. Some of the impacts of pest species include competition for
habitat and food resources, predation, introduction of diseases and parasites and
alterations to habitats. This strategy will typically involve actions such as biological or
chemical control of pests, and habitat rehabilitation, protection or modification.
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