A general environmental approval or clearance from matters of National Environment Significance under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) does not cover interactions with cetaceans (that is, whales, dolphins and porpoises).
A Commonwealth permit is required when an action may interfere with a cetacean. Approval is also required if an action is to be undertaken within a Commonwealth Reserve. Most Commonwealth Reserves allow uses that are consistent with the management plan in operation for the reserve, which may include exploration and production of petroleum. Approval requires assessment of the action proposed against the management plan in effect, with a recommendation going to the Governor-General.