Special Notices - Areas off Northern Territory
NT09-1
This offshore petroleum acreage release area covers part of the carbonate terrace and bank systems of the Van Diemen Rise. These systems are unique seafloor features in northern Australian waters, performing an important ecological role and supporting high biodiversity, including important feeding aggregations of the vulnerable Olive ridley turtle (Lepifochelys olivacae), fish and offshore shark species. The Van Diemen Rise has been identified as a key ecological feature in the north Bioregional Profile.
The Green turtle (C. mydas), Flatback turtle (N. depressus), Loggerhead turtle (C. caretta), Hawksbill turtle (E. imricata), Leathery turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and the Olive ridley turtle (L. olivacea) regularly appear in northern Australian waters and may be present in this area. These species are all listed as threatened and migratory under the EPBC Act.
This area is outside the known migratory route of Humpback whales (M.novaeangliae), however, the Recovery Plans for Australia 's Threatened Whales 2005-2010 indicate that the species may be present in the area between late July and early September. Two listed migratory dolphin species, the Australian Snub-fin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) and the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), are also found in this area.
This area is within the Northern Prawn, Western Tuna and Billfish and Skipjack Tuna Fisheries' ranges. Historical AFMA logbook data for 2006 to 2007 indicate that Northern Prawn Fishery has been active in release area NT09-1. The seasons are generally mid March to the end of May and mid August to December. Accordingly, successful applicants will need to liaise with representatives of the above fishing interests at an early stage in planning operational activities.
Special Notices - Areas off Western Australia
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are known to migrate through all of the 2009 Western Australia release areas, with peak numbers between mid-July and late-September. The species is listed as both vulnerable and migratory under the EPBC Act. The area between Broome and the northern end of Camden Sound (W09-1 to W09-5) is considered an important calving aggregation area for this species. The Exmouth Gulf (W09-9 to W09-19) is considered an important resting aggregation area for cow-calf pairs and attendant males during the southern migration.
All exploration activities in these permit areas, should be planned in accordance with the EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1 - Interaction between offshore seismic exploration and whales (September 2008), as prepared by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, in consultation with industry and other stakeholders. The Policy Statement outlines standard management measures (Part A) that should be used at all times when operating seismic surveys in Australian waters. Successful applicants should consider implementing additional management measures (Part B) when operating in areas and at times where there is a moderate to high likelihood of encountering whales.
A number of genetically distinct populations of listed threatened and migratory marine turtle species are known to occur in the vicinity of the 2009 Western Australia release areas. These include the endangered and migratory Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), and the vulnerable and migratory Flatback turtle (Natator depressus), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).
The population of Green turtles (C. mydas) in Western Australia is one of the largest populations remaining in the world. The west coast of Barrow Island is a major Green turtle (C. mydas) breeding area. The nesting season for the Green turtles (C. mydas) begins in November, with peak nesting activity occurring in January.
The Western Australian Hawksbill turtle (E. imbricata) population is the largest population of this species remaining in the Indian Ocean and one of the largest in the world. The most significant Hawksbill turtle (E. imbricata) breeding areas are within the Dampier Archipelago, the east coast of Barrow Island and the Montebello Islands. Hawksbill turtle (E. imbricata) nesting activity in the North-west Marine Region is reported to peak between October and January.
Loggerhead turtles (C. caretta) are reported to nest on Rosemary Island and Barrow Island. Significant Flatback turtle (N. depressus) rookeries occur on the Montebello Islands, and islands of the Dampier Archipelago. The nesting season for Flatback turtles (N. depressus) is reported to peak during the summer months between November and January.
Large numbers of Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are known to occur around the Pilbara coast and feed on seagrass. The Montebello Islands support dense seagrass beds and Dugongs (D. dugon) are known to be present in the area. This species is listed as migratory under the EPBC Act.
Successful applicants should be aware that any proposed petroleum operations in areas and times of peak activity for the listed species outlined above, are likely to be subject to a high level of environmental scrutiny, and may require assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.
W09-1 to W09-5
These areas contain demersal slope fish assemblages that have a high level of endemism and species diversity and have been identified as a Key Ecological Feature in the North-west Bioregional Profile.
Scott Reef is an important breeding site for two species of marine turtle listed under the EPBC Act. These include a small genetically distinct population of the vulnerable and migratory Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and a population of the vulnerable and migratory Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Adult and juvenile Green turtles (C. mydas) and Hawksbill turtles (E. imbricata) are also likely to feed in this region.
These areas are within the North West Slope Trawl, Western Tuna and Billfish and Skipjack Tuna Fisheries' ranges. Historical AFMA logbook data for 2006 to 2007 indicate that North West Slope Trawl Fishery has been active in these proposed release areas. The North West Slope Trawl Fishery is generally most active outside the Northern Prawn Fishery seasons (March to May and August to December). Accordingly successful applicants will need to liaise with representatives of fishing interests at an early stage in planning operational activities.
The main shipping route between Port Hedland and Roti passes through or closely past W09-1, W09-2 and W09-3. Traffic on this route is expected to increase and successful applicants are to consult AMSA when planning petroleum exploration and / or development in these areas.
W09-3, W09-4 and W09-5 lie within a military exercise area, the RAAF Curtain Air to Air Weapons Range R811. When activated by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), the restricted airspace can operate down to sea level. Successful applicants will need to liaise with the Department of Defence during the planning phase of operations and to provide information on the proposed location of any drilling rigs for inclusion in the register of structures database that is maintained by the Royal Australian Air Force Aeronautical Information Service (RAAF AIS).
Successful applicants will need to liaise closely with the RAAF and RAN on timing and location of any proposed exploration activities or permanent structures early in the planning phase.
Successful applicants should also note that, as the areas are used for live firings, unexploded ordnance may exist on the sea floor. This carries with it an associated risk of detonation, which will be borne by the applicants. As such, the Australian Government provides no guarantee or indemnity to title holders or others with regard to the safety or whereabouts of unexploded ordnance in such areas.
W09-6, to W09-09
Parts of W09-6 and W09-7 are located in the Exmouth Plateau, which has been identified as a Key Ecological Feature in the North-west Marine Bioregional Profile. It is a unique seafloor feature covering an area of approximately 50,000km2 comprising of a rough and undulating surface at water depths of approximately 500m to more than 5000m. The plateau is thought to be dotted with numerous pinnacles. It is an important geomorphic feature that modifies the flow of deep waters, and has been identified as a site where internal waves are generated by internal tides.
The Hawksbill turtle (E.imbricata), Flatback turtle (N.depressus), Loggerhead turtle (C.caretta) and the Green turtle (C.mydas) may transit these areas en route to the principal near coastal rookeries of Barrow Island and the Montebello Islands.
The shipping route between North West Cape and Lombok Strait passes through the centre of W09-6. Traffic on this route is currently not heavy. Successful applicants should conduct a traffic and risk analysis in consultation with AMSA and ensure that appropriate warnings are issued to shipping.
Areas W09-6 to W09-09 are within the North West Slope Trawl, Western Tuna and Billfish and Skipjack Tuna Fisheries' ranges. Historical AFMA logbook data for 2006 to 2007 indicate that the North West Slope Trawl Fishery has been active in these release areas. The North West Slope Trawl Fishery is generally most active outside the Northern Prawn Fishery seasons (March to May and August to December). Successful applicants will need to liaise with representatives of the above fishing interests at an early stage in planning operational activities.
W09-9 to W09-14
Release areas W09-9 to W09-14 are in close proximity to Montebello and Lowendal Islands, which are listed as important areas for biodiversity in the North-west Marine Region Bioregional Profile. The Montebello Islands support a number of breeding populations of sea bird species listed under the EPBC Act. These include the migratory Osprey (Pandion cristatus), White-bellied sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), Eastern reef egret (Egretta sacra), Caspian tern (Sterna caspia) and Lesser crested tern (Sterna bengalensis), and the biggest breeding population of Roseate terns (Sterna dougallii) in Western Australia.
Observations suggest an area to the west of the Montebello Islands may be a minor zone of upwelling in the Region, supporting large feeding aggregations of Tern species. There is also some evidence that the area is an important feeding ground for the listed Hutton's shearwater (Puffinus huttoni) and the vulnerable Soft-plumaged petrel (Pterodroma mollis).
The Hawksbill turtle (E. imbricata), Flatback turtle (N. depressus), Loggerhead turtle (C. caretta) and Green turtle (C. mydas) are known to occur in the area, with Barrow Island and the Montebello Islands being principal near-coastal rookeries for these species.
Areas W09-9 to W09-14 are within the North West Slope Trawl, Western Tuna and Billfish and Skipjack Tuna Fisheries' ranges. Historical AFMA logbook data for 2006 to 2007 indicate that the North West Slope Trawl Fishery has been active in these release areas. The North West Slope Trawl Fishery is generally most active outside the Northern Prawn Fishery seasons (March to May and August to December). Successful applicants will need to liaise with representatives of the above fishing interests at an early stage in planning operational activities.
W09-14 to W09-19
The southern boundary of W09-17 is close to Rosemary Island in the Dampier Archipelago. The Dampier Archipelago provides important nesting areas for populations of sea bird species listed under the EPBC Act. These include the migratory Wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus), Bridled tern (Sterna anaethetus), Caspian tern (S. caspia), Eastern reef egret (E. sacra), Osprey (P. cristatus) and White-bellied sea-eagle (H. leucogaster). The area also supports important nesting habitat for the Fairy tern (Sterna nereis), Roseate tern (S. dougallii) and Beach stone-curlew (Esacus neglectus), which are listed marine species under the EPBC Act. The waters of the archipelago are also important feeding areas for these species.
W09-18 and W09-19 are in close proximity to the Glomar Shoals, which have been identified as a Key Ecological Feature in the North-west Marine Bioregional Profile. The Glomar Shoals are a unique seafloor feature of highly fractured molluscan debris, coralline rubble and coarse carbonate sand that occurs approximately 30 - 40km offshore of Dampier in Commonwealth waters, between depths of 26 - 70m. Evidence indicates that this area has localised increased biological productivity that attracts fish such as Rankin cod (Epinephelus multinotatus), Brownstripe snapper (Lutjanus vitta), Red emperor (Lutjanus sebae), Crimson snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus) and Frypan bream (Argyrops spinifer).
The Dampier shipping fairway passes directly through W09-18 and a small section of W09-19. The Dampier Shipping Fairway concentrates all shipping on the Dampier - Lombok Strait route in to a shipping route 3 nautical miles in width. The Operations Division of the AMSA are to be given four months prior notice of exploratory drilling or development that falls close to or within the Shipping Fairway to ensure adequate navigational safety precautions can be put in place.
Areas W09-14 to W09-16 are within the North West Slope Trawl, Western Tuna and Billfish and Skipjack Tuna Fisheries' ranges. Historical AFMA logbook data for 2006 to 2007 indicate that the North West Slope Trawl Fishery has been active in these release areas. The North West Slope Trawl Fishery is generally most active outside the Northern Prawn Fishery seasons (March to May and August to December). Successful applicants will need to liaise with representatives of the above fishing interests at an early stage in planning operational activities.
Special Notices - Areas off South Australia
S09-1 to S09-6
The inner shelf, to the north of these areas, is an important area for the vulnerable Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea), which rests and breeds on the rocky shores of the Bight and on numerous small islands in the eastern parts of the bioregion. The Head of the Bight represents a hotspot of productivity in the bioregion.
Juvenile Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) inhabit the area between December and April to feed on small pelagic fish, squid, krill and salps. The Great Australian Bight is the only area in the world where young Southern bluefin tuna (T. maccoyii) (1-5 year old fish) are known to surface consistently. Small pelagic fish including sardine, scaly mackerel, jack mackerel, yellow tail, blue mackerel, anchovy, blue sprat and sandy sprat are considered an important trophic link between plankton communities and larger fish-eating predators, such as sharks, bluefin tuna and seabirds.
Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) are listed as endangered and migratory under the EPBC Act and are known to frequent these areas. Known calving areas in the vicinity include Head of the Bight and Flowers Bay, but mothers with young calves are also occasionally present at other scattered locations along the southern coast. While the presence of mothers with young calves should be noted, calving areas for Southern right whales (E. australis) tend to be very close to the shore.
The Southern Right Whale Recovery Plan 2005-2010 identifies a number of core calving areas along the southern Australian coastline. The habitat connectivity between the identified areas is also considered important as Southern right whales (E. australis) are frequently seen outside these core areas, and it is well documented that Southern right whales (E. australis) move between these areas between May and November.
Successful applicants should be aware that any proposed petroleum operations during peak activity for the Southern right whale (E. australis), are likely to be subject to a high level of environmental scrutiny, and may require assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.
The Great Australian Bight Marine Park (S09-01 to S09-6) is a Commonwealth MPA and is recognised as having high conservation values. This MPA protects a representative strip of the unique seafloor environment on the continental shelf and slope of the Great Australian Bight. The continental shelf seabed in the Marine Park supports some of the highest levels of seafloor diversity and unique species found anywhere in Australia . Many species found here are new and as yet unnamed.
Any proposed petroleum exploration activity needs to be considered in relation to the identified conservation values and potential threats of significant environmental impacts to those values. Successful applicants should be aware that any proposed petroleum exploration operations are likely to be subject to a high level of environmental scrutiny and may require assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.
Successful applicants should also be aware that undertaking any mining operations within the Great Australian Bight Marine Park (Commonwealth waters) will require approval from the Governor-General in accordance with the Great Australian Bight Marine Park (Commonwealth Waters) Management Plan 2005-2012. The approvals process and associated timeframe will depend on the outcomes of other environmental approvals, including any referral and assessment under Part 7 and Part 8 of the EPBC Act. Successful applicants in these areas should contact DEWHA early in their planning stage to obtain guidance on the requirements and timing of the approvals process.
Further information on the Marine Park may be found at:
www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mpa/index.html
These areas are within the Great Australian Bight Trawl, Commonwealth Trawl, Gillnet, Hook and Trap, Southern Bluefin Tuna, Skipjack and Southern Squid Jig Fisheries' ranges. Historical AFMA logbook data from 2006-2007 indicate that the Great Australian Bight Trawl, Commonwealth Trawl, Gillnet, Hook and Trap, Southern Bluefin Tuna and Skipjack Fisheries were active in these proposed release areas. These are particularly important areas for the Great Australian Bight Trawl and Southern Bluefin Tuna fisheries. AFMA recommends successful applicants liaise with the above fisheries at an early stage in planning operational activities.
S09-7
Release area S09-7 is close to the coast and is proximate to two Southern right whale (E. australis) calving areas: one at Encounter Bay and the other at Sleaford Bay. While Sleaford Bay is identified as being used intermittently by small numbers of mothers with very young calves, Encounter Bay, which is closer to the proposed area, is identified as a core Southern right whale (E. australis) calving area.
The endangered Blue whale (B. musculus), the vulnerable Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) transit this area to access the Bonney Upwelling for feeding between December and May.
Successful applicants should be aware that any proposed petroleum exploration activities in this region are likely to be subject to a high level of environmental scrutiny, and may require assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.
Release area S09-7 is approximately 70km from the Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar site. Hydrocarbon spills in this area may pose a risk to the values of the wetland. The Ramsar site is recognised as having high conservation values. Of relevance is that the wetland consists of ocean beach, together with the mouth of the River Murray and associated lakes and estuaries and therefore has direct connectivity with the Southern Ocean. This combination provides a wide range of habitats from freshwater to hypersaline which are mostly in a natural state. There is a diversity of species at the site with wading bird species and waterfowl predominating.
The main shipping route between Bass Strait and Backstairs passage (for SA ports) crosses through lease S09-7. When planning exploratory drilling or development in this area, the successful applicant is to undertake a traffic and risk analysis in consultation with AMSA and ensure that appropriate warnings to shipping are issued.
This area is within the Commonwealth Trawl, Gillnet, Hook and Trap, Eastern Tuna and Billfish, Southern Bluefin Tuna, Small Pelagic, Southern Squid Jig and Skipjack Fisheries' ranges. Historical AFMA logbook data from 2006-2007 indicate that the Commonwealth Trawl, Great Australian Bight, Gillnet, Hook and Trap and Southern Squid Jig Fisheries were active in this proposed release area. This is an important area for the Commonwealth Trawl and Gillnet, Hook and Trap Fisheries. AFMA recommends successful applicants liaise with representatives of all the above fisheries at an early stage in planning operational activities.
Special Notices - Areas off Victoria
V09-1 to V09-4
These areas are close to the coast and are in close proximity to the Bonney Upwelling, an important feeding aggregation area for the endangered and migratory Blue whale (B. musculus) between November and May each year. Southern Right whales (E. australis) are known to migrate along the coastline between May and November each year, and are there are known calving areas offshore of Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland. The vulnerable and migratory Humpback whale (M. novaeangliae), Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) may also be present within the area.
Successful applicants should be aware that any proposed petroleum operations in this region are likely to be subject to a high level of environmental scrutiny, and may require assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.
Lady Julia Percy Island is listed in the Register of the National Estate and is situated approximately 8km from the proposed release areas. This place has significant Indigenous heritage value.
These areas are within the South East Trawl, Gillnet Hook and Trap, Eastern Tuna and Billfish, Small Pelagic, Bass Strait Scallop and Southern Squid Jig Fisheries' ranges. Historical AFMA logbook data for 2006 to 2007 indicate that the Commonwealth Trawl, Gillnet Hook and Trap, and Southern Squid Jig Fisheries were active in these proposed release areas. AFMA recommends successful applicants liaise with representatives of the above fisheries as early as possible when planning operational activities.
V09-1
This release area is adjacent to the Zeehan Commonwealth Marine Reserve. This reserve is significant in that it protects four submarine canyons that link the deeper part of the reserve to the continental shelf. It also provides habitat for giant crab, deep water corals and a variety of sponges. This area is also a well known feeding ground for whales, particularly Blue whales (B. musculus) and Southern right whales (E. australis).
Given the close proximity of the release area to the Marine Reserve, successful applicants should ensure that any proposed activities do not significantly impact on the conservation values of the Reserve.
The main shipping route between Bass Strait and Backstairs Passage (for SA ports) and traffic to the port of Portland pass through these leases. When planning exploratory drilling or development in this area, the successful applicant is to undertake a traffic and risk analysis in consultation with AMSA and ensure that appropriate warnings are issued.