This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub Research Plan 2024 project "Potential impacts of offshore wind developments on eastern Indian Ocean pygmy blue whales". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- Pygmy blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) are listed as Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC 1999). Their distribution and Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) overlap with regions proposed for offshore renewable energy development in western and south-eastern Australia, creating a need to assess potential impacts alongside existing pressures such as shipping, oil and gas activity, vessel strike, underwater noise and habitat disturbance. This project mapped the distribution and core foraging and migratory areas of eastern Indian Ocean pygmy blue whales by combining satellite tracking data with auxiliary information from aerial surveys, marine mammal observer records, and existing habitat suitability models. These spatial products were overlaid with proposed offshore renewable energy areas, BIAs, Australian Marine Park boundaries, and spatial pressures layers. A cumulative impact framework was used to identify areas of higher risk and potential lower-impact reference sites. The project outputs support regulators, proponents and government agencies in assessing and mitigating potential offshore renewable energy impacts on pygmy blue whales. The results contribute to cumulative risk assessment, blue whale recovery planning, future BIA review, monitoring design, and prioritisation of future research and data collection. Outputs • Spatial layers quantifying the relative distribution including migratory corridors and foraging areas across the known eastern Indian Ocean pygmy blue whale range [dataset] • Spatial layers of habitat suitability distribution [dataset] • Spatial layers for human activities identified as key pressures in this study [dataset] • Spatial layers of cumulative impact score across the species' range including potential threats from ORE and existing threats from other industries [dataset] • Final project report [written]

This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub Research Plan 2024 project "Delivery of science to support the implementation of a marine park management effectiveness system". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- Australian Marine Parks (AMPs) form one of the world’s largest marine park systems, protecting natural, cultural, social and economic values across Commonwealth waters. Parks Australia’s Management Effectiveness system supports adaptive management by assessing whether management arrangements are protecting park values and responding to changing pressures. This project supported implementation of the Australian Marine Parks Science Plan and delivered key science needs for the 2028 National AMP management plan review. It built on previous Marine Biodiversity Hub and Marine and Coastal Hub work on natural values, pressures, cumulative impacts, monitoring priorities and management effectiveness. The project delivered four linked outputs: 1) Monitoring protocols for Tier 1 and Tier 2 priority monitoring sites, including site-specific monitoring plans, data and survey method inventories, condition indicators, pressure indicators, and partnership case studies with Traditional Owners. 2) Improved workflows for assessing natural values, activities and pressures, including updates to pressure information, and establishment of data agreements and processes for regular updates. 3) Assessment approaches for emerging industries, using offshore renewable energy adjacent to AMPs as a test case to identify potential impacts such as underwater noise, seabed disturbance, sediment transport, vessel interactions, displacement of existing activities, and other future uses such as decommissioning or carbon storage. 4) Improved system-wide understanding of AMPs through collaboration with Parks Australia, state and territory marine protected area managers and fisheries managers, including opportunities to align data, indicators and management effectiveness approaches. The outputs provided Parks Australia with a more consistent evidence base for adaptive management, management plan review, monitoring design, pressure assessment and cross-jurisdictional collaboration across Australia’s marine park system. Outputs • Updated national-scale spatial datasets of: (1) Natural Values Ecosystems; (2) Key Natural Values; (3) Pressures & Activities; (4) Cumulative impacts; (5) Ecosystem-level risk assessment (absolute risk) [datasets] • Refined list of monitoring priorities for AMPs [written] • Monitoring protocols for monitoring priorities [written] • Final project report [written]

This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub Research Plan 2024 project "Environmental DNA for measuring offshore marine biodiversity: what can DNA in water collected from the RV Investigator tell us?". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- Environmental DNA (eDNA) in seawater provides a non-extractive way to characterise marine biodiversity from genetic material shed by organisms, from microbes and plankton to invertebrates and fishes. It is an emerging tool for marine ecosystem monitoring, particularly in offshore areas where conventional sampling can be difficult, costly or environmentally disruptive. This project collected and analysed more than 500 eDNA samples from 91 sites during the South-east Australian Marine Ecosystem Survey (SEA-MES) on RV Investigator. Samples were collected along the continental shelf between Tasmania and southern New South Wales, including sites within the South-east Marine Parks Network, providing the first comprehensive eDNA baseline for this region. The project tested active eDNA sampling from CTD water samples and passive eDNA sampling from a deep-towed camera system. DNA metabarcoding and Tree of Life metabarcoding were used to identify biodiversity patterns across the water column and near the seafloor. Results were compared with conventional survey methods, including fish trawls, plankton sampling and deep-towed camera deployments, to assess how eDNA complements existing monitoring approaches. The dataset revealed clear biodiversity patterns by depth, latitude, and water-column position, including higher fish diversity near the seafloor than at the surface. Comparisons with trawl and plankton data showed that eDNA provided complementary biodiversity information, supporting its use alongside existing survey methods and highlighting its value as part of integrated monitoring programs. The outputs provide a new biodiversity baseline for south-eastern Australian waters, and practical guidance on future application of eDNA techniques for offshore monitoring of marine parks and fisheries. Outputs • eDNA sequences with associated collection metadata (x2 voyages x50 sites) [dataset] • Final project report [written]

This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub Research Plan 2024 project "Grey Nurse Shark aggregations". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- Grey nurse sharks (Carcharias taurus) are protected in Australian Commonwealth waters. Under the EPBC Act, the eastern Australian population is listed as Critically Endangered, while the western Australian population is listed as Vulnerable. The species aggregates at particular sites along migration routes, but existing definitions and criteria for “key aggregation sites” require refinement to support consistent assessment across eastern and western Australia. This project collated existing information on recognised grey nurse shark aggregation sites and potential new sites where sharks have been observed to gather. It reviewed occupancy patterns, existing survey evidence and western population data to refine the definition of a key aggregation site and develop criteria for assessing whether sites should be listed, delisted or prioritised for further investigation. Field and data activities focused on areas where information was limited or where potential new aggregation sites had been identified. These included surveys in Victorian waters near Corner Inlet using ROV and eDNA methods in partnership with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation; community engagement with dive, fishing and freediving groups to improve reporting of observations; an initial BRUV survey of a reef system in Commonwealth waters in Hunter Marine Park; expanded acoustic receiver coverage at Barwon Banks in Queensland; and review of potential aggregation sites in Western Australia. The project outputs provided Commonwealth and state management agencies with a clearer, more defensible basis for identifying and assessing grey nurse shark aggregation sites. The resulting information supported consistent evaluation of existing and potential sites, prioritisation of future surveys, and improved conservation planning for both eastern and western grey nurse shark populations. Outputs • Spatial information on key Grey Nurse Shark aggregation sites [dataset] • Final project report [written]

This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub Research Plan 2024 project "Assessing the condition of natural values within priority temperate Australian Marine Parks to evaluate management effectiveness". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- Australian Marine Parks cover almost half of Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone and are managed using an adaptive management framework that requires robust ecological data to assess the condition and trend of natural values. Standardised long-term monitoring is critical for evaluating management effectiveness, understanding emerging pressures, and guiding future investment in park management. This project undertook ecological surveys across continental shelf habitats within Geographe, South-west Corner, Beagle, Hunter, and Kimberley Marine Parks. Surveys targeted priority long-term monitoring locations identified by Parks Australia, and were designed to collect comparable biological and ecological data relevant to management effectiveness assessment. Monitoring followed nationally standardised methods from the NESP Field Manuals for Marine Sampling to Monitor Australian Waters (https://doi.org/10.11636/9781925848755). Demersal fishes and sharks were surveyed using stereo-BRUVs and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs); mobile invertebrates using traps; sessile invertebrates, seagrass and macroalgal communities using ROVs and drop cameras; and shallow/mesophotic coral reef ecosystems using ROVs supplemented with stereo-BRUVs. Survey outputs included new baseline and repeat observations of natural values, biodiversity, habitat condition, species size structure and coral bleaching impacts. The data support assessment of ecological condition and trends, evaluation of pressures including climate change and marine heatwaves, and development of monitoring indicators and reporting protocols linked to Parks Australia’s Management Effectiveness framework. The project collaborated with Traditional Owners and Indigenous ranger groups, including the Wadandi Ranger Program, Undalup Association and Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation, supporting two-way knowledge exchange and Indigenous participation in Sea Country monitoring and management. Outputs • Fish scoring data from BRUV, BOSS and ROV platforms [dataset] • Benthic imagery with annotations from ROV and drop camera platforms [dataset] • Lobster catch data [dataset] • Spatially-referenced highlight videos/imagery for communication purposes [dataset] • Final project report [written]

This project updates the 2019 predictive benthic habitat map for this region, extending past the subtidal zone of the harbour to include intertidal habitats. The project worked with collaborators to synthesise existing data sets for inclusion in benthic habitat mapping process. Hydrodynamic model variables were updated and new digital elevation data included to provide a more accurate representation of the bed shear stress, waves and current. LiDAR surveys were conducted to fill in the gap between the IX bathymetric survey and the high tide water mark. The LiDAR survey data extended the existing bathymetry data. A total of 30 towed video transects were conducted in areas predicted to have a high probability of benthic fauna occurrence based on the existing predictive model. The benthic habitat model was updated to include NTG historical data, new towed video data, hydrodynamic and light data.

This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub Research Plan 2024 project "Enhancing monitoring approaches to evaluate the abundance, life history and critical habitats of the endangered Australian sea lion". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- The Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) is Australia’s only endemic pinniped and is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act. Populations have declined by more than 60% over the past 40 years and are vulnerable to threats including fisheries bycatch, disease, pollution, marine debris entanglement and climate change. Improving knowledge of abundance, demography and critical habitat use is essential for evaluating threats and guiding recovery actions, but is difficult due to the species’ breeding biology, longevity, seafloor foraging behaviour and use of remote breeding sites. This project developed and applied cost-effective methods to improve monitoring of Australian sea lion populations, particularly in under-surveyed regions exposed to anthropogenic pressures. It included four linked components: (1) helicopter and remote-camera surveys of breeding sites in the Recherche Archipelago; (2) drone surveys of selected breeding and haul-out sites in Western Australia and South Australia; (3) processing and analysis of long-term demographic data from the microchipped Seal Bay population; and (4) continued deployment of underwater cameras to identify habitat use, foraging behaviour and potential risks. The project was co-designed with Indigenous partners, including Yalata Anangu Aboriginal Corporation, Far West Coast Aboriginal Corporation and Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation. Indigenous partners contributed to delivery of project components, including drone-based monitoring and field activities, supporting Indigenous leadership in the use of new technologies for sea lion monitoring and Healthy Country management. Outputs included updated abundance and breeding-site information, validated drone survey methods, improved workflows for demographic analysis, and additional animal-borne camera data on critical habitats. These data and methods support implementation of the Australian Sea Lion Recovery Plan, long-term state government monitoring, assessment of cumulative impacts and recovery actions, and conservation planning linked to Sea Country values. Outputs • Qualitative and qualitative spatial assessments of breeding sites from helicopter surveys in Recherche Archipelago [dataset] • Drone-collected photogrammetry, FLIR, thermal imaging and LiDAR data [dataset] • Demographic results from analysis of Seal Bay microchipping program [dataset] • Tracking data from sea lion-deployed tags: location, depth, time, temperature, light, acceleration [dataset] • Timestamped video footage from sea lion-deployed cameras [dataset] • Short non-technical summaries to distil the key findings and take-home messages [written] • Final project report [written]

This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub Research Plan 2024 project "An Indigenous-led approach to advance the health and wellbeing of Tebrakunna Country and people of the Coastal Plains nation, north-eastern Tasmania". No data outputs are planned for this project. -------------------- Tebrakunna Country in north-eastern Tasmania is a significant place for Tasmanian Aboriginal people and the Country of the Coastal Plains nation. Reconnecting to ancestral land and sea Country, restoring Aboriginal land management practices, and strengthening links between healthy Country and healthy people are central priorities for the Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana (Heart of Country) Aboriginal Corporation (MTWAC). This Indigenous-led and co-designed project, delivered by MTWAC and the University of Tasmania across all four NESP Hubs, will support Healthy Country Planning for Tebrakunna. MTWAC Indigenous researchers, Tebrakunna Country rangers and community members, and western scientists will work together to identify priority values, targets, threats and viability of Tebrakunna land and sea Country. The project will compile environmental, cultural and social information through MTWAC-led workshops and related research activities. It will develop approaches to assess the wellbeing benefits of connection to Country and on-Country activities, including spiritual, emotional, physical, socio-economic and environmental dimensions. It will also identify research, monitoring and capacity-building priorities, including opportunities in Sea Country condition assessment, cultural burning, cultural food sources, myerlee/golden kelp forest monitoring, seasonal cultural calendars, climate impacts and coastal wetland values. Outputs will support MTWAC’s strategic priorities to manage culture and heritage, strengthen the Tebrakunna Ranger Program, build community capacity and employment pathways, and progress aspirations for a future Indigenous Protected Area over Tebrakunna land and sea Country. The project will provide a stronger knowledge base for monitoring and improving the health of Country and people through MTWAC-led governance and planning. Outputs • Report characterising Coastal Country, including threats and opportunities assessment [written] • Co-designed wellbeing framework, methods and tools [written] • Final project report [written]

This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub Research Plan 2024 project "Development of regional modelling and risk assessments to inform offshore renewable decision-making". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- Australia is entering a phase of rapid offshore renewable energy (ORE) development, particularly in eastern and south-eastern waters. In considering the environmental acceptability of wind energy projects under the EPBC Act and Offshore Electricity Infrastructure framework, methods are required to evaluate cumulative risks to listed species, Australian Marine Parks and other natural values, including risks that arise from construction, operation, decommissioning, climate change and existing human pressures. This project used quantitative modelling approaches to assess potential impacts and cumulative risks associated with offshore renewable energy infrastructure in the Gippsland declared region. Twelve impact pathways identified by DCCEEW were used to structure problem formulation, risk hypotheses, modelling and assessment, with priority species and associated data needs identified in consultation with DCCEEW and NOPSEMA. The project applied two linked modelling approaches: species-specific population models and whole-of-ecosystem modelling. Population models estimated exposure and potential effects for priority threatened and migratory species across breeding, overwintering, foraging and migration areas, including risks such as collision, underwater noise, electromagnetic fields, vessel interactions, displacement and attraction. Whole-of-ecosystem modelling assessed broader ecological pathways, including hydrodynamics, sediment transport, benthic habitat effects, displacement of fishing activity, trophic effects around infrastructure, and cumulative interactions with climate change. Scenario analyses were used to explore how risks varied with the timing, number, location and configuration of offshore renewable energy developments. Model outputs were used to assess the cumulative risks to key species and natural values, and supported evaluation of mitigation options such as infrastructure placement, construction timing, operational constraints and post-assessment monitoring. The project outputs provide regulators and conservation managers with a modelling framework for assessing ORE-related cumulative impacts, identifying monitoring requirements, prioritising future research, and support evidence-based decisions on risk acceptability and management under relevant environmental legislation. Outputs • Species-specific population models for key threatened and migratory species for the Gippsland ORE region [spatial outputs] • Outputs from Whole of Ecosystem (WoE) modelling [risk-based impact spatial outputs] • Final project report [written]