This project undertook a rapid exploration of information on a priority subset of species identified by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environment Authority (NOPSEMA) that are listed as critically endangered or endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It specifically focused on these species in relation to the Gippsland declaration area, and the adjacent areas to the declaration area in Bass Strait. This rapid exploration of information was conducted as follows: 1) identify datasets and information sources relevant to priority species identified by DCCEEW and NOPSEMA for the Gippsland declaration area; 2) identify the source of these datasets and information and their level of accessibility; 3) evaluate the utility of datasets and information identified in 2) for assessments/regulatory processes required to be undertaken by DCCEEW and NOPSEMA; and 4) identify what activities would need to be undertaken to improve the accessibility and utility of datasets and information sources identified in 3) that are not currently accessible in useable formats. Fifteen priorities species (12 birds, 3 cetaceans) were identified for which publicly-available occurrence data could be located. This record and the attached download describes the data inventory for North-Eastern Siberian Red Knot (Calidris canutus). To download the data inventory for all fifteen priority species, see https://doi.org/10.25959/GB51-RW44.

This dataset contains modelled monthly migration patterns across Bass Strait for three priority shorebird species: Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea), Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) and Red Knot (Calidris canutus). The species were selected from a suite of priority species identified by NOPSEMA and DCCEEW, building on species priorities investigated under NESP MaC Project 3.21. Modelling for Siberian Sand Plover was not progressed because insufficient records were available from Tasmania. Migration was modelled using BirdFlow, a population-level movement model that infers migration routes, timing and connectivity from weekly relative-abundance distributions. Available telemetry, banding and re-sighting data were used to evaluate and select candidate model configurations. The spatial outputs represent the rate (predicted number of crossings per 1 km grid cell) during each month of an average annual migration cycle. Separate raster products are provided for northward and southward movement, together with combined northward + southward transit surfaces. Values represent transit through a cell rather than occupancy or the number of birds present at a location. A single simulated bird may contribute to multiple cells as it moves across the landscape. The models were developed to support assessment of shorebird exposure to offshore renewable energy development in Bass Strait as part of NESP Hub Project 4.7. The products are intended for comparison of the spatial and seasonal intensity of migratory movement, including movement through and around offshore renewable energy areas. ***This data is under development. Access to the finalised spatial data will be provided once finalised, estimated early 2027.***

This project undertook a rapid exploration of information on a priority subset of species identified by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environment Authority (NOPSEMA) that are listed as critically endangered or endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It specifically focused on these species in relation to the Gippsland declaration area, and the adjacent areas to the declaration area in Bass Strait. This rapid exploration of information was conducted as follows: 1) identify datasets and information sources relevant to priority species identified by DCCEEW and NOPSEMA for the Gippsland declaration area; 2) identify the source of these datasets and information and their level of accessibility; 3) evaluate the utility of datasets and information identified in 2) for assessments/regulatory processes required to be undertaken by DCCEEW and NOPSEMA; and 4) identify what activities would need to be undertaken to improve the accessibility and utility of datasets and information sources identified in 3) that are not currently accessible in useable formats. Fifteen priorities species (12 birds, 3 cetaceans) were identified for which publicly-available occurrence data could be located: Australian Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera), Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea), Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), Grey-headed Albatross (Thalassarche chrysostoma), Mongolian Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus), North-Eastern Siberian Red Knot (Calidris canutus), Northern Royal Albatross (Diomedea sanfordi), Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster), Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor), Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta), Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus), Wedge-Tailed Eagle (Aquila audax), Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis), Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). The data attached to this record outlines the data sources and access points located for each of the species listed above.