Collated data inventory for Shy Albatross in relation to the Gippsland Offshore Renewable Energy declaration area (NESP MaC 3.21)

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 Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta). To download the data inventory for all fifteen priority species, see https://doi.org/10.25959/GB51-RW44.

Modelled monthly distributions of priority seabirds (Southern Hemisphere) (NESP MaC 4.7)

This dataset contains modelled monthly distributions of priority seabirds developed to support assessment of exposure to offshore renewable energy development as part of NESP MaC Project 4.7. Distributions are modelled for six species: Amsterdam Albatross, Gould’s Petrel, Gray-headed Albatross, Northern Royal Albatross, Shy Albatross and Southern Giant Petrel. The underlying project priority species were identified by NOPSEMA and DCCEEW, building on species priorities investigated under NESP MaC Project 3.21. Continuous integrated space-time species distribution models were fitted across the Southern Hemisphere using observations from multiple data types, including tracking, presence-absence, abundance and presence-only records. The outputs describe spatial and seasonal variation in seabird distribution on a 5 km equal-area EASE-Grid 2.0 grid. Two related raster products are provided for each modelled taxon: (1) a normalised population-distribution surface representing the relative proportion of the modelled population within each grid cell; and (2) an estimated population-density surface (individuals per km²) derived by scaling these proportions by the estimated total adult population size (Southern hemisphere). The models were developed to provide spatially and temporally explicit seabird distributions for cumulative risk assessment, including assessment of overlap with offshore renewable energy activities. Monthly outputs describe seasonal patterns across January–December. ***This data is under development. Access to the finalised spatial data will be provided once finalised, estimated early 2027.***

Seabird and marine mammal tracking data from the Tasman Fracture Marine Park

Biotelemetry devices, including satellite transmitters and archival Global Positioning System (GPS) loggers, were deployed on shy albatrosses, short-tailed shearwaters, and both Australian and long-nosed fur seals. Tags were deployed during the breeding season to maximise data on foraging behaviour and habitat use. This record currently contains tracking data from breeding adult shy albatross (Thalassarche cauta). Additional tracking data from migratory short-tailed shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris), the endemic Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus), and long-nosed fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) will be added at a later date. The shy albatross collection includes raw tracking data, and filtered processed tracks fitted with a state space model (Jonsen et al., 2023). These data include the following variables: birdID, breeding phase, tracker type, date/time, locations in latitude and longitude (for both the raw and fitted), and uncertainty metrics. ***EMBARGO NOTE*** Data is currently embargoed - to be released late 2026.

A multidisciplinary study of the Tasman Fracture Marine Park pelagic ecosystem

The Tasman Fracture Marine Park (TFMP), located off the southwestern coast of Tasmania, is an ecologically and culturally significant area characterised by dynamic and diverse marine ecosystems ranging from abyssal plains to rocky reefs. This region is a productivity hotspot due to the convergence of ocean currents and upwelling processes (Ridgway and Ling, 2023), which supports rich biodiversity, including endangered species such as the shy albatross (Thalassarche cauta), the migratory short-tailed shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris), the endemic Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) and expanding populations of long-nosed fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri). The primary objectives of this multidisciplinary research were to quantify the physical water properties within the TFMP to establish baseline environmental conditions; map mesopelagic (midwater) productivity using acoustic equipment; characterise the foraging behaviour and habitat use of key marine predators through biotelemetry devices; investigate the diet of seabird and fur seal species to understand pelagic food web interactions; and assess cetacean species diversity, temporal patterns, and quantify underwater noise using passive acoustic monitoring. To achieve these objectives, the study employed a combination of methodologies (see 'Lineage' section for full methodology): • Oceanographic analysis provided insights into the climatology and productivity patterns influenced by the East Australian Current and the Zeehan Current. • Biotelemetry tracking of seabirds and seals provided data on foraging behaviour and habitat use of key predators. • Scat sampling of predator species combined with DNA metabarcoding techniques were utilised to identify prey species and provide detailed dietary profiles. • Underwater acoustic recorders were used to monitor cetacean vocalisations and assess underwater noise levels. In summary, this research provides essential baseline data and insights into the complex interactions within the TFMP's ecosystems. The findings emphasise the need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to marine conservation. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the recommendations, managers can enhance the resilience of the TFMP, ensuring the protection of its unique biodiversity in the face of environmental changes.

Collated data inventory of priority species in relation to the Gippsland Offshore Renewable Energy declaration area (NESP MaC 3.21)

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.