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population

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  • This record provides an overview of the scope of the NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub project "Identification of near-shore habitats of juvenile white sharks in south-western Australia". No data outputs were generated by this project. -------------------- In 2018, CSIRO provided the first estimate of adult abundance for the southern-western Australian white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) population. At the time, total population abundance could not be estimated because of limited information on the juvenile life-history stage. This project investigated whether juvenile white sharks from this population use near-shore habitats near the head of the Great Australian Bight. It investigated credible anecdotal evidence of juvenile white shark presence in the region and was designed as a pilot study to inform future survey and project development. The project reviewed existing sources of evidence and undertook unmanned aerial vehicle (AUV) surveys in near-shore habitats within and around the Nuyts Archipelago Marine Park. Thirty-five UAV flights were completed during 2018 and 2019, covering approximately 7.5 km². No white sharks were identified in the UAV footage, although several other marine species and shorebirds were observed. Additional evidence from scientific surveys indicated that the Head of Bight and surrounding marine park areas may be important habitat for white sharks across multiple life stages. The project included engagement with the Yalata Land Management Indigenous Ranger team, who were consulted during project planning and survey activities. The findings informed future project development by assessing the value of further on-water activities, expanded UAV surveys and targeted monitoring in the Great Australian Bight region.

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    This project developed an interim Population Consequence of Disturbance (iPCoD) model for blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) and southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) to document a methodology for assessing population-level impacts of one, or multiple, wind farm developments off the southern Australian coast. The iPCoD model was developed in Europe to quantify how disturbances of individuals caused by physiological injury or changes in behaviour can have population-level consequences in data poor marine mammal populations. This model was adapted to suit Australian marine mammal species, highlighting key data gaps for locally threatened populations that overlap in range with the declared offshore wind areas in Australia. Due to the lack of baseline data currently available, this study documented a framework that can be updated as more information becomes available. We outlined how to leverage simulation-based population modelling as a tool for policymakers, industry and management authorities, to aid in environmental impact assessments, with a specific focus on data poor marine mammal populations.