Download 14-marine-and-coastal-risk-assessment

Summary report on marine and coastal
biodiversity risk assessment workshops
April 2009
Corangamite Catchment
Management Authority
ABN 60 356 974 029
PO Box 159, Colac VIC 3250
Tel. + 03 5232 9100 Fax: + 03 5232 2759
[email protected]
www.ccma.vic.gov.au
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Table of Content
Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................................... 4
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
Corangamite Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Strategy ................................................................ 5
Background ................................................................................................................................ 5
Purpose of strategy.................................................................................................................... 5
Process for development ........................................................................................................... 5
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
Risk Assessment Workshops ........................................................................................................ 6
Background to risk assessment................................................................................................. 6
Purpose of workshops ............................................................................................................... 6
Scope ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Definitions .................................................................................................................................. 7
Structure .................................................................................................................................... 7
Participation ............................................................................................................................... 8
Assumptions and limitations ...................................................................................................... 9
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
Methodology................................................................................................................................. 10
Facilitation ................................................................................................................................ 10
Determining priority assets ...................................................................................................... 10
Determining priority threats ..................................................................................................... 10
Discussion of impacts and management actions for priority threats ....................................... 10
Risk assessment...................................................................................................................... 10
2
3
4
Results ......................................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Thompsons Landscape Zone – Asset list ............................................................................... 11
4.2 Thompsons Landscape Zone– Threats and risk rankings for priority assets .......................... 12
4.3 Thompsons Landscape Zone – Risk assessment summary ................................................... 17
4.4 Aire/Otway Landscape Zones – Asset list ............................................................................... 21
4.5 Aire/Otway Landscape Zones – Threats and risk rankings for priority assets ........................ 22
4.6 Aire/Otway Landscape Zones – Risk assessment summary .................................................. 26
4.7 Curdies/Gellibrand Landscape Zones – Asset list ................................................................... 28
4.8 Curdies/Gellibrand Landscape Zones - Threats and risk rankings for priority assets ............. 29
4.9 Curdies/Gellibrand Landscape Zones – Risk assessment summary ...................................... 34
4.10 Bellarine/Hovells Landscape Zones – Asset list ...................................................................... 37
4.11 Bellarine/Hovells Landscape Zones - Threat and risk rankings for priority assets ................. 38
4.12 Bellarine/Hovells Landscape Zones – Risk assessment summary ......................................... 44
4.13 Possible Management Actions ................................................................................................ 48
5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
Discussion .................................................................................................................................... 51
Categorisation of assets .......................................................................................................... 51
Priority threats .......................................................................................................................... 51
Risk assessment limitations .................................................................................................... 53
Management actions ............................................................................................................... 53
Comments from the workshops ............................................................................................... 54
Points for consideration in the development of the strategy.................................................... 54
6
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 56
7
References ................................................................................................................................... 57
APPENDIX 1
Workshop Handout ..................................................................................................... 58
APPENDIX 2
Combined risk rankings for priority threats ................................................................. 59
APPENDIX 3
Summary of threats to coastal assets ........................................................................ 60
APPENDIX 4
Summary of threats to fauna assets ........................................................................... 63
APPENDIX 5
Summary of threats to marine assets ......................................................................... 66
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Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
REPORT NUMBER : MCBRAR001
REV
DESCRIPTION
O
Draft
ORIG
REVIEW
CCMA
APPROVAL
W Shea
N McCristal
DATE
April 2009
RELEASE STATEMENT:
Unclassified (Shared without Restrictions)
REVIEW STATUS:
Review Not Required
3
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
ABBREVIATIONS
ABKRPR CoM
Apollo Bay Kennett River Public Reserves Committee of Management
ANGAIR
Anglesea and Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of Native Flora and Fauna
BCN
Bellarine Catchment Network
CA/CC
Coast Action/Coastcare
CCMA
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority
CoM
Committee of Management
COS
Colac Otway Shire
DPI
Department of Primary Industries
DSE
Department of Sustainability and Environment
EPA
Environment Protection Authority
EVC
Ecological Vegetation Class
GORCC
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee
LZAP
Landscape Zone Action Plan
MYC
Motor Yacht Club
PV
Parks Victoria
RCS
Regional Catchment Strategy
RCT
Resource Condition Target
SLSC
Surf Life Saving Club
SOLN
Southern Otways Landcare Network
WCB
Western Coastal Board
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1
CORANGAMITE MARINE AND COASTAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY
1.1
Background
Marine and coastal biodiversity is a highly valued natural attribute that requires protection from a range of
current and emerging threats such as population growth and climate change. The Corangamite region has a
variety of marine and coastal environments that support biodiversity and the Corangamite Catchment
Management Authority (CCMA) has a responsibility to incorporate these environments into regional
catchment planning processes. The development of a regional Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Strategy will
provide a conduit for this to occur.
Aireys Inlet Lighthouse and surrounds (photo courtesy A. Tunks)
1.2
Purpose of strategy
A range of policies and plans already exist across a number of organisations involved in the management of
marine and coastal biodiversity assets, and the Corangamite Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Strategy
(hereafter referred to as the strategy) will refer to, rather than duplicate these. It will provide a reference
point for marine and coastal policies and plans, as well as regional direction for priority management actions
to assist with the long-term protection of assets. This information can also then be utilised in the renewal of
broader catchment plans (Regional Catchment Strategy and Landscape Zone Action Plans) and to support
applications for investment for marine and coastal biodiversity protection in the region.
1.3
Process for development
The development of the strategy will include an inventory of management arrangements, planning
documents and research projects, a description of assets and threats, and an outline of management options
and knowledge gaps. The risk assessment workshops were conducted so that some of this information
could be gathered, with a primary focus on asset and threat identification and prioritisation.
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2
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHOPS
2.1
Background to risk assessment
The workshops applied ecological risk assessment techniques described in the methodology, to identify and
analyse risks to marine and coastal biodiversity. Ecological risk assessment is the process of estimating
likelihood and consequence of identified threats on plants, animals and ecosystems of ecological value. It
provides a basis for comparing and ranking risks, so attention can be focused on the most severe risks first.
2.2
Purpose of workshops
The purpose of the workshops was to involve stakeholders in collating information, prioritising marine and
coastal biodiversity assets and threats and assessing risk to assist with the preparation of the strategy. The
workshops also contributed to building the capacity of attendees to assess risk and consider the complexities
inherent in marine and coastal management.
The structure for integration of the strategy and risk assessment workshops in CCMA planning is shown
below.
Regional Catchment Strategy
(redevelopment)
Stakeholder and public
comment
Existing sub-strategies
including Wetland Strategy,
River Health Strategy and
Native Vegetation Strategy,
Landscape Zone Action Plans
Draft Marine and
Coastal Biodiversity
Strategy
Marine and
Coastal
Biodiversity
Strategy 2009
RISK ASSESSSMENT WORKSHOPS
OTHER INPUT
List of priority assets and threats
Current research projects
Impacts and management actions
Existing policies and plans (internal
and external)
Risk rankings
Potential knowledge gaps
Figure 1
Risk assessment workshops in the strategic context
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2.3
Scope
As part of the introduction to the workshop process, the scope was outlined and it was highlighted that
estuaries and coastal wetlands would not be considered as categoric assets as these are picked up in other
regional strategies. It was also specified that only biodiversity (living) assets were being considered and not
other coastal and marine assets such as infrastructure, historical or cultural heritage. The geographic scope
included seaward to three nautical miles (state waters boundary) and inland to the extent of coastal
ecological vegetation classes (EVCs) within landscape zone boundaries.
2.4
Definitions
The following definitions were provided by participants:
Biodiversity assets: biophysical areas or things that have high environmental value (incorporating human
and natural interactions) and should be protected. The value of the asset includes ecosystem services.
Ecosystem service: something that is supplied by nature and produces an otherwise unobtainable
economic benefit e.g. nutrient cycling, water cycling, water filtration, recruitment of commercial species.
Threat: something that can do harm to an asset
Risk: the likelihood of the threat happening (and causing harm).
2.5
Structure
Four risk assessment workshops were conducted in the region in March 2009 to cover the seven landscape
zones with a marine and coastal component, as outlined in Table 1 and Figure 2.
Table 1
Workshop location and attendance
Workshop location
Landscape Zone(s)
Anglesea
Apollo Bay
Port Campbell
Point Lonsdale
Total
Thompsons
Aire and Otway
Curdies and Gellibrand
Bellarine and Hovells
7
No. people
10
5
8
14
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Figure 2
Marine and coastal landscape zone boundaries
With the exception of the Apollo Bay workshop, the following information was gathered over the course of a
day for each workshop:

a list of priority assets

a list of priority threats

an assessment of risk of individual threats to priority assets

actions to reduce the impact of threats on assets

risk rankings for priority assets and threats.
2.6
Participation
Twenty-eight organisations/groups were invited to participate in the workshops (including several divisions
within major organisations). The list of invitees was based on coastal and marine management and research
networks and interest groups. The initial invitation was made via email circulated with a draft agenda.
The seventeen groups represented at the workshops are presented in Table 2. The Point Lonsdale
workshop attracted the highest number and most diverse group of attendees, most likely because of the
greater population and urban issues within the Bellarine Landscape Zone.
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Table 2
Organisations/groups represented at the risk assessment workshops.
CCMA (staff and advisory members)
Clifton Springs Advisory Committee
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee
Colac Otway Shire
ANGAIR
DPI (Fisheries)
DSE (Coast Action/ Coastcare)
Western Coastal Board
DSE (Crown Land Management)
2.7
Birds Australia
Barwon Coast Committee of Management
Habitat Connection
Parks Victoria
Southern Otway Landcare Group
Bellarine Catchment Network
EPA – regional and state
Apollo Bay Kennett River Public Reserves CoM
Assumptions and limitations
Risk assessment relies on the initial identification of all potentially relevant threats because failure to identify
a particular threat results in its exclusion from further consideration.
In qualitative risk assessment, outcomes depend on subjective judgments of the likelihood that an event will
occur and the severity of its consequences. Assessments are therefore affected by the ability of people to
judge probabilistic events, by their personal experience and beliefs, by cultural differences in the perception
of the risk and cognitive biases. In addition, there is an assumption that it is possible to make all likelihood
and consequence values explicit.
When considering impacts of priority threats participants were asked to allow a 50 year time frame for
climate change threats and 20 years for all others.
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3
METHODOLOGY
3.1
Facilitation
All workshops were facilitated by Jennifer Lilburn from Kismet Forward, with the exception of the Aire/Otway
meeting which was run by Wendy Shea, CCMA Marine and Coastal Coordinator. Because of a low number
of RSVPs this workshop did not initially run through the risk assessment process, but did generate a list of
priority assets and threats. However in the end there were five participants and it a risk assessment sheet
was distributed as a follow-up to the meeting, and these results have been included in this report. Impacts
and management options were not discussed with the Aire/Otway group.
3.2
Determining priority assets
Participants were asked to comment on a pre-prepared list of marine and coastal assets and to individually
identify their top six by placing stickers on the agreed list. Assets were prioritised according to those with the
most votes. For each workshop the asset list and priority assets are outlined in Section 4.
3.3
Determining priority threats
A list of threats was provided under the headings climate change, land management, strategic management,
structural and physical, biological, commercial activities, recreational activities and pollution and waste.
Participants were given the opportunity to comment on the pre-prepared list and then in pairs were asked to
mark those threats that could potentially have an impact on each of the priority assets, and then individually
rank their three top threats for each priority asset. In most cases three to eight priority threats were included
in the actual risk assessment and others that had been identified as potential threats were also noted. A
summary of priority threats and other possible threats is provided for each workshop in Section 4.
3.4
Discussion of impacts and management actions for priority threats
Small groups were asked to consider possible impacts that priority threats would have on each priority asset,
and then consider mitigation or management options. These are listed throughout Section 4.
3.5
Risk assessment
The risk assessment methods were adapted from the Australian Standard for Risk Management, AS/NZS
4360 (SA/SNZ 2004) and from the process used by the Institute of Civil Engineers and the Faculty and
Institute of Actuaries (ICE/FIA 1998). Other marine and coastal risk assessments were also referred to
(Carey et al. 2007a, 2007b and Cheshire et al 2008). Appendix 1 shows the information provided to
participants for the risk assessment. Participants subjectively assigned scores on a five-point scale for the
likelihood of the hazard occurring, and the severity of the consequence of each priority threat.
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4
RESULTS
4.1
Thompsons Landscape Zone – Asset list
Vegetation communities/habitats
Vertebrate communities
Coastal alkaline woodland (Moonah)
Cetaceans
Coastal dune scrub
Threatened mammals
Coastal tussock grassland
Representative/iconic mammals (e.g. Water
Rat, Swamp Antechinus, seals, macropods,
Long-nosed Bandicoot)
Coastal saltmarsh
Coastal headland scrub (including coastal
heathland)
Shorebirds
Seabirds
Coastal dune scrub/coastal dune grassland
mosaic
Representative/iconic bird species (e.g. petrels,
eagles, terns)
Coastal headland scrub/coastal tussock
grassland mosaic
Threatened bird species (e.g. Hooded Plover,
Bristlebird)
Physical/structural habitats
Representative/iconic reptile species (e.g.
Anglesea Dragon)
Sandy beaches/dunes
Soil microfauna
Threatened reptile species
Intertidal mudflats and mangroves
Representative/iconic amphibian species
Intertidal reefs (including algae, kelp)
Threatened amphibian species (e.g. Growling
Grass Frog)
Subtidal reefs (including algae, kelp & corals)
Soft sediments (including and & seagrass beds,
sands)
Representative/iconic fish species (e.g.
seadragons)
Rhodolith Beds
Threatened fish species
Open waters (10m+ depth)
Commercial and recreational species (e.g.
bream, mullet)
Near shore waters
Rock stacks (e.g. Twelve Apostles) and offshore
islands
Breeding and roosting grounds
Groundwater
Invertebrate communities
Plankton
Benthic invertebrates
Intertidal invertebrates
Subtidal invertebrates (e.g. crayfish, abalone)
Sponge meadows
Terrestrial invertebrates
Soil microfauna
Indicator species (may be threatened, e.g.
Ghost Shrimp)
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Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
4.2
Thompsons Landscape Zone– Threats and risk rankings for priority assets
Key
Extreme risk ranking
High risk ranking
Medium risk ranking
Additional identified threat but not included in risk assessment
Climate change
Higher terrestrial temp/
and lower rainfall
Change in ocean
temp, acidification
Increased storm events
12
Intertidal
invertebrates
Rep.
mammals
Rep. birds
Rep.
amphibians
Soil
microflora
and fauna
Threatened
birds
Threatened
mammals
Saltmarsh
Coastal
headland
scrub
Breeding
and roosting
grounds
THREAT
Sea level rise
Coastal
alkaline
woodland
PRIORITY
ASSET
Not seen to be a threat for this asset in this location
Strategic
management
Land management
Increasing population
pressure
Vegetation clearing
Inappropriate fire
regimes
Catchment practices –
grazing, run-off, dairy
Lack of regeneration
Use of herbicides and
pesticides
Increased population
(e.g. due to cc)
Habitat fragmentation
Knowledge limitations
Inadequate
resources/capacity
Inadequate
enforcement/legislation
Coordination of
13
Intertidal
invertebrates
Rep.
mammals
Rep. birds
Rep.
amphibians
Soil
microflora
and fauna
Threatened
birds
Threatened
mammals
Saltmarsh
Coastal
headland
scrub
Breeding
and roosting
grounds
THREAT
Development
Coastal
alkaline
woodland
PRIORITY
ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Biological
Structural and physical
Dredging, construction,
structural barriers,
exploration
Landslides
Acid Sulphate Soils
Bore water harvesting –
aquifers (unknown
impacts)
Land based coastal
erosion
Pest plants and animals
Removal of timber and
native flora
Illegal fishing
14
Intertidal
invertebrates
Rep.
mammals
Rep. birds
Rep.
amphibians
Soil
microflora
and fauna
Threatened
birds
Threatened
mammals
Saltmarsh
Coastal
headland
scrub
Breeding
and roosting
grounds
THREAT
planning
Community awareness,
attitudes, behaviour
Poor/inadequate
management
Flow regimes (estuaries)
Coastal
alkaline
woodland
PRIORITY
ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Reduced food source
Wildfire
Recreational activities
Commercial
activities
Shipping
Fishing (incl. bycatch &
excessive take)
Aquaculture
Lack of awareness of
impacts
Bait and shellfish
collection
Dogs and vehicles on
the beach
Fishing – (incl. bycatch
and excessive take)
Boating and mooring
Wildlife tours
Beach access (cars
15
Intertidal
invertebrates
Rep.
mammals
Rep. birds
Rep.
amphibians
Soil
microflora
and fauna
Threatened
birds
Threatened
mammals
Saltmarsh
Coastal
headland
scrub
Breeding
and roosting
grounds
THREAT
Marine Pests
Coastal
alkaline
woodland
PRIORITY
ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Pollution and waste
16
Intertidal
invertebrates
Rep.
mammals
Rep. birds
Rep.
amphibians
Soil
microflora
and fauna
Threatened
birds
Threatened
mammals
Saltmarsh
Coastal
headland
scrub
Breeding
and roosting
grounds
THREAT
and people)
Bycatch
High number of people
in a concentrated area
for events e.g. Bells
Diseases/pathogens
e.g. abalone virus
Rupturing of
underwater pipelines
Stormwater and
sewage management
Noise and light pollution
(helicopters, jetty lights)
Oil spills and
contaminants
Litter incl.
entanglement
Coastal
alkaline
woodland
PRIORITY
ASSET
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4.3
Thompsons Landscape Zone – Risk assessment summary
L=Likelihood, C=Consequence, R= Risk ranking. Refer to Appendix 1.
Priority
assets
Priority threats
Potential impacts
L
C
R
1.Coastal
alkaline
woodland
Pest plants and
animals
Direct damage and fragmentation
5
4
E
3
4
E
3
4
E
5
4
E
3
4
E
3
3
H
3
3
H
5
5
E
4
4
E
4
4
E
4
4
E
Change of composition
Competition
Fire risk
Development
Encroachment and reduction in habitat
Damage to quality and structure
Poor/inadequate
management
Lack of enforcement
Poor planning and design
Incremental/cumulative impacts and damage
2.Coastal
headland
scrub (note
coastal
heathland
included in
this EVC)
Pest plants and
animals
Loss in species diversity, condition and health
Development
Habitat modification
Increased weed distribution and food chain effects
Minimal impacts in protected areas
Poor/inadequate
management
Lack of continuity in staff and funding
Loss of motivation - overwhelming scale of threats e.g. weeds
Inadequate planning/ uncertain future management
Reliance on volunteers for long-term maintenance
3.Coastal
saltmarsh
Inappropriate fire
regimes
Unknown effect on biodiversity, needs monitoring
Sea level
rise/coastal
erosion
Loss of habitat and ability to migrate
Higher
temps/lower
rainfall
Altered hydrological regimes
Lack of planning and resources to manage post-burn impacts
Limited adaptive capacity within sea-level rise timeframes
Stress to plant community through changes to structure
Altered fire regimes of fringing vegetation
Emerging pest plants and animals
Poor/inadequate
management
Ambiguities re tenure, priorities, estuary openings etc
Knowledge gaps
Limited resourcing and capacity
Lack of appreciation for work undertaken by volunteers
Development
Less ability to migrate and loss of habitat
Nutrient and stormwater pollution
Pest and domestic animals
Access issues and trampling
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Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Priority
assets
Priority threats
Potential impacts
L
C
R
4
3
H
4
4
E
4
4
E
3
3
H
4
4
E
4
4
E
3
4
E
Habitat
fragmentation
4
4
E
Vegetation
clearing
4
4
E
Pest plants and
animals
3
3
H
5
5
E
Altered hydrological regimes
Pest plants and
animals
Reduction in biodiversity
Fox and feral cat predation on small native fauna
Pest plants invading buffer communities
New and emerging weeds
4.Breeding
and roosting
grounds
Habitat
fragmentation
Reduced opportunity and access for populations
Competition within and between species
Increased predation and reduced survival rates
Pest plants and
animals
Predation
Food source reduction
Disturbance
Vegetation
clearing
Habitat loss
Fragmentation
Reduced viability as a breeding ground and suitable habitat
Increased fauna mortality
5.Threatened
mammals
Habitat
fragmentation
Reduced opportunity and access for populations
Competition within and between species
Increased predation and reduced survival rates
Pest plants and
animals
Predation
Food source reduction
Disturbance
Vegetation
clearing#
Reduction in area
Fragmentation
Reduced viability as a breeding ground and suitable habitat
Increased fauna mortality
6.Threatened
birds
7.Soil
microflora and
fauna
Knowledge
limitations*
Lose it before we know what it is
Higher
temps/lower
rainfall*
Change in composition and level of activity
4
4
E
Vegetation
clearing*#
Change in composition, numbers and/or mass
3
3
H
Uncertainties as to what is appropriate management
Impact of distribution/dispersal
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Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Priority
assets
Priority threats
Potential impacts
L
C
R
8.Representat
ive
amphibians
Higher
temps/lower
rainfall
Reduced water and increased heat stress
5
4
E
Development#
Habitat loss and fragmentation, including from pest plants
4
4
E
4
4
E
4
4
E
5
4
E
4
4
E
3
4
E
4
4
E
4
4
E
4
3
H
5
5
E
New and emerging pests and pathogens
Predation by domestic animals
Increased nutrients and decreased water quality
Road kills
Habitat
fragmentation
Impacts on dispersal, breeding, reproduction and genetic
viability
Increased predation
Poor/inadequate
management
Resourcing
Limited protection and management
Knowledge limitations (particularly climate change)
9.Representat
ive birds
Pest plants and
animals
Disturbance, trampling and predation of adults and eggs by
dogs, foxes, cats, horses, gulls, rats, ravens and rabbits
Disturbance from weed control
Changing habitat structure
Providing harbor for pest animals
Vegetation
clearing
Reduced habitat, food source and shelter
Development#
Reduced habitat
Increases disturbance by weeds
Increases disturbance and numbers of pest plants and animals
More rubbish and threat of entanglement
10.Represent
ative
mammals
Habitat
fragmentation#
Reduced opportunity and access
Competition
Predation – pests, domestic, natural
Reduced food and cover
Pest plants and
animals
Predation
Loss/degradation of habitat
Competition
Disease
Poor/inadequate
management
Lack of enforcement/protection
Poor planning
Lack of funding
11.Intertidal
invertebrates
Higher
temps/lower
rainfall
Increased animal stress
Limited ability to migrate and adapt to other/new reef areas
New and emerging marine pests
Changes to ecological community (structure, diversity)
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Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Priority
assets
Priority threats
Potential impacts
Bait and shellfish
collection*
Sea level
rise/coastal
erosion
Impact of storm events?
L
C
R
4
4
E
5
3
E
4
4
E
Limited ability to migrate and adapt to other/new reef areas
Carbon impacts/acidification
Potential smothering of rocky habitat
Marine pests*
Removal of individuals from local/exposed rocks (increased
consumption)
Impacts on reef ecology and coastal and marine predators
* indicates where some participants were not confident of making a judgment and either did not provide a
number or provided a guesstimate
# indicates where range in likelihood or consequence across pairs was greater than 2 and requires further
exploration
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4.4
Aire/Otway Landscape Zones – Asset list
Vegetation communities/habitats
Physical/structural habitats
Coastal alkaline woodland (Moonah)
Coastal dune scrub
Coastal tussock grassland
Coastal saltmarsh
Coastal headland scrub (including
coastal heathland)
Coastal dune scrub/coastal dune
grassland mosaic
Coastal headland scrub/coastal tussock
grassland mosaic
Sandy beaches/dunes
Intertidal mudflats and mangroves
Intertidal reefs (including algae, kelp)
Subtidal reefs (including algae, kelp &
corals)
Soft sediments (including and &
seagrass beds)
Rhodolith Beds
Open waters (10m+ depth)
Near shore waters
Rock stacks (e.g. Twelve Apostles) and
offshore islands
Breeding and roosting grounds
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Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
4.5
Aire/Otway Landscape Zones – Threats and risk rankings for priority assets
Key
Extreme risk ranking
High risk ranking
Medium risk ranking
Additional identified threat but not included in risk assessment
Land
manage
ment
Climate
change
Increasing population pressure
Vegetation clearing
22
Breeding
and
roosting
grounds aquatic
Breeding
and
roosting
grounds terrestrial
Near shore
waters
Sandy
beaches
Subtidal
reefs
Dune
scrub
Headland
scrub
THREAT
Sea level rise, increased storm events and
sea surge
Higher terrestrial temperature and lower
rainfall
Change in ocean parameters – temp,
acidification, light penetration
Development
Intertidal
reefs
PRIORITY
ASSET
Not seen to be a threat for this asset in this location
Wildfire
Catchment practices – grazing, run-off,
dairy, tillage
Lack of regeneration – algae, molluscs
Use of herbicides and pesticides
Salt burn off
Development
Strategic management
Knowledge limitations
Inadequate resources/capacity
Inadequate enforcement and/or
legislation
Coordination of planning
Community awareness, attitudes and
behaviour
23
Breeding
and
roosting
grounds aquatic
Breeding
and
roosting
grounds terrestrial
Near shore
waters
Sandy
beaches
Subtidal
reefs
Headland
scrub
Dune
scrub
Intertidal
reefs
THREAT
Inappropriate fire regimes
PRIORITY
ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Structural and
physical
Acid Sulphate Soils
Biological
Pest plants and animals incl koalas
Removal of timber and native flora incl
beachcombing and driftwood
Illegal fishing
Marine Pests incl algae
Commercial
activities
Outfall pests e.g. filamentous algae,
E.Coli
Shipping
Fishing (including bycatch and excessive
take)
Aquaculture
24
Breeding
and
roosting
grounds aquatic
Breeding
and
roosting
grounds terrestrial
Near shore
waters
Sandy
beaches
Subtidal
reefs
Dune
scrub
Headland
scrub
THREAT
Flow regimes (estuaries) incl artificial
openings
Dredging, construction, structural barriers,
exploration
Landslides
Intertidal
reefs
PRIORITY
ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Recreational activities
Dogs and vehicles on the beach
Fishing – (inc bycatch and excessive
take)
Boating and mooring
Wildlife tours incl rockpool walks
Beach access (cars and people)
Pollution and waste
High number of people in a
concentrated area for events e.g. Bells
Diseases/pathogens e.g. abalone virus
Rupturing of underwater pipelines
Stormwater and sewage management
Noise and light pollution (helicopters,
foreshore lighting)
Oil spills and contaminants
Litter
25
Breeding
and
roosting
grounds aquatic
Breeding
and
roosting
grounds terrestrial
Near shore
waters
Sandy
beaches
Subtidal
reefs
Dune
scrub
Headland
scrub
THREAT
Bait and shellfish collection incl worms
Intertidal
reefs
PRIORITY
ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
4.6
Aire/Otway Landscape Zones – Risk assessment summary
L=Likelihood, C=Consequence, R= Risk ranking. Refer to Appendix 1.
Priority assets
Priority threats
L
C
R
1.Intertidal reefs
Sea level rise and increased storm events
4
4
E
Bait and shellfish collection
4
3
H
Inadequate resources/capacity
4
3
H
Knowledge limitations
4
4
E
Community awareness, attitudes and behaviour
3
3
H
Diseases/pathogens e.g. abalone virus
3
4
E
Pest plants and animals
4
4
E
Increasing population pressure
4
3
H
Sea level rise and increased storm events
4
4
E
Development
3
3
H
Inappropriate fire regimes
2
4
H
Knowledge limitations
3
4
E
Community awareness, attitude and behaviour
4
3
H
Beach access
4
3
H
Pest plants and animals
4
4
E
Development
3
3
H
Increasing population pressure
4
3
H
Inappropriate fire regimes
2
4
H
Knowledge limitations
3
4
E
Sea level rise and increased storm events
3
4
E
Change in ocean parameters
4
4
E
Sea level rise and increased storm events
4
4
E
Knowledge limitations
4
3
H
Diseases/pathogens
3
4
E
Inadequate resources/capacity
4
3
H
Community awareness, attitudes and behaviour
4
3
H
Commercial fishing
3
3
H
Recreational fishing
3
3
H
Sea level rise and increased storm events
4
3
H
2.Dune scrub
3.Headland scrub
4.Subtidal reefs
5.Sandy beaches
26
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Priority assets
6.Near shore waters
7.Breeding and
roosting grounds aquatic
8.Breeding and
roosting grounds terrestrial
Priority threats
L
C
R
Dogs and vehicles on the beach
3
3
H
Pest plants and animals
4
3
H
Knowledge limitations
4
3
H
Structural barriers
2
3
M
Oil spills and contaminants
1
4
H
Change in ocean parameters
4
3
H
Sea level rise and increased storm events
4
3
H
Community awareness, attitudes and behaviour
3
3
H
Commercial fishing
2
3
M
Diseases/pathogens
3
3
H
Increasing population pressure
5
3
E
Knowledge limitations
4
3
H
Inadequate resources/capacity
4
3
H
Inadequate enforcement and/or legislation
3
3
H
Sea level rise and increased storm events
4
4
E
Change in ocean parameters
4
4
E
Knowledge limitations
4
3
H
Inadequate resources/capacity
4
3
H
Marine pests
3
4
E
Recreational fishing
3
3
H
Sea level rise and increased storm events
4
4
E
Pest plants and animals
4
3
H
Dogs and vehicles on the beach
4
4
E
Community awareness, attitudes and behaviour
4
3
H
Inadequate resources/capacity
4
3
H
Change in ocean parameters
4
3
H
Removal of timber and native flora (beachcombing)
3
3
H
27
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
4.7
Curdies/Gellibrand Landscape Zones – Asset list
Vegetation communities/habitats
Physical/structural habitats
Coastal alkaline woodland (Moonah)
Sand heathland
Coastal tussock grassland
Coastal saltmarsh
Coastal headland scrub
Coastal dune scrub/coastal dune
grassland mosaic
Damp heath scrub
High energy sandy beaches
Intertidal mudflats and mangroves
Intertidal reefs (including algae)
Subtidal reefs (including algae)
Soft sediments (including sand &
seagrass beds)
Rhodolith Beds
Open waters (10m+ depth)
Near shore waters
Rock stacks (e.g. Twelve Apostles) and
offshore islands
Breeding and roosting grounds
including coastal caves
28
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
4.8
Curdies/Gellibrand Landscape Zones - Threats and risk rankings for priority assets
Key
Extreme risk ranking
High risk ranking
Medium risk ranking
Additional identified threat but not included in risk assessment
Climate
change
29
Coastal dune
scrub/coastal
dune grassland
mosaic
Coastal
headland
scrub
Alkaline
woodland
Coastal
saltmarsh
Open waters
Soft sediments
Breeding and
roosting
grounds
Subtidal reefs
Intertidal reefs
THREAT
Sea level rise, increased storm
events
Higher terrestrial temperature and
lower rainfall
Change in ocean parameters –
temp, acidification
PRIORITY ASSET
Not seen to be a threat for this asset in this location
Increasing population pressure
Land management
Vegetation clearing
Inappropriate fire regimes
Wildfire
Catchment practices – grazing,
run-off, dairy
Lack of regeneration – algae,
molluscs
Use of herbicides and pesticides
Potential wave/tidal power
infrastructure
Mineral extraction
Strategi
c
manag
ement
Knowledge limitations
Inadequate resources/capacity
30
Coastal dune
scrub/coastal
dune grassland
mosaic
Coastal
headland
scrub
Alkaline
woodland
Coastal
saltmarsh
Open waters
Soft sediments
Breeding and
roosting
grounds
Subtidal reefs
Intertidal reefs
THREAT
Development
PRIORITY ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Structural and physical
Dredging, construction, structural
barriers, exploration
Landslides
Acid Sulphate Soils
Artificial estuary openings
Biological
Pest plants and animals incl koalas
Removal of timber and native flora
incl beachcombing and driftwood
Marine Pests incl algae
Outfall pests e.g. filamentous
algae, E.Coli
31
Coastal dune
scrub/coastal
dune grassland
mosaic
Coastal
headland
scrub
Alkaline
woodland
Coastal
saltmarsh
Open waters
Soft sediments
Breeding and
roosting
grounds
Subtidal reefs
Intertidal reefs
THREAT
Inadequate enforcement and/or
legislation
Coordination of planning and
action
Community awareness, attitudes
and behaviour
Flow regimes incl water extraction
PRIORITY ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Recreational activities
Commercial
activities
Fishing (including bycatch and
excessive take and methodology)
Aquaculture
Fishing equipment incl discarded
equipment
Bait and shellfish collection incl
worms
Dogs and vehicles on the beach
Fishing – (inc bycatch and
excessive take)
Boating and mooring
Wildlife tours incl rockpool walks
Beach access (cars and people)
High number of people in a
concentrated area for pulse events
Scuba/snorkelling/surfing
32
Coastal dune
scrub/coastal
dune grassland
mosaic
Coastal
headland
scrub
Alkaline
woodland
Coastal
saltmarsh
Open waters
Soft sediments
Breeding and
roosting
grounds
Subtidal reefs
Intertidal reefs
THREAT
Shipping
PRIORITY ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Pollution and waste
Stormwater and sewage
management
Noise and light pollution
(helicopters, foreshore lighting)
Oil spills and contaminants
Litter incl drift litter
33
Coastal dune
scrub/coastal
dune grassland
mosaic
Coastal
headland
scrub
Alkaline
woodland
Coastal
saltmarsh
Open waters
Soft sediments
Breeding and
roosting
grounds
Subtidal reefs
Intertidal reefs
THREAT
Diseases/pathogens e.g. abalone
virus
Rupturing of underwater pipelines
PRIORITY ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
4.9
Curdies/Gellibrand Landscape Zones – Risk assessment summary
L=Likelihood, C=Consequence, R= Risk ranking. Refer to Appendix 1.
Priority
assets
Priority threats
Impacts
L
C
R
1.Intertidal
reefs
Sea level rise and
increased storm
events*
Change in water depth (photo and temp)
3
4
E
3
4
E
4
3
H
3
4
E
4
3
H
3
3
H
4
4
E
3
4
E
2
4
H
Species loss/migration and shift in spatial distribution
Physical disruption
Max extinction
Change in ocean
parameters*
Changes in algae production and food web
Increasing
population
pressure
Trampling and destruction (physical and species)
Shift in species distribution, density, biodiversity
Increased harvesting and recreational use
Increased impacts of catchment based activities and uses
2.Subtidal
reefs
Change in ocean
parameters*
Loss of species habitat
Acidity causing structural change to reef
Decrease in fishery populations – Total Allowable Catch and
loss of revenue
Recreational
fishing
Overfishing leading to reduced pops and new species
dominating (e.g. sea urchins)
Lead contamination
Anchor damage
3.Breeding
and roosting
grounds (incl.
coastal caves)
Sea level rise and
increased storm
events*
Wave energy change may have a positive or negative impact
on species and physical structure
Pest plants and
animals#
Predation reducing population
Decrease in number of fishing days may have positive impact
on species
Species displacement
Change in breeding cycles and age classes
Disease
Food web interruptions or breakdown
Sea level rise and
increased storm
events#*
Beach destruction
Inundation e.g. beaches, saltmarsh, estuaries
Habitat destruction
Greater potential for pests
Potential tipping point for threatened species
Development
Introduction of domestic animals and pests and diseases
Destruction of sites
Impacts of people
Air, noise, light pollution and litter
34
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Priority
assets
Priority threats
Impacts
L
C
R
3
4
E
3
3
H
3
3
H
3
3
H
3
4
E
4
3
H
4
3
H
3
4
E
3
4
E
4
3
H
Secondary impacts – poor or increased drainage
4.Soft
sediments
Change in ocean
parameters*
Potential habitat change/loss
Change in species distribution
Interrupted breeding cycles
Change in food web
Increased pests and diseases?
Sea level rise and
increased storm
events *
Inundation
Displacement/relocation
Introduction of toxins
Increased turbidity
Commercial
fishing**
Damage to sediment habitats
Litter, leading to displacement of flora and fauna or injury
Interruption to food web and change in biodiversity
Dredging,
structural barriers
etc.
Turbidity
Relocation of sediments and death to species such as potty
sea horses
Interruption to coastal process e.g. longshore drift
5.Open
waters
Change in ocean
parameters#*
Change in plankton levels and impacts on food chain
Change in shells of crustaceans and molluscs and impact on
food chain
Temp rise = dead zones, algal blooms and symbiotics
becoming opportunistic
Lots of unknowns
Knowledge
limitations#
Current impacts and complexity of systems
Commercial
fishing
Physical impact of infrastructure e.g. ghost nets, longlines and
possibility of entanglement
Future impacts
Resource management of fish stock e.g. sustainability – there
are knowledge limitations, inadequate enforcement of
regulations and resourcing of governing bodies.
6.Coastal
saltmarsh
Sea level rise and
increased storm
events*
Loss of saltmarsh area as habitat cannot migrate
Erosion of vegetation and succession
Protection works leading to focused impacts
Increased sediment export
Increasing
population
pressure
Visitor impacts
Compaction from vehicles
Increasing political pressure for drainage works
Lack of
coordinated
planning and
Inability to respond to development/natural pressure
Political interference with good management agreements
35
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Priority
assets
7.Alkaline
woodland
Priority threats
Impacts
action
Critical mass of efforts not realised, leading to ‘wasted’ efforts
or few
Catchment
practices
Sedimentation increase
Pest plants and
animals
Bridal creeper – smothers canopy and reduces biodiversity
L
C
R
4
3
H
4
4
E
Herbicides and pesticides and inappropriate application
Understory management practices
Competes with regeneration potential
Sea level rise and
increased storm
events#*
Recruitment interception (slow growing)
3
3
H
Increasing
terrestrial temps
and lower rainfall
Less rain, less food source
3
3*
H
Wildfire*
Sensitivity of species
2
3
M
4
3
H
2
4
H
3
3
H
3
4
E
Limited remnant coverage therefore 100% loss potential
Loss of understorey scrub (Bristlebird habitat)
8.Coastal
headland
scrub
Beach access*
Erosion
Access to undisturbed sites
Dogs and domestic animals
Pest plants and animals
Development
Greater use causing habitat loss
Physical damage from works and construction
Habitat loss leading to migration or extinction
Pest plants and animals introduced via building materials
Increasing
population
pressure*
Habitat loss or extinction of species
Higher number of dogs (domestic animals)
Increased pest plants and animals
9.Coastal
dune
scrub/coastal
dune
grassland
mosaic
Sea level rise and
increased storm
events*
Potential loss of dune systems where movement not possible
Loss of connectivity of coastal landscape
Exposure and damage to vegetation communities
Community
awareness,
attitudes and
behaviour*
Needs to focus on all the potential impacts of increasing pop
pressure outlined below
3
3
H
Increasing
population
pressure
Beach access and damage from 4wds, bikes, sandboarding,
surfers, fishermen, campers
3
3
H
Dogs and litter etc impact on flora/ fauna
Increased fire risk
36
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
4.10
Bellarine/Hovells Landscape Zones – Asset list
Vegetation communities/habitats
Physical/structural habitats
Coastal alkaline woodland (Moonah)
Sand heathland
Coastal tussock grassland
Coastal saltmarsh
Coastal headland scrub
Coastal dune scrub/coastal dune
grassland mosaic
Coastal headland scrub/coastal tussock
grassland mosaic
Damp heath scrub
High energy sandy beaches
Intertidal mudflats and mangroves
inc. seagrass
Intertidal reefs (including algae)
Subtidal reefs (including algae)
Soft sediments (including sand &
seagrass beds)
Rhodolith Beds
Open waters (10m+ depth)
Near shore waters
Rock stacks (e.g. Twelve Apostles)
and islands
37
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
4.11
Bellarine/Hovells Landscape Zones - Threat and risk rankings for priority assets
Key
Extreme risk ranking
High risk ranking
Medium risk ranking
Additional identified threat but not included in risk assessment
Climate change
Increased storm events
Higher terrestrial
temperature
Lower rainfall
Change in ocean
temperature
38
Rhodolith
beds
Open waters
High energy
sandy
beaches
Subtidal reefs
Intertidal reefs
Near shore
waters
Coastal
alkaline
woodland
Coastal
saltmarsh
Soft
sediments
Coastal dune
scrub/coastal
dune
grassland
mosaic
THREAT
Sea level rise
Intertidal
mudflats/man
groves incl.
seagrass
PRIORITY
ASSET
Not seen to be a threat for this asset in this location
High rainfall pulse events
Land management
Potential changing
currents
Development
Increasing population
pressure
Native vegetation
clearing
Inappropriate fire
regimes
Wildfire
Catchment practices –
grazing, run-off, dairy
Lack of regeneration –
algae, molluscs
Use of herbicides and
pesticides
Potential wave/tidal
power infrastructure
39
Rhodolith
beds
Open waters
High energy
sandy
beaches
Subtidal reefs
Intertidal reefs
Near shore
waters
Coastal
alkaline
woodland
Coastal
saltmarsh
Soft
sediments
Coastal dune
scrub/coastal
dune
grassland
mosaic
THREAT
Ocean acidification
Intertidal
mudflats/man
groves incl.
seagrass
PRIORITY
ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Weed removal
Salinity changes (water)
Strategic management
Knowledge limitations
Inadequate
resources/capacity
Inadequate
enforcement/legislation
Lack of coordination of
planning and action
Political will/inertia
Community awareness
Community attitudes
Community behaviour
Str
uc
tur
al
an
d
ph
ysi
ca
l
Flow regimes
40
Rhodolith
beds
Open waters
High energy
sandy
beaches
Subtidal reefs
Intertidal reefs
Near shore
waters
Coastal
alkaline
woodland
Coastal
saltmarsh
Soft
sediments
Coastal dune
scrub/coastal
dune
grassland
mosaic
THREAT
Mineral extraction
Intertidal
mudflats/man
groves incl.
seagrass
PRIORITY
ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Acid Sulphate Soils
Changes to groundwater
Biological
Pest plants and animals
Removal of timber and
native flora
Marine Pests
Failure to recognise
biological relationships
Sleeper species
Emergence of new pests
Com
merc
ial
activ
ities
Shipping
Fishing (including
41
Rhodolith
beds
Open waters
High energy
sandy
beaches
Subtidal reefs
Intertidal reefs
Near shore
waters
Coastal
alkaline
woodland
Coastal
saltmarsh
Soft
sediments
Coastal dune
scrub/coastal
dune
grassland
mosaic
THREAT
Dredging, construction,
structural barriers,
exploration
Landslides
Intertidal
mudflats/man
groves incl.
seagrass
PRIORITY
ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Industry discharge
Recreational activities
Bait and shellfish
collection
Dogs on the beach
Vehicles on the beach
Fishing – (inc bycatch
and excessive take)
Boating and mooring
Wildlife tours
Beach access
Horses
High number of people in
a concentrated area for
42
Rhodolith
beds
Open waters
High energy
sandy
beaches
Subtidal reefs
Intertidal reefs
Near shore
waters
Coastal
alkaline
woodland
Coastal
saltmarsh
Soft
sediments
Coastal dune
scrub/coastal
dune
grassland
mosaic
THREAT
bycatch and excessive
take and methodology)
Aquaculture
Intertidal
mudflats/man
groves incl.
seagrass
PRIORITY
ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Pollution and waste
Terrestrial
diseases/pathogens
Marine diseases and
pathogens e.g. abalone
virus
Rupturing of underwater
pipelines
Stormwater and sewage
management
Noise and light pollution
(helicopters, foreshore
lighting)
Oil spills and
contaminants
Macro-waste dumping
(e.g. old ships)
Litter
43
Rhodolith
beds
Open waters
High energy
sandy
beaches
Subtidal reefs
Intertidal reefs
Near shore
waters
Coastal
alkaline
woodland
Coastal
saltmarsh
Soft
sediments
Coastal dune
scrub/coastal
dune
grassland
mosaic
THREAT
pulse events
Tourism
Intertidal
mudflats/man
groves incl.
seagrass
PRIORITY
ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
4.12
Bellarine/Hovells Landscape Zones – Risk assessment summary
L=Likelihood, C=Consequence, R= Risk ranking. Refer to Appendix 3.
Priority
assets
Priority
threats
Impacts
L
C
R
1.Intertidal
mudflats and
mangroves
incl.
seagrass
Sea level rise*
Inundation levels modified causing mangroves to drown,
changes in seagrass composition and mangrove migration
5
4
H
4
3
H
3
3
H
5
3
E
4
3
H
4
3
H
Catchment
practices*
4
3
H
Stormwater#*
4
3
H
4
4
E
4
4
E
Inappropriate management responses (not based on
previous knowledge)
Inappropriate timeframes for species migration and/or
geographical adaptation
Catchment
practices*
Increased sedimentation and nutrient supply
Changes to flow regimes
Pollution
Stormwater/se
wage#
Increased sedimentation and nutrient supply
Changes to flow regimes
Pollution
2.Soft
sediments
Sea level rise
Impacts on flora and fauna species and loss of intertidal
communities
Changed water temperatures and light penetration
Changed biodiversity range, ecosystems and substrate
Impacts on terrestrial communities with no room for
migration
Dredging,
construction,
exploration#
Dredging – loss of habitat and altered sand shift
Decrease in fauna species in sediment – potential loss of
food source and habitat
Contamination from spoil disposal
Sedimentation and drift
Industry
discharge#*
Infauna impacts – changed habitat
Algae impacts – smothering and light penetration
Decreased water quality and possible contaminants
3.Coastal
saltmarsh
Increased
temp
Increased mortality and loss of overall habitat
Hypersalinity
Increasing acid sulphate as saltmarshes dry/change
Development*
More landfill/infill/infrastructure
Loss of habitat with no retreat
44
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Priority
assets
Priority
threats
Impacts
L
C
R
5
4
E
4
3
H
4
4
E
Increased stormwater effects
Sea level rise
Inundation
Species change leading to community change
Infrastructure impeding flows to saltmarsh
Catchment
practices*
Lack of adequate fencing leads to incursions on saltmarsh
Runoff from agricultural activities reducing water quality
Lack of integration and effective pest programs
4.Coastal
dune
scrub/coasta
l dune
grassland
mosaic
Development*
Loss of corridors
Increased access and physical damage and disturbance
Increased risk from pests
Unsustainable town planning e.g. stormwater and clearing
Pest plants
Reduction in native species and habitat
5
4
E
Storm events*
As for sea level rise
4
4
E
Sea level rise*
Inundation and reduced habitat
5
4
E
3
3
H
4
4
E
4
4
E
4
4
E
Erosion and destabilisation
Increased dune mobility
Habitat squeezed between rising sea level and
development
Beach access*
Physical damage from cars, trampling and erosion
Disturbance to flora and fauna
More introduced species
5.Coastal
alkaline
woodland
Vegetation
clearing*
Increased edge effects, fragmentation and pest species
Microclimate changes – wind, light, temp
Erosion, increased runoff and reduced water quality
Change in fire regimes
Increased accessibility leading to population effects
Development*
Clearance – loss of vegetation, habitat and species
Pollution and runoff from pesticides and nutrients
Weed invasion and domestic animals
Changed expectations for management
Loss in perceived/aesthetic value
Increasing
population
pressure*
Change in expectations for management (access, snakes,
fire, domestic animals)
Inappropriate community behaviour – rubbish, motorbikes,
vandalism
45
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Priority
assets
Priority
threats
Impacts
L
C
R
4
4
E
4
4
E
4
3
H
3
3
H
3
3
H
loss in perceived/aesthetic value
Lack of
coordinated
planning*
Inconsistency in management, protection and enforcement
Increased loss/degradation
Loss in perceived value
6.Near shore
waters
Marine pests#*
Habitat reduction
Competition and predation
Disruption of natural ecological processes –localised but
possible widespread impacts
Commercial
fishing*
(‘limited’ activity in EMC)
Overfishing impacts on sustainability of species
Bycatch
7.Intertidal
reefs
8.Subtidal
reefs
Catchment
practices*
Reduced water quality
Stormwater
and sewage
management#
*
Decreased water quality
Marine pests*
Can occur currently however may be exposed to more
pests reliant on a marine environment (100%)
4
4
E
Sea level
rise#*
Reefs more regularly submerged or all the time
5
4
E
Change in
ocean
temperature
Impacts on types, quantities and composition of species
5
4
E
Change in
ocean
temperature#*
Loss of some species through changed ecosystems
5
4
E
Change in
ocean acidity*
Loss or change in biodiversity i.e. corals
5
4
E
Marine pests*
Loss of endemic species and changed balance of species
4
3
H
4
4
E
5
4
E
Pollution and chemical contamination
Pollutants, toxins and litter
Potential to change structure of reef (e.g. increased sand
deposition)
(note increased air temps leads to increased desiccation)
Limited distribution of species
Potential for disease
9.High
energy
sandy
beaches
Storm events
Loss of small scale habitat i.e. evcs
Erosion rate and locations increases
Sea level rise
Movement of sand dunes
Inappropriate management responses due to uncertainty
Decreased beach habitat
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Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Priority
assets
Priority
threats
Impacts
L
C
R
Beach access*
Erosion (blowouts)
4
3
H
3
3
H
5
4
E
5
4
E
4
3
H
Decreased beach habitats
Developments
#*
Decreased habitat
Increasing pressure for infrastructure
Native vegetation pressure
Increased surface runoff
10. Open
waters
Change in
ocean
temperature#*
Currents and upwellings changing leading to species and
community changes
Acidification*
Impact on CaCO3 organisms e.g. plankton, molluscs and
crustaceans
Increased stratification
Effect on reef and limestone structures
Commercial
fishing*
Changing community structure
Detritus (nets/gear)
Impacts on non-target species
Habitat destruction
11.
Rhodolith
beds
Change in
ocean acidity#
Loss or change in function
5
4
E
Marine pests#
Potential direct damage
4
3
H
Knowledge
limitations#
Inadvertent damage and impacts
3
3
H
Knowledge not being communicated
** where some pairs were not confident of making a judgment and either did not provide a number or
provided a guesstimate
# Make a note of where range in likelihood or consequence across pairs was greater than 2 and explore
47
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
4.13
Possible Management Actions
Threat
Management actions identified
Pest plants and animals
Community education and weed control by community groups
Push for priority weed status for some species
Consistent management approach by different land managers and adjoining
landholders
Continuing education for dogs and cats as well as enforcement and prominent
signage for dogs on beaches.
Other options – Maremma dogs, fencing, poisoning, trapping, shooting, biological
control, pesticides, surveys, containment of spread of weeds, revegetation
Development
Planning scheme overlays of coastal biodiversity priorities
Allow space for future risks e.g. sea level rise and provide buffer zones around
sensitive areas
Awareness building – council, proponents
Enforcement of permit conditions
Rationalise use of coastal infrastructure
Poor/inadequate
management
Lack of coordinated
planning and action
Rationalisation of responsibility and integration from all levels of government
Increased contact/personal support from land managers to volunteer groups
Improved management systems that incorporate monitoring and evaluation
Allocation of resources to key values and risks
Education and enforcement
Inappropriate fire
regimes
Better define the needs for ecological fire, relative to fire protection
Attempt to understand what is appropriate
Build town planning around fire protection plans and risks, incorporating
specifications
Collate current scientific knowledge on ecological burning and educate the public
Sea level rise/coastal
erosion/increased storm
events
Implement Victorian Coastal Strategy and Future Coasts recommendations
Assess current risk and identify adaptation/mitigation and retreat options
Promote the importance of biodiversity
RD&I on storm surge frequency, amplitude and probability – regional scale but
with local resolution
Retrofit existing flooding erosion tools
Modelling/mapping areas of impact regionally for an analysis of vegetation
communities considered highly threatened
Identify opportunities for habitats to move to higher elevations and utilise planning
schemes as a mechanism to protect retreat areas
Improve risk assessment when planning for infrastructure in highly threatened
areas
48
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Threat
Management actions identified
Higher temps/lower
rainfall
Implement Victorian Coastal Strategy and Future Coasts recommendations
Look at protecting refuge habitats for communities
Prepare for erosion events on dry soils
Prepare for revegetation with dryland species
Prepare for control of dryland invasive species
Habitat fragmentation
Restore fragmented coastal areas to allow connectivity
Prevent/minimise fragmentation in new works
Require offsets of degraded areas
Define and resource best practice management in planning, design and
implementation
Identify priority corridors
Monitor cumulative impacts
Strategically plan future needs for infrastructure and works
Vegetation clearing
Enforcement of native vegetation regulations
Carbon offsetting
Communication of vegetation controls (shires) and indigenous vegetation values
Coordinated action
Knowledge limitations
Define what has been done and what needs to be done
Research, monitoring and communicate findings to land managers
Attract funding for research through partnerships
Bait and shellfish
collection
Communication strategy to young people and visitors
Enforcement, increased compliance and continue 13FISH approach
More staff/authorised officers able to enforce fisheries offences
Review and increase penalties
Marine pests
Education about identification of marine pests to enable reporting of new
occurrences
Support monitoring and research programs e.g. Seasearch
Community awareness,
attitudes and behaviour
Provide a range of opportunities to become actively engaged such as Coast
Action/Coastcare, international student volunteers, family access, integrate with
other community services through footy, markets
Beach access
Minimise wind erosion and sediment supply to near shore
Rationalise access and adapt to population needs
Ensure that vegetation is managed
Signs for direction and advice re dogs etc
Awareness re likelihood of pest plants and animals being attracted to access
points.
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Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Threat
Management actions identified
Wildfire
Improve knowledge of fire regimes on coastal evc’s.
Identification of no development zones to assist fire management
Improved resourcing to apply appropriate fire management
Community education
Reduce fuel loads
Catchment practices
Urban – restricting and controlling stormwater – litter, nutrients
Rural – education, fencing, revegetate waterways, reduced fertiliser use, retain
native veg, use of watering points
Bush – maintain natural state, reduce weeds, pest plant and animal control
Commercial fishing
Compliance and enforcement
Education
Modified fishing behaviour and practices
Research
Dredging, structural
barriers etc.
Improved strategies, policies, planning, legislation, integrated catchment nrm,
education and enforcement
Consider environmental impact of structures
Change in ocean
parameters
Further research
Recreational fishing
Improved education on potential impacts
Adaptation and education in readiness for future
Develop a shared understanding of ecological values of asset
Regulation is in place but need resourcing of policy, enforcement and prosecution
areas
Bag limit review based on real data – to determine catch effort and Total Allowable
Catch
Monitoring of key indicators
Dissolving bags that biodegrade
Strategic land-sea access points for boating facilities, waste and services
Increasing population
pressure
Designate population hubs e.g. coastal settlement framework
Full integration of VCS into council planning processes
50
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
5
DISCUSSION
5.1
Categorisation of assets
There were some inconsistencies with the development of asset lists. The workshop participants were given
the opportunity to comment on a pre-prepared list. There were several categories that could have been
used – from genus to kingdom level (e.g. plants and animals), to species groups (threatened, vulnerable,
indicator, ecological vegetation classes) or broad habitat and community types.
For the first workshop for the Thompsons Landscape Zone the list included both species groups and habitat
types. It was found that several categories could include the same asset, creating some confusion. Also,
having a large number of categories meant that only a smaller proportion were chosen as priorities and the
risk assessment process was much more limited.
For the following workshops the list was refined to habitat types (such as intertidal reefs) and communities
(such as ecological vegetation communities or EVCs), on the basis that individual species could be attributed
to one of these categories and that by protecting the habitat, the species would be protected as well.
Although this concept was adopted for the remaining three workshops, there was still some concern that
focusing on habitat protection did not necessarily address the needs of species living in that habitat, and
there was an added difficulty of classifying marine habitats and communities. There was much discussion
about the lack of an equivalent to EVCs in the marine environment. For example, rhodolith beds, seagrass
beds, sponge meadows and kelp forests are all examples of informal marine communities that could fall
under a number of marine habitats that were used in this assessment, such as intertidal reefs and soft
sediments. Similarly, breeding and roosting grounds were an identified habitat type in some workshops and
in others these were incorporated into other categories.
In short, it is difficult to make direct comparisons of priority assets across workshops because the categories
used to prioritise were different for each, and the recognition of marine habitat types is not uniform.
5.2
Priority threats
Generally there were no issues with the categorisation of threats although at each workshop some different
threats were added that were specific to the area. In the Bellarine/Hovells workshop, threats such as ‘sea
level rise and increased storm events’ were split to allow distinction between impacts.
In the Thompsons workshop there was a desire to include poor/inadequate management as a separate
threat category that considered a suite of factors such as lack of coordination, political will, decision-making
processes, resources and capacity. This emerged as a priority threat from this workshop but was not carried
through to other workshops as a separate category as it was felt that it was too broad and that the threats
identified within the strategic management category were more meaningful.
51
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
The greatest threats for priority assets in each landscape zone have been outlined in the Section 4 but
individual comments on these are not within the scope of this report. However this information could be
valuable for land managers in these areas. Instead the priority threats across all landscape zones have been
assessed (Appendix 2), and almost all were ranked as either high or extreme, which was expected given that
only those threats thought to be priorities were ranked.
The highest ranking and greatest number of responses were attributed to climate change, pest plants and
animals, and habitat fragmentation. With fewer responses but also an extreme rating were vegetation
clearing, inadequate management and planning, diseases and pathogens, bait and shellfish collection and
dogs and vehicles on the beach.
Appendices 3, 4 and 5 show a breakdown of all potential threats (not just priority threats) across marine
assets, coastal assets and fauna assets, and this provides a broader assessment of what issues are of
greatest concern for each of these categories.
The greatest threats to marine assets were seen to be:

climate change (sea level rise, storm events and changes in ocean parameters)

catchment practices

marine pests

limited knowledge.
Not surprisingly, recreational and commercial fishing, oil spills and stormwater and sewage management
were also considerable marine biodiversity threats and should be a focus for management actions.
The greatest threats to coastal assets were seen to be:
 climate change (sea level rise and storm events)
 development and population pressure
 vegetation clearing
 pest plants and animals
 limited knowledge.
The greatest threats to marine and coastal fauna were associated with:
 climate change
 vegetation clearing
 inadequate management
 pest plants and animals.
52
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
5.3
Risk assessment limitations
Some concern was raised about the value of the risk assessment data due to the subjective nature of the
process, as well as under-representation in some areas and the variable knowledge amongst a small
number of participants. However, the process was not undertaken to obtain rigorous scientific data but rather
to provide an indication for the direction of the strategy. Some themes have already emerged which will
become focus points.
Because not all organisations were represented at the workshops there is the possibility that some relevant
threats were not included in the assessment. This was minimised by having a list of assets and threats preprepared as a starting point for each workshop.
Where there was a large range or uncertainty in risk rankings for a particular threat/asset scenario, this has
been noted and in each case this will be looked at in more detail. Low confidence in assigning likelihood and
consequence values was evident in the Bellarine/Hovells workshop in particular and may indicate a strong
sense that there is not enough known about threats to some assets (particularly marine) in the future.
It is also important to note that the strategy will also take into account additional information raised at the
workshops (i.e. not just prioritised assets and threats) as well as consider priorities within other internal and
external documents in order to provide a comprehensive list of actions.
Evaluation from the workshops found that in general participants found the process worked well, and the
opportunity to contribute to and discuss risk rationale was appreciated.
5.4
Management actions
Management actions have not been attributed to landscape zones because they were only explored in two
workshops hence a generic summary has been provided in Section 4.12. The table contains a list of
possible management actions for priority threats to priority assets prepared by pairs and providing some
direction for future marine and coastal biodiversity planning to reduce risk.
Several major themes emerged from the additional mitigation recorded for threat scenarios.
These included the following:

Expand knowledge through research and communication of findings

development of buffer zones for climate change impacts through planning and policy reviews

monitoring

offsets

attract more resources

increased enforcement

improved coordination and partnerships

community education and awareness
53
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report

5.5
preparing for new pest plants and animal invasions.
Comments from the workshops
A number of comments were received during the workshops and are summarised below and will be
addresses in the development of the strategy.

Recognising the value of an intact, connected environment and representative areas

Discussion about habitat fragmentation as a threat or an impact (along with loss of connectivity) of
vegetation clearing, recreational access, invasive weeds, pest animals and infrastructure

Subtidal reefs include algae, flora, vertebrates and invertebrates

Need maps of existing priorities

Cross check intertidal and subtidal reef impacts as some are applicable to both

Use of indicator species is important to represent ecosystems as a whole

Be careful about wording associated with habitat types e.g. kelp is an algae and corals are not a
strong community in this part of the world

Where do orchids fit in a habitat system when they cross over many EVCs?

Consider including an urban or degraded habitat which may be of value to some species.

Rhodolith beds found to be quite common

Driftwood could be a threat to penguins by blocking access to burrows

Where do human values of biodiversity for recreational purposes fit in?

Check where calcarenite dune woodland occurs

Shipping could be too broad a threat – could break down into ballast, oil spills, contaminants, litter
(covered) and anchoring

Need to do landslide overlays to check whether there are any zones of concern

Note differences between behaviour, attitude and awareness and which is the actual threat – the
‘doing’ or ‘thinking’?

Feeling that water quality not addressed explicitly enough as a threat and rather has been
incorporated into many other threats

Statewide Native Fish strategy covers a lot of estuarine management issues

Marine park management plans, strategies and actions are relevant beyond the boundaries of
marine protected areas. They set a good direction for marine and coastal management.

Need to include relationships/connection between ecological vegetation communities.

Need definition of development
5.6
Points for consideration in the development of the strategy

Need to make close links between definition of assets and ecosystem services

Maintain a strong link to estuaries, coastal wetlands, river and vegetation themes
54
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report

How do you take into consideration the CONDITION and LOCATION in the prioritisation of assets
either within or across landscape zones? Is it a priority to manage assets in good condition over
those that are not? At some point there needs to be discussion about when specifics are applied to
what is essentially a list of conceptual assets and threats for a large area, i.e. need spatial overlays?

Distinguish between threats, threatening processes and impacts

Need to recognise value of already identified assets such as Ramsar sites and marine protected
areas and that these areas need continuing resourcing

Need widespread consultation

Take into account land status when developing management actions and acknowledge land
managers’ roles.

Outline the CCMA/PPCMA boundaries for marine management with respect to embayments (Corio
Bay and Port Phillip Bay)

What the strategy should incorporate – actions rather than aspirations, identify audience (intended
for broader than the CMA?), deliverables and accountabilities, priorities from a range of other
strategies and keep a biodiversity focus for outcomes that are achievable, realistic and graded.

Where does Swan Bay fit in? Does the Wetlands Strategy cover it or should it be included under
near shore waters as a priority for action?

Identify what is working now and identify/clarify assets that have not been a priority for the CCMA?

What can the CCMA control/influence? Need to work with partners to ensure actions are accepted
and appropriate and implemented

Don’t leave out significant individual species in strategy

When developing management actions, match people with expertise in specific areas (not everyone
can assess everything)

Consult engineers to look at engineering solutions to mitigate threats

Provide strong links to other strategies, both internal and external, for efficiency and clear actions,
and in order to attract funding from investors seeking multiple outcomes and integration.
55
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
6
CONCLUSION
In summary, the workshops generated an extensive pool of information about the concerns relating to the
protection of marine and coastal biodiversity. Recurring themes were the need to address climate change,
pest plants and animals, development pressures and our knowledge base, and improving the strategic
approach to biodiversity protection by the different agencies involved.
Across the workshops there was an expression of appreciation of the Corangamite CMA pursuing a role in
marine and coastal biodiversity protection and in consulting with stakeholders. Evaluation and feedback
showed that participants appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the development of the strategy and felt
the risk assessment process enabled them to have some meaningful input. Likewise the input of all those
involved has been greatly appreciated.
There was a strong interest from participants in continuing their involvement with the strategy development in
the form of a draft review, and this will form the next stage of the project.
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Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
7
REFERENCES
AS/NZS. (2004) Risk Management. (AS/NZS 4360:2004) Standards Australia of Australia, Strathfield NSW.
Carey, J.M., Boxshall, A., Burgman, M.A., Beilin, R. and Flander, L. (2007a). State-wide synthesis
of threats to natural values in Victoria’s Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries. Parks
Victoria Technical Series No. 34. Parks Victoria, Melbourne.
Carey, J.M., Burgman, M.A., Boxshall, A., Beilin, R., Flander, L., Pegler, P. and White, A.K.
(2007b). Identification of threats to natural values in Victoria’s Marine National Parks and Marine
Sanctuaries. Parks Victoria Technical Series No.33. Parks Victoria, Melbourne.
Cheshire, A.C., Westphalen, G. and Howe, S. (2008). Eyre Peninsula NRM Region: Coast
and Marine Prioritisation Workshop. A report to the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resource
Management Board and the Department for Environment and Heritage.
ICE/FIA. (1998) RAMP: Risk analysis and management for projects. Institution of Civil Engineers and the
Faculty and Institute of Actuaries. Thomas Telford, London.
57
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
APPENDIX 1
WORKSHOP HANDOUT
Definitions for risk assessment
Likelihood
Highly likely (5): Expected to occur in most circumstances (For “everyday” events, approx. once per week.
More than 85% chance of occurring within specified time frame)
Likely (4): Will probably occur in most circumstances (For “everyday” events, approx. once per month. 5085% chance of occurring within specified time frame)
Moderately likely (3): Might occur at some time (For “everyday” events, approx. once every 3 to 6 months.
21-49% chance of occurring within specified time frame)
Unlikely (2): Could occur at some time (For “everyday” events, approx. once per year. 1-20% chance of
occurring within specified time frame)
Very unlikely (1): Not expected to happen (For “everyday” events, approx. once every 2 to 5 years. Less than
1% chance of occurring within specified time frame)
Ecological Consequences
Catastrophic (5): Major ecological kill, long-term or permanent disruption of ecological processes, substantial
ecological change.
Major (4): Likelihood of long-term or permanent, major ecological impact.
Moderate (3): Temporary ecological impact extending beyond originating disturbance, some local or shortterm ecologically important consequences.
Minor (2): Temporary and non serious ecological impact.
Insignificant (1): No serious ecological impact.
Risk Ratings
Insignificant
(1)
Minor
(2)
Moderate
(3)
Major
(4)
Catastrophic
(5)
Highly Likely (5)
H
H
E
E
E
Likely (4)
M
H
H
E
E
Moderately Likely (3)
L
M
H
E
E
Unlikely (2)
L
L
M
H
E
Very Unlikely (1)
L
L
M
H
H
Consequence
Likelihood
Legend:
E - Extreme Risk
H - High Risk
M - Moderate Risk
L - Low Risk
Risk Ratings are calculated by using the original likelihood & consequences rounded averages
Ranking of Threats
The rule used to rank the threats per asset is to use (1) the highest risk rating with (2) highest likelihood or
consequence and (3) highest votes in that order. Where all these are equal, the rank is shown as the same
for that asset.
Adapted from ICE/FIA. (1998) and AS/NZS. (2004)
58
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
APPENDIX 2
COMBINED RISK RANKINGS FOR PRIORITY THREATS
Risk
M%
H%
E%
Sea level rise and increased storm events (24)
25
75
Pest plants and animals (15)
27
73
Changing ocean parameters – temp and acidity (13)
15
85
Development (13)
38
62
Knowledge limitations (10)
60
40
Increasing population pressure (9)
55
45
Lower terrestrial rainfall and higher temperatures (8)
12
88
Vegetation clearing (6)
33
67
Community awareness, attitudes and behaviour (6)
100
Commercial fishing (6)
83
17
Inadequate management (5)
40
60
Priority threat (in order of number of responses)
L%
Habitat fragmentation (5)
100
Inadequate resources/capacity (5)
100
Marine pests (5)
20
Catchment practices (5)
100
Beach access (4)
100
Recreational fishing (3)
100
Diseases/pathogens (3)
34
Inappropriate fire regimes (3)
100
Structural barriers/dredging/exploration (3)
66
Stormwater and sewage treatment (3)
100
Bait and shellfish collection (2)
50
50
Dogs and vehicles on the beach (2)
50
50
Lack of coordinated planning (2)
50
50
Wildfire (1)
100
Oil spills and contaminants (1)
100
Removal of timber/plants/beachcombing material (1)
100
Industry discharge (1)
100
Inadequate enforcement/legislation (0)
* Note: L = Low, M = Moderate, H = High and E = Extreme
59
80
66
34
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Climate change
Higher terrestrial temp/
and lower rainfall
Change in ocean
temp, acidification
Increased storm events
Potential changing
currents
Development
Increasing population
pressure
Vegetation clearing
Coastal dune
scrub/grassland
mosaic









Land management
Strategic
management







































Knowledge limitations
Inadequate
resources/capacity
Inadequate
enforcement/legislation
Coordination of
planning


Salinity changes (water)
Use of herbicides and
pesticides
Increased population
(e.g. due to cc)
Mineral extraction
Habitat fragmentation



Weed removal
Inappropriate fire
regimes
Catchment practices –
grazing, run-off, dairy
Lack of regeneration

Sandy beaches
Coastal Dune
Scrub

Breeding and
roosting grounds
- terrestrial
Saltmarsh

Coastal
heathland
Coastal
headland scrub
THREAT
Sea level rise
Coastal alkaline
woodland
SUMMARY OF THREATS TO COASTAL ASSETS
PRIORITY ASSET
APPENDIX 3










60



Structural and physical






Changes to
groundwater
Bore water harvesting –
aquifers (unknown
impacts)
Land based coastal
erosion
Pest plants and animals







Reduced food source







Shipping
Fishing (incl. bycatch &
excessive take)
Aquaculture
a
c
t
i
v
i
t
i
e
s
Commercial
activities


Marine Pests
R
e
c
r
e
a
t
i
o
n
a
l



Lack of awareness of
impacts
Bait and shellfish


Acid Sulphate Soils
Emergence of new
pests
Wildfire
Sandy beaches
Coastal dune
scrub/grassland
mosaic

Breeding and
roosting grounds
- terrestrial
Coastal Dune
Scrub

Coastal
heathland
Saltmarsh

Dredging, construction,
structural barriers,
exploration
Landslides
Removal of timber and
native flora
Illegal fishing
Biological
Coastal
headland scrub
THREAT
Community awareness,
attitudes, behaviour
Poor/inadequate
management
Flow regimes (estuaries)
Coastal alkaline
woodland
PRIORITY ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
61



Sandy beaches
Breeding and
roosting grounds
- terrestrial
Coastal
heathland
Coastal dune
scrub/grassland
mosaic
Coastal Dune
Scrub
Saltmarsh
Coastal
headland scrub
Coastal alkaline
woodland
THREAT
collection
Dogs and vehicles on
the beach
Horses
PRIORITY ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report





Fishing – (incl. bycatch
and excessive take)
Boating and mooring
Wildlife tours
Beach access (cars
and people)
Bycatch






Pollution and waste
Tourism
High number of people
in a concentrated area
for events e.g. Bells
Diseases/pathogens
e.g. abalone virus
Rupturing of
underwater pipelines
Stormwater and
sewage management
Noise and light pollution
(helicopters, jetty lights)
Macro waste dumping
e.g. ships
Oil spills and
contaminants
Litter incl.
entanglement










62
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report




Land management
Strategic
management















Inappropriate fire
regimes
Catchment
practices – grazing,
run-off, dairy
Lack of
regeneration
Use of herbicides
and pesticides
Increased
population (e.g.
due to cc)
Habitat
fragmentation


Development
Increasing
population pressure
Vegetation clearing
Intertidal
invertebrates

Rep. mammals
Rep.
amphibians

Rep. birds
Soil microflora
and fauna
Higher terrestrial
temp/ and lower
rainfall
Change in ocean
temp, acidification
Increased storm
events
Threatened
birds
Climate change
THREAT
Sea level rise
Threatened
mammals
SUMMARY OF THREATS TO FAUNA ASSETS
PRIORITY ASSET
APPENDIX 4








Knowledge
limitations
Inadequate
resources/capacity
Inadequate
enforcement/legisl
ation
63


Biological
Rep. mammals






Dredging,
construction,
structural barriers,
exploration
Landslides

Acid Sulphate Soils
Bore water
harvesting –
aquifers (unknown
impacts)
Land based coastal
erosion
Pest plants and
animals
Removal of timber
and native flora
Illegal fishing







Marine Pests

Reduced food
source
Wildfire
Commerc
ial
activities
Intertidal
invertebrates
Rep. birds

Soil microflora
and fauna
Threatened
birds

Rep.
amphibians
Structural and physical
THREAT
Coordination of
planning
Community
awareness,
attitudes, behaviour
Poor/inadequate
management
Flow regimes
(estuaries)
Threatened
mammals
PRIORITY ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report




Shipping

Fishing (incl.
bycatch &
excessive take)
64
Pollution and waste
Recreational activities
Lack of awareness
of impacts
Bait and shellfish
collection
Dogs and vehicles
on the beach
Fishing – (incl.
bycatch and
excessive take)
Boating and
mooring
Intertidal
invertebrates
Rep. birds
Rep.
amphibians
Soil microflora
and fauna
Threatened
birds
Threatened
mammals
Rep. mammals
THREAT
Aquaculture
PRIORITY ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report

Wildlife tours
Beach access (cars
and people)
Bycatch
High number of
people in a
concentrated area
for events e.g. Bells
Diseases/pathogen
s e.g. abalone virus
Rupturing of
underwater
pipelines
Stormwater and
sewage
management
Noise and light
pollution
(helicopters, jetty
lights)
Oil spills and
contaminants
Litter incl.
entanglement





65
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report
Climate change
Higher terrestrial
temp/ and lower
rainfall
Change in ocean
temp,
acidification
High Rainfall pulse
events
Potential
changing currents
Increased storm
events
Rhodolith Beds
Intertidal reefs
Subtidal reefs
Mudflats
Near shore
waters
Soft sediments
















Increasing
population
pressure
Vegetation
clearing
Land management






















Development
Inappropriate fire
regimes
Catchment
practices –
grazing, run-off,
dairy
Lack of
regeneration

Open waters
Breeding and
roosting grounds
- aquatic
THREAT
Sea level rise
SUMMARY OF THREATS TO MARINE ASSETS
PRIORITY ASSET
APPENDIX 5
Use of herbicides
and pesticides
Increased
population (e.g.
due to cc)
Habitat
fragmentation
66





Biological
Structural and physical
Strategic management
Inadequate
resources/capaci
ty
Inadequate
enforcement/legi
slation
Coordination of
planning
Political will/inertia
Breeding and
roosting grounds
- aquatic
Rhodolith Beds
Intertidal reefs
Subtidal reefs
Mudflats
Near shore
waters
Soft sediments
Open waters
THREAT
Knowledge
limitations
PRIORITY ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report

















Community
awareness,
attitudes,
behaviour
Poor/inadequate
management
Flow regimes
(estuaries)

Dredging,
construction,
structural barriers,
exploration
Landslides





Removal of
timber and native
67






Acid Sulphate
Soils
Bore water
harvesting –
aquifers
(unknown
impacts)
Land based
coastal erosion
Pest plants and
animals







Rhodolith Beds
Intertidal reefs
Subtidal reefs
Mudflats
Near shore
waters
Soft sediments
Open waters
Marine Pests
Breeding and
roosting grounds
- aquatic
THREAT
flora
Illegal fishing
PRIORITY ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report








Emergence of
new pests
Sleeper species



Recreational activities
Commercial activities
Reduced food
source
Failure to
recognise
biological
relationships
Wildfire

Shipping

Fishing (incl.
bycatch &
excessive take)
Aquaculture












Industry discharge
Lack of
awareness of
impacts
Bait and shellfish
collection
Dogs and
vehicles on the
beach
Fishing – (incl.
bycatch and
excessive take)
Boating and
mooring









Wildlife tours
68



Pollution and waste
Bycatch
High number of
people in a
concentrated
area for events
e.g. Bells
Diseases/pathoge
ns e.g. abalone
virus
Rupturing of
underwater
pipelines
Stormwater and
sewage
management
Noise and light
pollution
(helicopters, jetty
lights)
Oil spills and
contaminants
Macro waste
dumping
Litter incl.
entanglement
Open waters
Soft sediments
Near shore
waters
Mudflats
Subtidal reefs
Intertidal reefs
Rhodolith Beds
THREAT
Beach access
(cars and people)
Tourism
Breeding and
roosting grounds
- aquatic
PRIORITY ASSET
Wetlands Risk Assessment Workshop Report




















69
