Significance: The preclusion of other users is considered to pose a medium risk to the values which the anchorage areas are recognised for. Marine pest Activity: introduction Vessels at anchor introducing marine pests as biofouling, within ballast water, ballast chambers, sea chests or internal seawater cooling systems. Potential environmental impact: Impact on biodiversity and commercial fishing. Significance: It is considered unlikely that pest species would be introduced to deep water anchorages. The consequence of a successful introduction is considered to be catastrophic. Therefore, the significance of this impact is high. Interference with Activity: species behaviour Vessels sitting at anchor and vessels generating noise or light. Potential environmental impact: Displacement of species from habitat Altered species behaviour from light and noise Contact with megafauna Significance: Medium significance The impacts of ship anchorages that are relevant to the five major ports were identified during phase 1 of the project (GHD 2012). A summary of the environmental impacts for each port is provided in table 42. Table 42: Potential environmental impacts at each port Port Potential environmental Impacts A reduction in the aesthetic value of the coastal vista Port of Cairns Generation of small turbidity plumes from anchor drop and chain drag Disturbance to seabed biodiversity from anchor drop and chain drag* Minor releases of emissions/pollutants/wastes from ships
Significance: The preclusion of other users is considered to pose a medium risk to the values which the anchorage areas are recognised for. Marine pest introduction Activity: Vessels at anchor introducing marine pests as biofouling, within ballast water, ballast chambers, sea chests or internal seawater cooling systems. Potential environmental impact: Impact on biodiversity and commercial fishing. Significance: It is considered unlikely that pest species would be introduced to deep water anchorages. The consequence of a successful introduction is considered to be catastrophic. Therefore, the significance of this impact is high. Interference with species behaviour Activity: Vessels sitting at anchor and vessels generating noise or light. Potential environmental impact: Displacement of species from habitat Altered species behaviour from light and noise Contact with megafauna Significance: Medium significance The impacts of ship anchorages that are relevant to the five major ports were identified during phase 1 of the project (GHD 2012). A summary of the environmental impacts for each port is provided in table 42. Table 42: Potential environmental impacts at each port Port Potential environmental Impacts Port of Cairns A reduction in the aesthetic value of the coastal vista Generation of small turbidity plumes from anchor drop and chain drag Disturbance to seabed biodiversity from anchor drop and chain drag* Minor releases of emissions/pollutants/wastes from ships