Appendix A identifies EPBC Act-listed species for which there are scientifically documented adverse impacts resulting from marine debris. For example, 90 per cent of flesh-footed shearwater fledglings on Lord Howe Island were affected by ingestion of plastic debris in 2011 (Lavers et al., 2014). Ingestion of plastic significantly reduced flesh-footed shearwater fledgling body mass and wing length, lowering juvenile survival by at least 11 per cent (Lavers, 2014). Ingestion of plastic has also been implicated in the decline of the Lord Howe Island population of this species (Hutton et al., 2008; Lavers and Bond, 2016; Lavers et al., 2014; Priddel et al., 2006). As understanding on species impact grows (through understanding of microplastic impact for example), the number of species on the list at Appendix A is likely to increase. For example, in two whale shark (Rhincodon typus) stranding cases in the Philippines, necropsies revealed plastic materials in the animal’s stomachs (Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, 2014). Whale sharks are listed as vulnerable and migratory under the EPBC Act; confirmation of lethal or sublethal impact resulting from plastic ingestion will lead to addition of whale sharks to the Appendix A impacted species list. Researchers found over forty pieces of rubbish including the remains of balloons, plastic bags, hard plastic, fishing line, thong and plastic bottle top in this young green turtle. Image: Dr Kathy Townsend, Moreton Bay Research Station, University of Queensland. Appendix B identifies the two EPBC Act-listed ecological communities (Posidonia australis seagrass meadows of the Manning–Hawkesbury ecoregion, and subtropical and temperate coastal saltmarsh) for which marine debris (litter) is identified as a threat. As understanding of marine debris impact develops, further ecological communities may also be identified as impacted. For example, climate change is identified as the major threat to the endangered giant kelp marine forests of south-east Australia, but land-based pollution is a recognised secondary threat that may become increasingly relevant. As discussed under Objective 1, abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear is predominantly comprised of synthetic material and threatens wildlife through interactions that lead to entanglement. Investigation of spatial and temporal links to species entanglement in derelict fishing gear and other forms of plastic debris is a research priority (Vegter et al., 2014). 21
Appendix A identifies EPBC Act-listed species for which there are scientifically documented adverse impacts resulting from marine debris. For example, 90 per cent of flesh-footed shearwater fledglings on Lord Howe Island were affected by ingestion of plastic debris in 2011 (Lavers et al., 2014). Ingestion of plastic significantly reduced flesh-footed shearwater fledgling body mass and wing length, lowering juvenile survival by at least 11 per cent (Lavers, 2014). Ingestion of plastic has also been implicated in the decline of the Lord Howe Island population of this species (Hutton et al., 2008; Lavers and Bond, 2016; Lavers et al., 2014; Priddel et al., 2006). As understanding on species impact grows (through understanding of microplastic impact for example), the number of species on the list at Appendix A is likely to increase. For example, in two whale shark (Rhincodon typus) stranding cases in the Philippines, necropsies revealed plastic materials in the animal’s stomachs (Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, 2014). Whale sharks are listed as vulnerable and migratory under the EPBC Act; confirmation of lethal or sublethal impact resulting from plastic ingestion will lead to addition of whale sharks to the Appendix A impacted species list. Researchers found over forty pieces of rubbish including the remains of balloons, plastic bags, hard plastic, fishing line, thong and plastic bottle top in this young green turtle. Image: Dr Kathy Townsend, Moreton Bay Research Station, University of Queensland. Appendix B identifies the two EPBC Act-listed ecological communities (Posidonia australis seagrass meadows of the Manning–Hawkesbury ecoregion, and subtropical and temperate coastal saltmarsh) for which marine debris (litter) is identified as a threat. As understanding of marine debris impact develops, further ecological communities may also be identified as impacted. For example, climate change is identified as the major threat to the endangered giant kelp marine forests of south-east Australia, but land-based pollution is a recognised secondary threat that may become increasingly relevant. As discussed under Objective 1, abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear is predominantly comprised of synthetic material and threatens wildlife through interactions that lead to entanglement. Investigation of spatial and temporal links to species entanglement in derelict fishing gear and other forms of plastic debris is a research priority (Vegter et al., 2014). 21
tap-marine-debris-2018.docx