Wildlife conservation

Bullers and white-capped albatrosses fight over fish lost from a longline. Photo: Graham Robertson

Whales, seals, penguins and seabirds face a number of threats to their long-term viability including: 

• oceanic and environmental changes on the feeding grounds;
• environmental changes at breeding sites;
• habitat degradation;
• direct and indirect interactions with commercial fisheries; and
  
• other human activities causing disturbance or interference.

The effects of past over-exploitation of seals, penguins and whales also has implications for the current conservation status of these groups, as some species appear to show little evidence of recovery. In contrast, some species are recovering at rapid but variable rates and their recovery may have significant effects on the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the region.

This research stream will inform conservation and management options for Antarctic wildlife and focus on the status, population biology and ecology of whales, seals and seabirds and the threats these populations face. It will utilise the results of research delivered through other streams on important patterns of distribution and ‘hot spots’ of marine biodiversity.

Whale research supports Australia's role in the Southern Ocean Research Partnership. Photo: Sarah Robinson

The research priorities of this stream are determined by national initiatives such as the species recovery plan process and bioregional protected area networks. Whale research supports Australia’s role within the Southern Ocean Research Partnership (SORP), which undertakes conservation management research on Southern Ocean whales for the International Whaling Commission.

The key research questions being investigated are:

• What are the status and trends of wildlife populations of ecological or conservation value in the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT) and surrounding Southern Ocean, and what drives these trends?
• How do species and populations of key Antarctic wildlife utilise the various habitats available in the eastern sector of the Southern Ocean and what is the extent of spatial and trophic overlap between species?
• Will the ecological consequences of changes in population size and distribution of Antarctic wildlife lead to broader changes in ecosystem structure?
• What can the demographic processes (changing population size) of recovering populations of Antarctic wildlife tell us about decadal or greater temporal scales of changes in the Southern Ocean?
• How can we design an integrated long-term monitoring strategy for selected Antarctic wildlife in the eastern Antarctic and surrounding Southern Ocean that provides information on their population status, their ecological drivers and their vulnerabilities?
• How do changes in atmosphere and oceans affect the population status, distribution and behaviour of ecologically important Antarctic wildlife?

Adelie penguins. Photo: AAD

A number of existing scientific programs established prior to or during the previous science strategy are continuing under this stream and providing data that will inform future research directions. These programs include:

• The CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitory Program (CEMP) - a long term research program established in 1990 looking at many facets of the biology and ecology of Adelie penguins.
• Emperor penguin population trends, reproduction, feeding and movement.
• Research through the Australian Marine Mammal Centre.
  

Stream Leader: Dr Rob Harcourt

Stream Implementation Plan: Stream 3.2 Wildlife conservation

This research feeds into:

• Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)
• International Whaling Commission (IWC)
• Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP)