10Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds

10 Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds

Under the CMS, species are listed on Appendix I or Appendix II (or both), with Appendix I species recognised as endangered. Parties to the Convention that are Range States of a migratory species commit to prohibiting the taking of animals listed in Appendix I, and endeavour:

 to conserve and, where feasible and appropriate, restore those habitats of the species which are of importance in removing the species from danger of extinction;

 to prevent, remove, compensate for or minimize, as appropriate, the adverse effects of activities or obstacles that seriously impede or prevent the migration of the species; and

 to the extent feasible and appropriate, prevent, reduce or control factors that are endangering or are likely to further endanger the species, including strictly controlling the introduction of, or controlling or eliminating, already introduced exotic species.

Appendix II species are those that have an unfavourable conservation status and which require international agreements for their conservation and management, as well as those that would significantly benefit from the international cooperation that could be achieved by an international agreement.

Migratory species included in either Appendix can also benefit from the development of Concerted Actions. These range from field research and conservation projects to the establishment of technical and institutional frameworks for action. International Single Species Action Plans are an important instrument to promote and coordinate activities that seek to protect and restore habitat, mitigate obstacles to migration and other factors that might endanger species.

Signatories to JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA are committed to taking appropriate measures to preserve and enhance the environment of migratory birds, in particular, by seeking means to prevent damage to such birds and their environment.

These agreements also commit the governments to exchange research data and publications, to encourage formulation of joint research programs, and to encourage the conservation of migratory birds.

Actions that have or are likely to have, a significant impact on a listed migratory species (or other protected matter) must be referred to the Department for a decision on whether further assessment and approval is needed under the EPBC Act before an action can be undertaken.

An action is likely to have a significant impact on a migratory species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

 substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of important habitat for migratory species;

 result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species; or