237Criteria—reduction in abundance, geographic distribution or genetic diversity

237 Criteria—reduction in abundance, geographic distribution or genetic diversity

237 Criteria—reduction in abundance, geographic distribution or genetic diversity

(1) It is observed, estimated, inferred or reasonably suspected that the species has undergone, or is likely to undergo, within a time frame appropriate to the life cycle and habitat characteristics of the taxon—

(a) for critically endangered species—an extremely large reduction in 1 or more of the following—

(i) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon,

(ii) geographic distribution,

(iii) genetic diversity, or

(b) for endangered species—a very large reduction in 1 or more of the following—

(i) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon,

(ii) geographic distribution,

(iii) genetic diversity, or

(c) for vulnerable species—a large reduction in 1 or more of the following—

(i) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon,

(ii) geographic distribution,

(iii) genetic diversity.

(2) The Fisheries Scientific Committee must have regard to the following in determining the extent of the reduction referred to in subclause (1)—

(a) the rate of and trends in the reduction,

(b) the potential of the species to maintain relatively stable abundance under high levels of mortality,

(c) the ability of the species to recover rapidly from low numbers,

(d) the reproductive potential of the species in relation to the following—

(i) reproductive ecology and behaviour and the relationship of these to any threatening process or processes, and the probability of recruitment failure,

(ii) historical, anecdotal or scientific data suggesting a reduction in the production of eggs or progeny compared to the unexploited state, to an extent that the ability of the species to maintain viable populations has been compromised,