240Criteria—reduction in abundance, geographic distribution or genetic diversity

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

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

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

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

(b) geographic distribution,

(c) 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 resilience of the population in relation to current or potential threatening processes,

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

(d) the reproductive potential of the population 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,

(iii) evidence of a reduction in the generation time and life span of the species relative to the unexploited state,

(iv) population density, and the significance of population density in the species’ reproductive strategies,

(v) effective population size,

(e) evidence of recovery from low numbers following the introduction of protection measures or changes to management strategies,

(f) the current management strategies in relation to life history and reproductive ecology,

(g) assessment of the probability of extinction,