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APPENDIX T: TECHNICAL REPORT FOR MARINE FAUNA

CLIENT: TNG Limited STATUS: Revision 1 REPORT No.: R190200 ISSUE DATE: 18th November 2019

Darwin Industrial Processing Facility

Marine Fauna Review

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Marine Fauna Review

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Important Note

This report and all its components (including images, audio, video, text) is copyright. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced, copied, transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical or graphic) without the prior written permission of O2 Marine.

This report has been prepared for the sole use of the TNG Limited (herein, ‘the client’), for a specific site (herein ‘the site’, the specific purpose specified in Section 1.4 of this report (herein ‘the purpose’). This report is strictly limited for use by the client, to the purpose and site and may not be used for any other purposes.

Third parties, excluding regulatory agencies assessing an application in relation to the purpose, may not rely on this report. O2 Marine waives all liability to any third-party loss, damage, liability or claim arising out of or incidental to a third-party publishing, using or relying on the facts, content, opinions or subject matter contained in this report.

O2 Marine waives all responsibility for loss or damage where the accuracy and effectiveness of information provided by the Client or other third parties were inaccurate or not up to date and was relied upon, wholly or in part in reporting.

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WA Marine Pty Ltd t/as O2 Marine ACN 168 014 819 Originating Office – Southwest Suite 5, 18 Griffin Drive, Dunsborough WA 6281 T 1300 739 447 | [email protected]

Version Register

Version Status Author Reviewer Change from Previous Version

Authorised for Release (signed and dated)

Rev A Draft M. Donda T. Hurley

Rev B Draft M. Donda T. Hurley

Rev C Draft M. Donda C. Lane

Rev D Draft M. Donda C. Lane

Rev 0 Final M. Donda C. Lane C. Lane 21/10/2019

Rev 1 Final M. Donda C. Lane C. Lane 18/11/2019

Transmission Register

Controlled copies of this document are issued to the persons/companies listed below. Any copy of this report held by persons not listed in this register is deemed uncontrolled. Updated versions of this report if issued will be released to all parties listed below via the email address listed.

Name Email Address

Sharon Arena [email protected]

Mitch Ladyman [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Name Email Address

v TNG Processing Facility Darwin

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Acronyms, Units and Abbreviations

Acronyms/Abbreviation Description

APM Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd

BIA Biologically Important Area

DBCA Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions

DLPE Department of Land Planning and Environment

DoEE Department of Environment and Energy

EA Environmental Assessment Act

EAAP Environmental Assessment Administrative Procedures

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

EPA Environmental Protection Authority

EPBC Environmental Protection Biodiversity and Conservation

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature

MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance

NOI Notice of Intent

NSW New South Whales

NT Northern Territory

O2M O2 Marine

PMST Protected Matters Search Tool

QLD Queensland

SA South Australia

TNG TNG Limited

ToR Terms of Reference

tpa Tonnes per annum

VIC Victoria

WA Western Australia

Units/Abbreviation Description

GL Gigalitres

ha hectares

Km Kilometers

% Percent

V2O5 Vanadium pentoxide

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Table of Contents

1 Introduction 9

1.1 Project Overview 9 1.2 Environmental Approvals 11 1.3 Environmental Factors and Objectives 12 1.4 Objectives 12 1.5 Policies and Guidance 13

2 Methods 15

2.1 Desktop Investigations 15 2.2 Study Area 15 2.3 Database Searches 15 2.4 Relevant surveys 15 2.5 Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment 16

3 Results 17

3.1 Database search 17

4 Discussion 20

4.1 Marine Reptiles 20 4.2 Elasmobranchs (Sharks & Rays) 54 4.3 Mammals 65 4.4 Fish 74

5 Environmental Windows and Key Habitat 77

6 Conclusion 79

7 References 81

Figures

Figure 1 Darwin Processing Facility 10 Figure 2 Indicative dispersal for the Arafura Sea, Cape Domett, eastern Queensland and Pilbara Flatback Turtle based

on tag recovery and satellite telemetry (Source: CoA, 2017). 22 Figure 3 Indicative dispersal for the northern-east Arnhem Land and north Queensland Hawksbill Turtle stocks based

on tag recovery and satellite telemetry. Green arrows represent turtles nesting outside Australia and foraging within Australian waters (Source: CoA, 2017). 23

Figure 4 Indicative dispersal for the Northern Territory and north-western Cape York Olive Ridley Turtle based on tag recovery, genetic mixed stock analysis and satellite telemetry. Green arrows represent turtles nesting outside Australia and foraging within Australia waters (Source: CoA, 2017). 24

Figure 5 Indicative dispersal for northern Great Barrier Reef and North West Shelf Green Turtle stocks based on tag recovery satellite telemetry and genetic mixed stock analysis (Source: CoA, 2017). 25

Figure 6 Indicative dispersal Coral Sea, Gulf of Carpentaria and Ashmore Reef Green Turtle stocks based on tag recovery satellite telemetry and genetic mixed stock analysis (Source: CoA, 2017). 26

Figure 7 Indicative dispersal of southern Great Barrier Reef, Scott-Browse, Cocos Keeling and Cobourg Green Turtle stocks based on tag recovery satellite telemetry and genetic mixed stock analysis (Source: CoA, 2017). 27

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Figure 8 Marine Turtle observations within the Study Area and broader Darwin Harbour region. Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate), Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) (Source: ALA, 2019). 29

Figure 9 Turtle nesting beaches of the northern section of the Anson beagle Bioregion (Source: INPEX, 2009 and 2009). 33

Figure 10 Relative importance of nesting beaches using maximum sum of nests and tracks of all species in a single survey between 1991 and 2004 in the Anson Beagle Bioregion (northern section) (Source: Chatto, 2008).34

Figure 11 Flatback turtle (Natator depressus) nesting sites in Australia and surrounding regions (Source: CoA, 2017).37 Figure 12 Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting sites in Australia and surrounding regions (Source: CoA,

2017). 38 Figure 13 Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) nesting sites in Australia and surrounding regions (Source: CoA,

2017). 39 Figure 14 Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting sites in Australia and surrounding regions (Source: CoA, 2017). 40 Figure 15 Potential Green Turtle foraging habitat in Darwin Harbour (Source: INPEX, 2009). 43 Figure 16 Potential Hawksbill turtle foraging habitat in Darwin Harbour. (Source: INPEX, 2009). 44 Figure 17 Potential Flatback turtle foraging habitat in Darwin Harbour (Source: INPEX, 2009). 45 Figure 18 Seasnake observations within the Study Area and Darwin Harbour region. Black-ringed sea snake (Hydrelaps

Darwiniensis) and Northern Mangrove sea snake (Parahydrophis mertoni) (Source: ALA 2019). 47 Figure 19 Distribution of Saltwater Crocodile (C. Porous) in Australia (Source: Saalfeld et al., 2016). 50 Figure 20 Distribution of the Freshwater Crocodile in Australia (Source: Delaney et al., 2010). 51 Figure 21 Crocodile observations within the Study Area and Darwin Harbour region. Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus

johnstoni) and Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) (Source: ALA, 2019). 51 Figure 22 Suitable Saltwater Crocodile habitat in the Northern Territory reserve system predicted from hydrography and

vegetation layers. Suitable habitat defined as favourable water body types (land subject to inundation, marine swamp, saline coastal flat, swamp, perennial lake, perennial watercourses, and mangrove) (Source: Saalfeld et al., 2014). 53

Figure 23 Sawfish observations within the Study Area and Darwin Harbour region. Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis), Green Sawfish (Pristis zijsron) and Dwarf Sawfish (Pristis clavata) (Source: ALA, 2019). 57

Figure 24 Largetooth Sawfish distribution within Australia (Source: CoA, 2015). 58 Figure 25 Green Sawfish distribution within Australia (Source: CoA, 2015). 59 Figure 26 Dwarf Sawfish distribution within Australia (Source: CoA, 2015). 60 Figure 27 Bathymetry of Darwin Harbour (Source: INPEX, 2009). 64 Figure 28 Dolphin observations within the Study Area and Darwin Harbour region. Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella

heinsohni), Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa sahulensis) and Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) (Source: ALA, 2019). 68

Figure 29 Locations of calves recorded during transect surveys: blue circle = Sousa sp.; red circle = Orcaella sp.; green circle = Tursiops sp. (Source: Palmer, 2010). 70

Figure 30 Distribution of Dugongs within the North Marine region, December 1995 (Source: Cardno, 2013). 72 Figure 31 Dugong observations within the Study Area and Darwin Harbour region. (Source: ALA, 2019). 72 Figure 32 Short-keel Pipefish (Hippichthys parvicarinatus), Flat-face Seahorse (Hipppocampus planifrons), Lowcrown

Seahorse (Hippocampus dahli), Tidepool Pipefish (Micrognathus micronotopterus) and Straightstick Pipefish (Trachyrhamphus longirostris) observations within the Study Area and Darwin Harbour region (Source: ALA, 2019). 75

Tables

Table 1 Environmental factors and objectives for the theme ‘Sea’ addressed in this report 12 Table 2 Conservation Significant Species that are ‘known to occur’ or have a ‘high potential to occur’ within the Study

Area 18 Table 3 Peak nesting season and length of nesting season in the Northern Territory. 32

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Table 4 Important bioregions within Australia for turtle nesting and rookeries known to occur. Source: Austurtle, (2006); Chatto (2008); CoA (2017); URS (2011); Musick (2002); WWF (2005). 35

Table 5 Marine turtle dietary preferences by species (Source: CoA, 2017; AusTurtle, 2006; INPEX, 2009; Smit et al., 2012 and Musick, 2002). 42

Table 6 Summary of Environmental Windows and Key Habitats 77

Appendices

Appendix A: Database Search Results A Appendix B: Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment

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1 Introduction

1.1 Project Overview

TNG Limited (TNG) (the Proponent), proposes to construct and operate the Darwin Processing Facility (the Processing Facility) at Wickham in the Northern Territory (NT) (the Project). The Processing Facility is proposed to process magnetite concentrate (concentrate hereafter) to produce:

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) flake– for use in steel, non-ferrous alloys, chemicals, catalysts and energy storage (vanadium redox batteries);

Titanium dioxide – for use in paint, plastics, paper and inks; and ferric oxide – for use in steel making.

The three products will be exported through the Port of Darwin’s East Arm Wharf to international customers.

The Processing Facility is proposed to be located on Lot 1817, Hundred of Ayers, Middle Arm Industrial Precinct, Wickham, approximately 16 km south east of Darwin (Figure 1). The site is located adjacent to the Elizabeth River and encompasses 507 hectares (ha), of which 40 ha is mangrove forest and intertidal zone, and 467 ha is terrestrial land. The Project and associated access roads, supporting infrastructure and service comprise a development footprint of approximately 264 ha (approximately 52% of the total Lot area).

The magnetite concentrate will be produced at TNG’s proposed Mount Peake Project approximately 1,400 km south of Darwin, which is the subject of a separate environmental assessment and approvals process. The Mount Peake Project will involve the mining of a polymetallic ore body (enriched with vanadium, titanium and iron) and beneficiation of the ore to produce magnetite concentrate. The concentrate will be transported by rail from the mine site to the Processing Facility.

An ocean outfall is required as part of the Processing Facility construction to dispose of waste by-products. The ocean outfall is proposed to discharge approximately 12 GL/year of treated process water into the Elizabeth River.

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Figure 1 Darwin Processing Facility

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1.2 Environmental Approvals

TNG submitted a notice of Intent (NOI) to the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) and Department of Lands Planning and Environment (DLPE) on 27 October 2015 for consideration under the Environment Assessment Act 1982 (EA Act).

On 15 January 2016, the NT EPA determined the Project requires assessment at the level of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The NT EPA decision was based on the following risks and potential environmental impacts:

Risks to biodiversity values1 of adjacent areas, including nationally significant mangrove communities2, marine ecosystems, local fisheries and listed threatened species;

Environmental risks associated with vegetation clearing, erosion and sediment control, uncontrolled discharges, dust, spills, disturbance of acid sulfate soils, contamination of soils, surface water and / or ground water;

Potential for Project noise, lighting and emissions to impact on existing residents, potential for future residential development of the area, and other sensitive receptors;

Potential for introduction and / or spread of weeds; Risks of exposure of workers to high biting insect numbers; Environmental risks associated with waste streams and waste management practices; Risks associated with transport, handling and / or storage of reagents, products and / or

hazardous material; Public health and safety risks associated with siting a potential major hazard facility

adjacent to Darwin Harbour; and Potential for impacts on service infrastructure and service supply capacities, due to Project

demands.

The Project was referred under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and on 4 January 2016 it was determined to constitute a controlled action requiring assessment under the EPBC Act, under the bilateral agreement between the Australian and Northern Territory (NT) Governments. The controlling provisions included the likely significant impact on:

Listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 & 18A); and Listed migratory species (sections 20 & 20A).

1 Smit, N., Penny , S.S. and Griffiths, AD., 2012. Assessment of marine biodiversity and habitat mapping in the Weddell region, Darwin Harbour. Report to the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment. Department of Land Resource Management, Palmerston

2 Northern Territory Government. Sites of Conservation Significance Darwin Harbour.

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1.3 Environmental Factors and Objectives

The NT EPA Environmental Factors and Objectives Guideline (NT EPA, 2018) was developed to improve certainty and increase transparency within the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. The 13 environmental factors are categorised under five themes of: Land, Water, Sea, Air and People and Communities.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Project (NT EPA, 2016) was released by the NT EPA prior to the publication of NT EPA (2018). Therefore, the ToR does not identify specific Environmental Factors that the EIS must address. Discussions between the NT EPA and the Proponent subsequent to publication of NT EPA (2018) have identified the EIS must address the three factors and corresponding objectives identified by the NT EPA within the theme ‘Sea’ presented in Table 1.

Table 1 Environmental factors and objectives for the theme ‘Sea’ addressed in this report

Theme Factor Objective

Sea Marine Flora and Fauna Protect marine flora and fauna so that biological diversity and ecological integrity are maintained

Benthic Habitat and Communities

Protect benthic communities and habitats so that biological diversity and ecological integrity are maintained

Marine Environmental Quality

Maintain the quality and productivity of water, sediment and biota so that environmental values are protected.

1.4 Objectives

TNG commissioned O2 Marine (O2M) to undertake desktop review and marine environmental investigations of Sea relevant themes to support the EIS and Project approvals. Impact and assessment relies on knowledge of the existing environment of the Project area. For instance, in order to determine which habitats and biota are being affected by disturbance, their distribution and diversity has to be understood. Furthermore, the types of impacts and their severity and consequence for the whole ecosystem can only be evaluated on the background of a comprehensive understanding of the ecological context.

This document is intended to characterise the factor Marine Flora and Fauna that may be impacted by the proposal. This document provides an account of the Marine Flora and Fauna of the Study Area using database searches and desktop investigations.

The specific objectives of this report are to address specific recommendations within the ToR, including:

Identify, describe and map the presence or likely presence of species listed under the EPBC Act and/ or the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act in areas that may be impacted by the Project, including historic records. Relevant species for the EPBC Act include, but are not limited to: - EPBC Vulnerable listed species: dwarf sawfish (Pristis clavata) migratory; largetooth

sawfish (Pristis pristis) migratory; green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) migratory; green turtle (Chelonia mydas) marine, migratory; flatback turtle (Natator depressus) marine migratory; hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) marine, migratory

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- EPBC Endangered listed species: loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) marine migratory; olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) marine, migratory

The size and distribution of the local threatened species populations, including at different life cycle stages;

The importance of local populations in local, NT, national and international contexts; Suitable habitat for listed threatened species determined to be present or that have a high

likelihood of being present, including: - Consideration of habitat suitable for breeding, foraging, aggregation or roosting; - The quality and quantity of available habitat the local populations range, important habitat

areas and migratory pathways; and - The areas to be disturbed or altered by development as part of the proposed action (with

reference to maps showing important habitat areas), making clear how those areas will, or could be, disturbed or altered.

For the purposes of EIA, marine fauna are defined as: Animals that live in the ocean or rely on the ocean for all or part of their lives. Seabirds can also be considered as marine fauna, although seabirds are considered under the environmental factor Terrestrial Fauna (APM, 2019). Marine fauna such as sponges and corals and all marine flora such as mangroves, seagrass and macroalgae are considered under the environmental factor Benthic Habitats and Communities (O2M, 2019). In accordance with the ToR, this document is primarily focussed on an assessment of conservation significant marine fauna.

1.5 Policies and Guidance

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

On behalf of the Minister for Environment, the Department of Environment and Energy (DoEE) publishes a list of fauna and flora species regarded as threatened, rare, likely to become extinct, or presumed extinct. These taxa are protected under the EPBC Act and are listed in specific categories such as Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Conservation Dependent, Extinct, or Extinct in the Wild.

Migratory species are categorised under the EPBC Act as Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES). Recognised migratory species includes any native species identified in an international agreement approved by the Minister and those listed under:

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention); The China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA); The Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA); and The Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA).

Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Act 2000 (NT Act)

The Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Act 2000 (NT Act, the Act), provides for the conservation, protection and ecologically sustainable use of wildlife within the Northern Territory. Threatened species (both flora and fauna) that meet the categories listed within the Act are highly protected and require authorisation by the Ministerial to take or disturb. Seven categories have been devised that include Threatened Fauna conservation categories of critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and presumed extinct have been aligned with those detailed in the EPBC Act. Additional categories cover migratory species, conservation dependent species and other specially protected species. Flora and

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fauna species may be listed as being of special conservation interest if they have a naturally low population, restricted natural range, are subject to or recovering from a significant population decline or reduction of range or are of special interest, and the Minister considers that ‘taking’ may result in depletion of the species. Migratory species and those subject to international agreement are also listed under the Act. These are known as specially protected species.

Relevant Guidelines

The following NT EPA policies and guidance have been consulted in the evaluation of which the environmental factor marine fauna, which may potentially be impacted by the proposed project:

NT EPA (2018). Environmental Factors and Objectives; and NT EPA (2014). Guide to the Environmental Impact Assessment Process in the Northern

Territory.

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2 Methods

2.1 Desktop Investigations

O2 Marine undertook a comprehensive desktop review to identify conservation significant marine fauna species that are known to occur or that could potentially occur within the Study Area. Information has been derived from database searches, surveys undertaken for various coastal development projects in Darwin Harbour and the surrounding region of the Northern Territory, relevant scientific literature, and other studies commissioned by government authorities. A likelihood of occurrence assessment was then undertaken for each of the species identified in the searches.

2.2 Study Area

The assessment of Marine Fauna and in the Study Area is defined by the latitude/longitude coordinates -12.53306, 130.96721, with a 10 km buffer applied. The Study Area is intended to represent the environment that may be impacted by any aspect of the Project and includes the area either side of the Development Envelope up and down the Elizabeth River. The Marine Fauna Study Area for this assessment is presented in Figure 1.

2.3 Database Searches

The Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy (DoEE) Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) was used to identify species listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act that may occur within the Study Area. The PMST is a predictive database that identifies EPBC Act listed species and communities with a ‘moderate potential to occur’ in the search area based on bioclimatic modelling. The Study Area was used to define the extent of the PMST search.

Database search results were also obtained from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) (2019). The Study Area was again used to define the extent of the database search.

2.4 Relevant surveys

The following studies that have previously been conducted within or near the site were reviewed during the preparation of this report:

Ichthys Gas Field Development Project – Benthic Habitat Mapping of the Darwin Region – (Geooceans, 2011);

Ichthys Nearshore Environmental Monitoring Program - Turtle and Dugong Monitoring Program pre and post dredging report– (Cardno, 2013 & 2015);

Ichthys Gas Field Development Project – Potential effects of project activities on marine fauna in Darwin Harbour (URS, 2011);

East Arm Wharf Expansion Project coastal offset plan for Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment – (URS, 2015);

Assessment of marine biodiversity and habitat mapping in the Weddell region, Darwin Harbour. Report to the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment - (Smit et al., 2012);

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The Darwin dolphin monitoring program. Abundance, apparent survival, movements and habitat use of humpback, bottlenose and snubfins in the Darwin area - (Pollock & Brooks, 2015);

Darwin Harbour Coastal Dolphin Project - (Palmer, 2010).;

Ichthys gas field development project - summary report of dolphin surveys in the Middle Arm and West Arm of Darwin Harbour- January to March 2011 - (GHD, 2011);

Ichthys Gas Field Development Project - the benthic environment of the Ichthys Project-invertebrate fauna, habitats and impacts - (Aecom, 2011);

Darwin Port Maintenance Dredging – EPBC Referral Supporting Information (Aecom, 2017);

The distribution and status of marine turtle nesting in the northern territory - (Chatto, 2008);

Marine bioregional plan for the North Marine Region. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water Population and Communities – (DSEWPaC, 2012);

Sawfish and River Sharks. Multispecies recovery plan. Department of the Environment – (CoA, 2015); and

Recovery plan for marine turtles. Department of the Environment and Energy – (CoA, 2017).

2.5 Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment

An assessment was undertaken of the likelihood of occurrence for threatened species identified through the desktop investigations. The DoEE and NT Government do not have prescriptive likelihood of occurrence guidelines within their policies but rather clarify the scale of assessment required to determine the level of impact (e.g. level of assessment, previous record searches, and distribution maps). The following criteria have been developed by O2 Marine with the aim of considering the assessment classifications to identify the likelihood of occurrence for threatened species:

Low potential to occur – the species has not been recorded in the region (no records from desktop search) and/or current known distribution does not encompass Study Area and/or suitable habitat is generally lacking from the Study Area;

Moderate potential to occur – the species has been recorded in the region (desktop search) however suitable habitat is generally lacking from the Study Area OR species has not been recorded in the region (no records from desktop searches) but potentially suitable habitat occurs at the Study Area;

High potential to occur – the species has been recorded in the region (desktop search) and suitable habitat is present at the Study Area; and

Known to occur – the species has been recorded on-site in the recent past (i.e. last 5-10 years) and the site provides suitable habitat for it.

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3 Results

3.1 Database search

The database searches identified 23 species listed as threatened and a further 53 species listed as marine under the EPBC Act which may potentially occur within the Study Area (Appendix A).

A marine fauna likelihood of occurrence assessment was undertaken for these species and the complete results are presented in Appendix B The assessment determined that 20 conservation significant species (listed in Table 2) are ‘known to occur’ or have a ‘high potential to occur’ within the Study Area. A further 56 species were assigned a lower likelihood of occurrence based on the criteria described in Section 2.5. Results are presented in Table 2 and summarised below:

Marine Reptiles

Conservation significant marine reptiles species known to occur in the Study area include four (4) species of sea turtles; Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), two (2) species of crocodile: Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni), Salt-water Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), and two (2) seasnakes: Black-ringed Seasnake (Hydrelaps Darwiniensis), Northern Mangrove Seasnake (Parahydrophis mertoni). A further two turtle species; the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta

caretta), and Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), and 16 sea snake species were also recorded in the database search for the Study Area, but were considered through the likelihood of occurrence assessment to have a lower likelihood of occurrence.

Elasmobranchs (Sharks & Rays)

Conservation significant elasmobranch species known to occur or have a high potential to occur in the Study Area include three (3) species of sawfish; Dwarf Sawfish (Pristis clavata), Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis) and the Green Sawfish (Pristis zijsron). A further six (6) shark and ray species were recorded in database searches for the area but were considered to have a lower likelihood of occurrence.

Marine Mammals

Conservation significant mammal species known to occur or have a high potential to occur in the Study Area include four (4) species including the Dugong (Dugong Dugon) and three (3) dolphin species; Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis), Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) and the Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Irrawaddy Dolphin). A further nine (9) marine mammal species were also recorded in database searches for the area but were considered to have a lower likelihood of occurrence.

Fish

Conservation significant fish species known to occur or have a high potential to occur in the Study Area include five (5) species including the Short-keel Pipefish (Hippichthys parvicarinatus), Flat-face Seahorse (Hippocampus planifrons), Lowcrown Seahorse (Hippocampus dahli), Tidepool Pipefish (Micrognathus micronotopterus) and Straightstick Pipefish (or long-nosed pipefish) (Trachyrhamphus

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longirostris). A further 23 fish species were also recorded in database searches for the area but were considered to have a lower likelihood of occurrence.

Table 2 Conservation Significant Species that are ‘known to occur’ or have a ‘high potential to occur’ within the Study Area

Class Species Name Common Name

EPBC Act

Status

NT Act Status

IUCN Status

Likelihood of occurrence

Reptile Chelonia mydas Green turtle V, MM EN Known to occur

Reptile Crocodylus johnstoni Freshwater Crocodile

Ma LC High potential to occur

Reptile Crocodylus porosus Salt-water Crocodile

MM LC Known to occur

Reptile Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill turtle V, MM V CR Known to occur

Reptile Natator depressus Flatback turtle V, MM DD Known to occur

Reptile Hydrelaps darwiniensis Black-ringed Seasnake


Reptile Lepidochelys olivacea Olive Ridley Turtle

E, MM V VU High potential to occur

Reptile Parahydrophis mertoni Northern Mangrove Seasnake

Ma DD Known to occur

Shark/Ray Pristis clavata Dwarf sawfish V VU EN High potential to occur

Shark/Ray Pristis pristis Largetooth sawfish

V, M VU CR High potential to occur

Shark/Ray Pristis zijsron Green sawfish V, M VU CR High potential to occur

Mammal Dugong dugon Dugong MM NT VU Known to occur

Mammal Orcaella heinsohni Australian snubfin dolphin

M VU Known to occur

Mammal Sousa sahulensis Australian humpback

dolphin

M VU Known to occur

Mammal Tursiops aduncus Spotted bottlenose

dolphin

M DD Known to occur

Fish Hippichthys parvicarinatus Short-keel Pipefish


Fish Hippocampus dahli Lowcrown Seahorse


Fish Micrognathus micronotopterus Tidepool Pipefish


Fish Trachyrhamphus longirostris Straightstick Pipefish


• EPBC Act (species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999): - Ex = Extinct, CE = Critically Endangered, E = Endangered, V = Vulnerable, M = Migratory, MM = Migratory Marine,

MT = Migratory Terrestrial, MW = Migratory Wetlands, Ma = Listed Marine, Ce = Cetaceans

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• NT Act Status (species listed under the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000): - Threatened Species: EX = Presumed Extinct, CR = Critically Endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, IA = Migratory birds

protected under an International Agreement, CD = Conservation Dependent, OS = Other Specially Protected - Priority Species: P1 = Priority 1, P2 = Priority 2, P3 = Priority 3, P4 = Priority 4

• IUCN (species listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species): - EX = Extinct, EW = Extinct in the Wild, CR = Critically Endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, NT = Near Threatened, LC

= Least Concern, LR = Lower Risk, DD = Data Deficient

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4 Discussion

Species that have a high potential to occur, or those that a known to occur, are discussed in detail in the following chapter. In each case, the significance, distribution and abundance and habitat use is explored, as well as the potential for development of the Darwin Processing Facility to impact local populations of each species.

4.1 Marine Reptiles

4.1.1 Likelihood of Occurrence

The likelihood of occurrence assessment (0) provides the basis for identifying species that are likely to occur within the Study Area. The reptile species that are identified as likely to occur is based on known observations of these species within Darwin Harbour region or Study Area or suitable foraging habitat of these species that is known to exist in Darwin Harbour or Study Area.

Four species of marine turtle are known to occur or considered highly likely to occur. A low likelihood of occurrence is afforded to the Leatherback Turtle and a moderate likelihood for the Loggerhead Turtle as there are no known records of either within Darwin Harbour and only one Leatherback Turtle nesting site has been confirmed in the NT, whilst a few anecdotal nesting sites have been reported in other areas (Aecom, 2017; Chatto, 2008). Given the Leatherback Turtle is considered an oceanic species that forages in the pelagic marine environment feeding on soft-bodied invertebrates and jelly fish (URS, 2014), it is unlikely to be found within Darwin Harbour as suitable foraging habitat is present to a greater extent in coastal waters outside of the Harbour.

Two species of sea snake are considered highly likely to occur, while a moderate or low likelihood of occurrence was also afforded to sea snake species that have not been recorded within the study area or within Darwin Harbour, even though suitable habitat is present within the area.

Both species of crocodile present in the NT are known to occur within the site.

4.1.2 Marine Turtles

Significance

Internationally (under the IUCN), the most threatened turtle species is the Hawksbill Turtle, listed as critically endangered. The Green Turtle is listed as endangered, followed by the Olive Ridley Turtle which is listed as vulnerable. The Flatback Turtle is listed as data deficient.

Nationally, the species of most concern is the Olive Ridley, listed as endangered under the EPBC Act. The Green, Hawksbill and Flatback are listed as vulnerable. Australia is significant to the Flatback Turtle as nesting is known only on Australia islands and mainland beaches.

In the Northern Territory the Hawksbill and Olive Ridley are listed as vulnerable whilst the Green and Flatback are listed as data deficient.

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Distribution and Abundance

In Australia, marine turtles are found in Queensland, Northern Territory and northern Western Australia (CoA, 2017; Smit et al., 2012). Six out of the seven species of marine turtles on Earth are found in Northern Territory (NT) waters (NTG, 2019; Aecom 2017; CoA, 2017; Darwin Port, 2016; URS, 2014; URS, 2011; INPEX, 2009; Chatto, 2008).

Marine turtles have a complex lifecycle that spans a large geographic range over multiple habitats and many decades (CoA, 2017). All marine turtles are migratory during some life phases and several turtles utilise Australian waters only for foraging and nest outside Australia, whilst others migrate to Australia for both nesting and foraging (CoA, 2017). During some life phases female marine turtles show high site fidelity to small geographic areas (CoA, 2017). Research has identified distinct sub populations of female marine turtles that are known to return to their natal beach or nearby to nest and are recognized as part of populations from distinct geographic units, known to migrate up to 3,000 km, returning to their feeding grounds once nesting is complete (Cardno, 2015; Smit et al., 2012). Migratory pathways for marine turtles nesting in the Northern Territory region include the coastal waters of the Darwin region.

Geographic units, otherwise known as stocks, are genetically distinct populations of turtles that are known to utilise the same nesting and foraging locations each year in a specific geographic range (CoA, 2017). Nesting sites are critical to the conservation of turtles because individual females return to nest at beaches in the same area in which they hatched (Cardno, 2013). The geographic units and the distribution for the Green Turtle, Flatback Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle are presented in Figure 2 to Figure 7, respectively. All five turtles occur in coastal waters out to 200 nm offshore from the Northern Territory coast. Green Turtles exhibit the greatest distribution in Australia typically found around the entire Australian coastline, Flatback Turtles occur in all areas except along the South coast, Hawksbill Turtle distribution extends from Ningaloo Marine Park in WA to Cape Howe Marine Park in VIC and Olive Ridley Turtles have the smallest distribution from the Kimberley in WA to Byron Bay in NSW. The Darwin region represents an area of convergence between separate genetic stocks for the Green (NW Shelf and North GBR) and Flatback Turtles (Arafura Sea, Cape Domett and Pilbara Coast), an area of genetic separation for the Hawksbill Turtles (North-east Arnhem Land, Western Australia), whilst the Darwin region represents dominant genetic stock for the Olive Ridley Turtles (Northern Territory).

An aerial (Dugong) survey conducted by Groom et al. (2017), in October/November 2015, covering over 93,145 km2 of the Northern Territory coastline, sighted 1,854 individual turtles on transect. The two highest density areas for turtles were at Sir Edward Pellew Island Group and Limmen Bight.

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Figure 2 Indicative dispersal for the Arafura Sea, Cape Domett, eastern Queensland and Pilbara Flatback Turtle based on tag recovery and satellite telemetry (Source: CoA, 2017).

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Figure 3 Indicative dispersal for the northern-east Arnhem Land and north Queensland Hawksbill Turtle stocks based on tag recovery and satellite telemetry. Green arrows represent turtles nesting outside Australia and foraging within Australian waters (Source: CoA, 2017).

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Figure 4 Indicative dispersal for the Northern Territory and north-western Cape York Olive Ridley Turtle based on tag recovery, genetic mixed stock analysis and satellite telemetry. Green arrows represent turtles nesting outside Australia and foraging within Australia waters (Source: CoA, 2017).

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Figure 5 Indicative dispersal for northern Great Barrier Reef and North West Shelf Green Turtle stocks based on tag recovery satellite telemetry and genetic mixed stock analysis (Source: CoA, 2017).

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Figure 6 Indicative dispersal Coral Sea, Gulf of Carpentaria and Ashmore Reef Green Turtle stocks based on tag recovery satellite telemetry and genetic mixed stock analysis (Source: CoA, 2017).

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Figure 7 Indicative dispersal of southern Great Barrier Reef, Scott-Browse, Cocos Keeling and Cobourg Green Turtle stocks based on tag recovery satellite telemetry and genetic mixed stock analysis (Source: CoA, 2017).

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Only four marine turtle species are considered to occur within the Darwin region; juvenile and sub adult Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus), juvenile and sub adult Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) (NTG, 2019; Aecom, 2017; CoA, 2017; Darwin Port, 2016; URS, 2014; Smitt et al., 2012; URS, 2011; INPEX, 2009; Chatto, 2008; and Whiting, 2003). Extensive studies have been conducted in recent years on the distribution and abundance of marine turtles within Darwin Harbour. Most information has been gathered from studies based on marine fauna monitoring (Cardno, 2015) and turtle nesting studies (Chatto, 2008) in the greater Darwin region and the Anson Beagle region.

A comprehensive marine fauna study involving satellite tracking, and aerial and land-based surveys of the Darwin Harbour and surrounding region was undertaken by Cardno (2015) over 3 years from 2012 to 2014. Aerial based surveys were conducted in the months May (2013 & 2014), June (2012), July (2012, 2013 & 2014) and September/October (2012, 2013 & 2014). As species could not easily be identified from the air, additional baseline boat-based surveys were conducted in June 2012, August (2012) and October (2012). The area surveyed included Charles Point, at the western edge of Darwin Harbour, Bynoe Harbour, Vernon Islands in the east and Melville Island. Cardno (2013) estimated overall turtle densities ranged between 0.37 turtles/km2 and 2.7 turtles/km2. These values were considered comparable to densities for turtles in Western Australia (Shark Bay 0.4; Ningaloo 4.9). Across all areas a total of 1,903 turtles were sighted during the three baseline surveys in 2012, 2,796 turtles were sighted during the four dredging phase surveys in 2013/2014 and 1,820 turtles were sighted during the two post dredging surveys in 2014.

The baseline, dredging and post dredging surveys identified that the natural spatial and temporal variability in distribution, relative abundance and movements of marine turtles within Darwin Harbour are similar to surrounding areas, likely driven by variation in habitat and/or species preference. Sightings of turtles were widespread in each of the three locations. The Green Turtle was the most abundant across all three areas during baseline surveys, followed by the Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Flatback turtles (Cardno, 2013 and URS, 2011).

Only three turtle species have been recorded near the Study Area based on current data and unpublished observations (Chatto pers. comm.); Green, Flatback and Hawksbill (Figure 8). These turtles were observed near the reefs and around the islands in the Elizabeth River (East Arm Wharf area). Of these species the one most often seen further upstream in East and Middle Arms is the Green turtle.

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Figure 8 Marine Turtle observations within the Study Area and broader Darwin Harbour region. Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate), Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) (Source: ALA, 2019).

Biologically important habitat

Biologically important areas (BIA) have been identified for the Flatback, Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley Turtles in the North Marine Region (DSEWPaC, 2012). Biologically important areas are areas that are particularly important for conservation of a protected species and where aggregations of individuals display biologically important behaviour such as breeding, foraging, resting or migration (DSEWPaC, 2012). In the North Marine region, biologically important areas for marine turtles include nesting habitat and foraging habitat (DSEWPaC, 2012).

Within the Anson Beagle Bioregion, in which Darwin is located, biologically significant nesting habitat has only been identified for Flatback Turtles on offshore islands in the region. The Flatback Turtle is the most widespread nesting turtle species in the Northern Territory and important nesting locations have been identified in other bioregions within the Northern Territory.

Within Darwin Harbour no significant nesting or foraging habitat has been recorded or identified.

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Habitat

Marine turtles are most commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters (CoA, 2017; Smit et al., 2012). All marine turtle species utilise widely dispersed habitats throughout their life cycle, requiring both terrestrial and marine habitats at life history stages (CoA, 2017).

Turtles sighted within Darwin Harbour and surrounding areas were observed in all depths ranging from 0->31m, but predominately in shallower waters. During the June 2012 baseline survey conducted by Cardno (2013) turtle numbers sighted were highest in shallow waters 0-5 m CD (50-60 turtles (35%)) and observations declined with increasing depth 6-10 m CD with 30-40 turtles (25%), 29% in 11-20 m and <10 turtles (12%) in deeper waters >20 m (Aecom, 2017; Cardno, 2013). During the July 2012 and October 2012 baseline survey the declining trend in turtle numbers were evidently similar to the June baseline survey, however slight variances were noted in the total turtle numbers observed for each depth. Around Darwin Harbour/Hope Inlet, turtles were predominately sighted in shallow waters (<5m; 66%) and less than 1% of turtles were sighted in waters >20m.

Surveys undertaken by Cardno (2013) for INPEXs Ichthys Gas Field Development Project found that Habitat use by Turtles in Darwin harbour was observed to vary between months, although the majority of turtles were observed over unknown habitat types, sand, gravel or reef habitats (i.e. 6 to 80%), whilst fewer turtles were observed in seagrass and mangrove habitat areas (i.e. 0 to 2%). Each habitat type are well represented within Darwin Harbour including the Study Area.

Nesting habitat

Although marine turtles spend the majority of their lives in the ocean, adult female marine turtles require terrestrial habitat to lay their eggs in the sand, on mainland coastal beaches and offshore islands, although higher density nesting is located on offshore islands (CoA, 2017; Chatto, 2008). The number of females nesting can fluctuate largely between years, and in the case of Green Turtles this variation has been attributed to environmental conditions and food availability (CoA, 2017). Most female turtles do not nest in consecutive years and remigration may take place every two to six years, dependant on species and food availability in order to store fat to produce eggs and successfully migrate (CoA, 2017; Musick, 2002). Females lay two to six clutches per season on average. The period between each successive clutch is known as the internesting period, and during this time turtles remain close to the nesting beach or rookery, re-nesting in two-week intervals, however this varies slightly for each species (CoA, 2017; Musick, 2002).

Nesting habitats also vary slightly for each species due to several physio-chemical and geomorphological factors, including sand temperature, sediment particle size, water content, salinity, beach height, beach length, lagoon preference and sand softness (Varela-Acevedo et al., 2009). However for successful incubation, which is usually about two months, marine turtle eggs must be buried in ventilated, high humidity, sandy sites, that are not subjected to flooding or erosion, and have a temperature range that persists within 25-35C for the duration of incubation (CoA, 2017).

Flatback Turtles favour low energy beaches that are typically narrow with moderate grain size and a low to moderate beach slope, often shallow (underlain by rock platform or clay) and the beach approach obstructed by broad intertidal mud or limestone intertidal platforms (Pendoley, 2010). Hawksbill Turtle nesting generally occurs close to nearshore coral reefs, and beach sediment typically comprises a shallow bed of coarse sand and coral rubble (Pendoley, 2010), generally nesting under trees or against shrubs and rocks (Chatto, 2008; Musick, 2002). Green Turtles prefer high energy, wide, steeply sloped

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beaches, comprising deep well-sorted medium grain sized sand (Chatto, 2008; Musick, 2002). Little is known about Olive Ridley nesting ecology (CoA, 2017).

When female turtles have completed nesting, they return to the ocean. In general, marine turtle growth is slow and varies among species, habitats, sex and maturity (20-50 years) (CoA, 2017, Musick, 2002). Once marine turtles reach maturity and successfully mate, they seek sandy tropical beaches for nesting at night, and the nesting cycle begins again (Pendoley, 2010).

After successful incubation, hatchlings emerge from the nest and head directly toward the ocean where they remain pelagic for one to four years (Pendoley, 2010; Musick, 2002). Hawksbill Turtles remain pelagic for one to two years and Green Turtles for two to four years before recruiting to shallow coral reef, seagrass and mangrove habitats (Musick, 2002).

Australia has some of the largest marine turtle nesting rookeries in the Indo-Pacific region (CoA, 2017). Table 4 summarises known nesting locations and important rookeries of turtles within several bioregions of Australian and worldwide. Figure 11 to Figure 14 shown the known nesting locations and densities within each species range.

All four marine turtle species that occur within the Darwin region regularly nest in the NT at a limited number of nesting sites (Cardno, 2013; Chatto, 2008). The Olive Ridley has the densest nesting records in the NT compared to other turtle species and moves through offshore waters and Islands in the Northern Territory. However, little migration occurs in coastal waters close to Darwin, suggesting Darwin is not a preferred foraging or nesting area for this species (WWF, 2005). Similarly, Green Turtle nesting activity within the Darwin Region is low in comparison to the Flatback and Hawksbill Turtles. The Flatback Turtle is the most widespread nesting species in NT and the most commonly encountered nesting species around the Darwin region (Chatto, 2008). The closest known nesting beaches to the Study Area for these species are located at Casuarina Beach, 35 km away and at Mandorah Beach, 25 km away (Figure 9). Turtles recorded nesting on these beaches between 1991 and 2004 were predominantly Flatback turtles (97% of 107 and 150 nests respectively), whilst only two Olive Ridley Turtle nests and one Green Turtle nest was recorded at each beach (Chatto, 2008; URS, 2011; URS, 2014, Aecom, 2017). Therefore, Flatback Turtles are the only species likely to nest around the Darwin Harbour region in any significant numbers. Nesting sites for Olive Ridley Turtles occur within the bioregion but are considered more likely to nest on surrounding islands rather than mainland. The results from the Chatto (2008) survey findings are mapped in Figure 10. The map shows no turtle tracks or nests were identified on the entire coastal area of the inner Darwin Harbour during the survey.

In comparison, significant nesting activity occurs further north of Darwin at Cape Van Diemen and Seagull Island, particularly for Olive Ridley Turtles, Flatbacks and Green Turtles (WWF, 2005). Indian Island and Bare Island located to the west of Darwin are also known important nesting areas for the Olive Ridley Turtle, although only low numbers have been recorded (URS, 2011).

The nesting season for the Olive Ridley, Flatback and Green turtle species in the Northern Territory are shown in Table 3 (WWF, 2005), although surveys to derive this data were not conducted in Dec, Jan or Feb. This information was based on 14 nights of beach monitoring conducted by WWF (2005) in 2004 at fortnightly intervals, where only the three species were identified nesting on 11 km of beach at Cape Van Diemen during this period. The peak nesting season for Olive Ridley and Flatback turtles were April to July, and May to July, respectively. The peak nesting season for Green turtles could not be determined. A turtle monitoring study conducted by Chatto (2008) of the NT coast, offshore islands

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and adjacent coastal wetlands, using aerial and ground surveys, totalling more than 650 days, across all months between 1990 and 2004, recorded nesting information for all marine turtle species. Chatto (2008) recorded Hawksbill turtles nesting in all months from March to November, with highest nest records between July and October, with reduced nesting activity between March and June.

Table 3 Peak nesting season and length of nesting season in the Northern Territory.

Species name Length of season Peak of season Source

Olive Ridley All year April-July WWF (2005), CoA (2017)

Flatback 11 March – mid Oct May-July WWF (2005)

Green October - April Unknown WWF (2005)

Hawksbill Unknown May-October Chatto (2012)

Nesting beaches are absent from the Project site and immediate surrounds as the intertidal and foreshore areas are characterised by mangrove forests and soft sediments (O2Marine 2019).

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Figure 9 Turtle nesting beaches of the northern section of the Anson beagle Bioregion (Source: INPEX, 2009 and 2009).

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Figure 10 Relative importance of nesting beaches using maximum sum of nests and tracks of all species in a single survey between 1991 and 2004 in the Anson Beagle Bioregion (northern section) (Source: Chatto, 2008).

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Table 4 Important bioregions within Australia for turtle nesting and rookeries known to occur. Source: Austurtle, (2006); Chatto (2008); CoA (2017); URS (2011); Musick (2002); WWF (2005).

Species name Bioregion

Olive Ridley Turtle

• Nests in all bioregions of NT, and less frequent in southern latitudes, preferring to nest on islands than mainland beaches.

• NT has the densest nesting records across northern Australia (WWF, 2005). Records near Darwin on Bare Island (40 km from Darwin Harbour).

• Nests at Tiwi Bioregion and Arnhem Wessel (however not to the extent as in India and Mexico). Nests north-western Cape York. Low density nesting on Kimberley coast.

• Other miscellaneous and stranding records indicate that Olive Ridley Turtles forage over a wide geographical range around Australia, including the east coast of QLD, WA waters and into the temperate waters of VIC and NSW, (WWF, 2005).

• Unlikely to include Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Forages in Arafura sea and Gulf of Carpentaria (Australian and Indonesian stocks). Nests in India and Mexico.

Flatback turtle • Distribution extends from northern Australia to South-east Asia.

• Nesting only occurs on islands and mainland beaches of Australia. Prefers islands.

• Most widespread nesting marine turtle species in the NT. Most predominant on western side of NT, and nests at Casuarina and Mandora Beaches near the entrance to Darwin Harbour.

• Tiwi Islands (NT), Anson Beagle (NT), Bare Sand Island (NT), Kakadu beaches, Groote Eylandt and areas near Borroloola. Cambridge-Bonaparte, Van Diemens Gulf, Cobourg, Arnhem Wessel and Pellew.

• Forage in continental waters of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

Green turtle • Recorded in the Anson Bioregion (NT) of which Darwin is located. Widespread in the north and the east of the Top End of NT.

• Nests on islands and mainland beaches.

• Recorded nesting at Coburg (NT) (Main Rookery – all months of the year, however mainly in second half of the calendar year), Browse Island, Arnhem, Wessel, Groote and Pellew Bioregions, Cocos (keeling), North West Shelf, Ashmore Reef, Scott Reef-Browse Island, Gulf of Carpentaria, northern Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, Coral Sea and southern Great Barrier Reef. Nests on Island and mainland beaches.

• Forages: Coburg, One Arm Point (WA), Torres Strait, Clack Reef, Howick’s Group, Edgecombe Bay, Shoalwater Bay, Princess Charlotte Bay south to Moreton Bay (Queensland) and Norfolk Island.

• Shared stocks breed: New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Borneo, Palau, Marshal Islands and French Polynesia

Hawksbill turtle • Not confirmed (nesting) along the west coast of the NT, possibly on Coburg Peninsula, New Year Island and North east Arnhem Land including Truant Island and Groote Eylandt. Nesting Hawksbill migrate from Great Barrier Reef to NT.

• Known rookeries at Arnhem Wessel, Groote and Pellew Bioregions.

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Species name Bioregion

• Preferred nesting is on islands rather than mainland beaches, least likely of all turtle species to nest on the mainland and nesting tends to be more scattered than other turtle species.

• Principal habitat lies in the tropics, however principal nesting colonies are located in other countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Caribbean Islands and Brazil.

• Shared stocks: Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu

• Known Foraging; Howick Group and northern Great Barrier Reef, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Norfolk Island.

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Figure 11 Flatback turtle (Natator depressus) nesting sites in Australia and surrounding regions (Source: CoA, 2017).

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Figure 12 Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting sites in Australia and surrounding regions (Source: CoA, 2017).

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Figure 13 Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) nesting sites in Australia and surrounding regions (Source: CoA, 2017).

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Figure 14 Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting sites in Australia and surrounding regions (Source: CoA, 2017).

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Foraging Habitat

After juvenile turtles take up residency in inshore foraging habitat they tend to feed on plants or animals on the sea floor (CoA, 2017). The typical diet of each marine turtle species residing in Australian coastal feeding grounds are outlined in Table 5.

There are numerous habitat types that exist within Darwin Harbour that may be potential foraging habitat for marine turtles. The largest habitat that occurs within the Harbour are mangroves which line the tidal boundaries and cover more than 26,000ha (Darwin Port, 2016). Mangroves exist within the proposed outfall location in addition to fine sand and mud habitat (Figure 15, Figure 16 & Figure 17).

Juvenile and subadult Green and Hawksbill Turtles that have been recorded in Darwin Harbour (Smit et al., 2012) are more likely to be foraging for food than nesting (Aecom, 2017; URS, 2014; URS, 2011). Of the two species, the Green turtle is the most likely to utilise the mangrove habitat as a food source and likely the reason it’s been sighted in East and Middle Arms of the Harbour (CoA, 2017; Smit et al.

2012; INPEX, 2009; Limpus, 2008;). However, a primary food source for Green Turtles is algae and seagrass. Seagrass habitat does not occur within the Study Area or within the Harbour. Seagrass habitat has been mapped in shallow waters outside of the Harbour (INPEX, 2009) and adult Green Turtles are likely to forage there (Aecom, 2017; URS, 2014; Smit et al. 2012; INPEX, 2009; Austurtle, 2006; Musick, 2002). Hawksbill Turtle diet al.so includes of seagrass and algae and are also likely to forage in the outer Harbour (Aecom, 2017; URS, 2014).

Intertidal reefs within the Harbour are inhabited by algae particularly during the dry season when it is more abundant, and juvenile and adult Green and Hawksbill Turtles have been sighted in large numbers on reef habitats such as that around Middle Arm Peninsula and Channel Island (Cardno, 2013; INPEX, 2009). Hawksbill Turtles occur in Darwin Harbour at lower abundances than Green Turtles, with around four times as many Green Turtles recorded at the Channel Island foraging areas as Hawksbill Turtles (INPEX, 2009). There is potential for Flatback Turtles to occur, given their diet. Rocky reef does not occur within East Arm or the Study Area and therefore suitable habitat for algae is unlikely to be present (URS, 2011). Additional patches of reef mapped by INPEX (2009) in the mouth and outer regions of the Harbour may also provide suitable habitat for foraging, particularly for juvenile Green Turtles that feed on algae and invertebrates (CoA, 2017; Musick 2002). Based on the assumption that Green Turtles could utilise any area where seagrass, fringing mangrove or macroalgae habitats are available, their potential habitat in Darwin Harbour is presented in Figure 15.

Unlike the Green Turtle, which is primarily herbivorous during its adult stage, the Hawksbill, Flatback and Olive Ridley are omnivorous or carnivorous and known to feed on pelagic and benthic invertebrates.

Little is known on the extent of pelagic or benthic invertebrates within the Study Area, and subsequently it is unknown whether turtles forage for these in this area. Benthic filter feeders, however, are believed to be widespread within the Harbour (Aecom, 2017; URS, 2014). The sand habitat in the East Arm area is known to have large numbers of tube worms on the lee-side of the sand waves (Smit et al., 2012). Tube worms are filter feeders and part of the Flatback and Hawksbill Turtle diet, which is possibly why Flatback Turtles are mainly found in subtidal, soft bottom, muddy/turbid habitats (URS, 2011; INPEX, 2009; AusTurtle, 2006) and why there have been rare sightings of Flatback Turtles swimming and foraging within Darwin Harbour (URS, 2014; URS, 2011; INPEX, 2009). Mud and fine sand habitat is estimated to cover 80% of the sea floor of the Harbour (Darwin Port, 2016). Hawksbill Turtles are more

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likely found in deeper waters in the outer Harbour, on rocky reefs and in sponge and soft coral areas (Smit et al., 2012), which are uncommon in East Arm (URS, 2011). As their preferred food occur on hard substrates throughout intertidal and subtidal areas of the Harbour, Hawksbill Turtles could utilise any of the areas in the Study Area (Figure 16).

Benthic invertebrates may also occur on subtidal pavement, rock or hard coral which exists further downstream of the Study Area, within the inner Harbour (INPEX, 2009). Mixed communities found on this habitat within the inner Harbour are dominated by sponge communities which are part of the Hawksbill diet (Darwin Port, 2016). However hard surfaces are only estimated to cover less than 20% of the intertidal and subtidal area of the Darwin Harbour region (Darwin Port, 2016) and therefore unlikely to constitute a significant habitat for turtles within Darwin Harbour. Overall Darwin Harbour sediments are considered bare (i.e. low to no epibenthic communities) and little effort has been placed on describing the infauna of mobile substrates (Smit et al., 2012). The greatest density of turtle sightings within Darwin Harbour were around areas over sand, gravel or reef habitats, and in reefs and islands in the Elizabeth river (East Arm Wharf area) (Cardno, 2013; Aecom, 2017, Smit et al., 2012).

There are no records of foraging behaviour of Olive Ridley Turtles within Darwin Harbour and little in the outer region, likely because foraging habitat is located in water depths usually greater than 10 m (WWF, 2005), and often in turbid waters (Smit et al., 2012). It is unknown if Olive Ridley Turtles utilise large foraging areas (hundreds of kilometres) or concentrate feeding activity on discrete areas similar to the foraging behaviour of other turtle species such as Green and Hawksbill Turtles, (WWF, 2005). A nesting study in the region, conducted by WWF (2005) found individual Olive Ridley Turtles that nested on the same beach used 29 foraging areas that were sometimes widely spaced. These preliminary data on foraging areas suggest that Olive Ridley Turtles in Australia are not nomadic and do not use oceanic foraging habitat (WWF, 2005). The depth of water in all foraging areas ranged from less than 20 m to over 60 m. A dive study of Olive Ridley Turtles showed that they spend 10% of their time at depths greater than 100 m and daily dives of greater than 200 m. A major inshore foraging area for Olive Ridley Turtles is indicated by a bycatch incident that occurred in Fog Bay, 100 km SW of Darwin in 1992 (WWF, 2005). They have been captured to depths of 60 m in the Northern Prawn Fishery but also feed in inshore areas as indicated by the turtles killed by the gill net fishery in Fog Bay, NT, in 1991.

Table 5 Marine turtle dietary preferences by species (Source: CoA, 2017; AusTurtle, 2006; INPEX, 2009; Smit et al., 2012 and Musick, 2002).

Common Name Generalised diet

Green turtle Primarily herbivorous, foraging on algae, seagrass and mangroves. In their pelagic juvenile stage, they feed on algae, seagrass, mangroves, pelagic crustaceans and molluscs.

Hawksbill turtle Omnivorous, feeding on algae, sponges, soft corals, seagrasses, some shellfish and other soft-bodied invertebrates.

Flatback turtle Primarily carnivorous, feeding on soft-bodied invertebrates. Juveniles eat gastropod molluscs, squid, siphonophores. Limited data indicate that cuttlefish, sea cucumbers, hydroids, soft corals, crinoids, squid, molluscs and jellyfish are also eaten. Also known to consume algae. Juveniles eat gastropod molluscs, squid and siphonophores.

Olive Ridley turtle Primarily carnivorous, feeding on soft-bodied invertebrates such as sea pens, soft corals beche-der-mer (sea cucumbers) and jellyfish in depth between 15-200m.

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Figure 15 Potential Green Turtle foraging habitat in Darwin Harbour (Source: INPEX, 2009).

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Figure 16 Potential Hawksbill turtle foraging habitat in Darwin Harbour. (Source: INPEX, 2009).

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Figure 17 Potential Flatback turtle foraging habitat in Darwin Harbour (Source: INPEX, 2009).

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4.1.3 Sea Snakes

Significance

No sea snake species recorded in the database searches are listed as threatened or migratory under the EPBC Act. However, the Black-ringed Seasnake (Hydrelaps Darwiniensis) and Northern Mangrove Seasnake (Parahydrophis mertoni) are both listed as least concern under the IUCN, and marine, under the EPBC Act. In fact, all sea snakes are listed under section 248 of the EPBC Act as protected marine species. Australia supports the world’s highest recorded diversity and endemism of sea snakes (Rasmussen et al., 2014). In the Northern Territory they are both listed as data deficient under the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Act. Under the North Marine Bioregional Plan the Northern Mangrove Seasnake and the Black-ringed Seasnake has been identified as a conservation value (DSEWPaC, 2012).

The conservation status of sea snakes, the significance of the North Marine Region to their survival and the pressures facing them in the region make the species a priority for conservation effort (DSEWPaC, 2012).

Distribution and abundance

Globally there are some 70 species of sea snake found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, from the east coast of Africa in the west to the Gulf of Panama in the east (Rasmussen et al., 2014). Most species occur in the Indo-Malayan Archipelago, the China Sea, Indonesia, and Australia (Rasmussen et al., 2014). Thirty-five species of sea snake are known to inhabit Australian waters. In Western Australia Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island have been recognised for their diversity and density of sea snakes. In the North Marine Region, including the Commonwealth waters from west Cape York Peninsula to the Northern Territory (approximately covering 625 689 square kilometres),19 species commonly occur (DSEWPaC, 2012). A further nine species may occur in the region (DSEWPaC, 2012). Most of the knowledge of sea snakes is derived from trawler bycatch (DSEWPaC, 2012).

Little information is available on the population size of the Black-ringed Seasnake or the Northern Mangrove Seasnake within the Northern Territory or the Darwin Region. The Black-ringed seasnake is believed to be endemic to the shallow waters of northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea, west of Torres Strait (DoE, 2019o). The distribution of the Northern Mangrove Seasnake extends from the Northern Territory to the shallow waters of Queensland.

A search of the online database, Atlas of Living Australia (2019), identified records of the Black-ringed and Northern Mangrove Sea snakes within Darwin Harbour at the Project location (Figure 18). A few records for each species exist within the Study Area. The Black-ringed Seasnake was sighted once near East Arm Wharf in October 1987 and twice upstream of Elizabeth River in April 1994. The Northern Mangrove Seasnake was observed at East Arm Wharf in October 1987 and in Middle Arm near Channel Island in February 2011. At the Entrance to the Harbour, there are 19 records of the Black-ringed Sea snake. The Northern Mangrove Seasnake has also been recorded at the Entrance to Darwin Harbour on two occurrences in May 1979. Records appear to be more frequent during the wet season compared to the dry season.

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Given little is known of the habitat preferences of sea snakes within Darwin Harbour, a regional and state-wide approach to information on sea snake habitat preferences has been sourced to determine the likely presence of each species within the Darwin Harbour and in particular within the Study Area.

Figure 18 Seasnake observations within the Study Area and Darwin Harbour region. Black-ringed sea snake (Hydrelaps Darwiniensis) and Northern Mangrove sea snake (Parahydrophis mertoni) (Source: ALA 2019).


No biologically important areas were identified for sea snakes in the North Marine Region (DSEWPaC, 2012).

Habitat

Sea snakes can be found in coral reefs, lagoons, bays and estuaries. These habitats are found in the North Marine Region (DoE, 2019o; DSEWPaC, 2012). Sea snakes are air breathers and can naturally remain submerged for up to 2 hours (DoE, 2019o). The necessity to breath restricts sea snakes to shallow water habitats less than 30 m deep.

The Northern Mangrove Seasnake occurs in coastal and estuarine environments and associated mudflats (DoE, 2019n).

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The Black-ringed Sea snake inhabits the shallow waters in the intertidal zone of tidal creeks lined with mangroves and mudflats, with relatively compact mud or sandy mud with crab and mud skipper holes (DoE, 2019o).

As Darwin Harbour is an estuarine waterbody, with significant mangrove and mudflat habitat, both species have the potential to occur within Darwin Harbour and the Study Area.

Foraging habitat

Most sea snakes feed on a wide range of benthic, demersal and pelagic species, however some species in the North Marine Region are generally restricted to just a few benthic fish species such as eels and gobies (DSEWPaC, 2012).

The Northern Mangrove Seasnake is feeds on small fish, generally in areas of open sand (DoE, 2019n; DSEWPaC, 2012).

The Black-ringed Seasnake feeds on small fish, especially gobies (DoE, 2019o). This species is active at low tide and forages over mud flats entering holes, presumably searching for gobies (DoE, 2019o).

In Darwin a Benthic Habitat and Communities study conducted by O2 Marine (2019) identified a total of 98 gobies overall at three locations surveyed in Darwin Harbour. The locations were East Channel Island, Middle Arm and Elizabeth River. East Channel Island had the highest counts of gobies (47) followed secondly by Middle Arm (30) and lastly Elizabeth River (6). Given the Study Area is located within Elizabeth River where the least number of gobies were identified, sea snakes may be more likely to forage in other areas outside of the Study Area where greater food is available, such as at Channel Island or Middle Arm.

Breeding Habitat

Most species of sea snakes known to occur in the North Marine Region breed annually, during the summer months, and seek shallow embayments and estuaries to breed and give birth to live young, later moving to deeper waters at other times of the year (DSEWPaC, 2012). Sea snakes, including the Northern Mangrove Seasnake and the Black-ringed Seasnake have slow growth rates, taking several years to reach reproductive maturity and low fecundity (DSEWPaC, 2012; DoE, 2019o, DoE, 2019n). Little is known on the reproductive biology of the two species of sea snake, however one Northern Mangrove Seasnake has been recorded containing three young (DoE, 2019n).

Given the shallow waters of the Study Area it is likely sea snakes could breed in the Study Area.

4.1.4 Crocodiles

Significance

Crocodile species are not listed as threatened or migratory under the EPBC Act; however, both species are listed as marine. Globally the Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) and Salt-water Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) are listed as least concern under the IUCN. All crocodilians are listed on the Appendices (Appendix II) of CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species), to which Australia is a signatory.

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Nationally the Saltwater Crocodile is listed as migratory and marine, under section 248 of the EPBC Act 1999, whereas the Freshwater Crocodile is listed solely as marine. The Freshwater Crocodile is only found in northern Australia.

In the Northern Territory the Saltwater Crocodile has been identified as a conservation value (DoE, 2019j). The Saltwater and Freshwater Crocodiles are classified as protected wildlife in the Northern Terrirory under the TPWC Act and listed as least concern. In the Northwen Territory, both species have ecological and cultural value.


The Saltwater Crocodile occurs in India, throughout South-east Asia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea (DoE, 2019j). Isolated populations occur in Palau, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu (DoE, 2019j). The Freshwater crocodile is only found in northern Australia.

Both the Saltwater and Freshwater Crocodile species occur within the North Marine Region of Australia, which includes the Commonwealth waters from west Cape York Peninsula to the Northern Territory (approximately covering 625 689 square kilometres) (DSEWPaC, 2012).

The Saltwater Crocodile has a tropical distribution that extends across the northern coastline of Australia, inhabiting coastal areas ranging from Broome in north-west Western Australia, across the Northern Territory, and down the east coast of Queensland to Rockhampton (Figure 19) (DSEWPaC, 2012). In the Northern Territory the Saltwater Crocodile has been found in numerous rivers including; Mary, Adelaide, Daly, Moyle, Victoria/Baines, Finniss, Wildman, West Alligator, East Alligator, South Alligator, Liverpool, Blyth, Glyde, Habgood, Baralminar/Gobalpa, Goromuru, Cato and Peter John Rivers (DoE, 2019j). High densities of saltwater crocodile are found adjacent to the North Marine Region in the river systems of Kakadu and the Mary River, and throughout the Gulf of Carpenteria (DSEWPaC, 2012).

The Freshwater Crocodile lives in the inland waterways on Northern Australia between King Sound in the south-western Kimberley in Western Australia to Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Gulf of Carpenteria, Eastern Australia including Herbet River, Burdekin River catchment and Ross River (Figure 20) (Australian Museum, 2018). In the Northern Territory they are known from the Daly and Mary rivers. Although they prefer freshwater bodies, they have been known to occur near coastal reaches of rivers (Australian Museum, 2018).

Prior to 1970 the Saltwater and Freshwater Crocodiles were hunted in an unsustainable manner, and the Saltwater Crocodile population in the Northern Territory declined to as little as 3000 individuals (DSEWPaC, 2012). The Northern Territory and Queensland governments ordered the killing of Saltwater and Freshwater Crocodiles to cease in 1971 and 1974 respectively. As a result of this and ongoing protection measures the total Australian non-hatchling saltwater crocodile population has risen to between 100,000 and 200,000 individuals and are believed to be increasing (DoE, 2019j; Saalfeld et

al., 2016; DSEWPaC, 2012).

There are no recent reliable estimates of the total population size of Freshwater Crocodiles in the Northern Territory, however the species is considered common and locally abundant in the Northern Territory (Delaney et al., 2010). A 1993 population estimate for Freshwater Crocodiles suggested that there were between 40, 000 and 60, 000 individuals in the Northern Territory (Delaney et al., 2010). The densities of Freshwater Crocodiles vary between habitats. In the Daly and Mary Rivers, Freshwater

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Crocodiles in tidal and freshwater sections are believed to have decreased, possibly due to the introduction of Cane Toads and increased Saltwater Crocodile populations (Delaney et al., 2010). Current densities in the Daly are 3 - 15 animals/km, and in the Mary are 10 - 17 animals/km (Delaney et al., 2010).

Juvenile Saltwater Crocodiles generally remain within 5 km of their nest site within their first year after hatching. When they reach 2 - 6 years old they may travel up to 80 km from their nest site (DoE, 2019j). The movement patterns of adult Saltwater Crocodiles are not well understood, but data from relocated individuals demonstrate their ability to make long distance journeys (DoE, 2019j).

In the Northern Territory, Saltwater Crocodiles are protected and managed with the aid of the Saltwater Crocodile Management Program (Saalfeld et al., 2016). Crocodiles that present a threat to human safety are relocated. In 2019 five Saltwater Crocodiles were removed from downstream Elizabeth River, whilst in 2018 and 2017 a total of 14 and 32 were removed (NT, 2019a). Further upstream, six were caught in 2019, 13 in 2018 and four in 2017 (NT, 2019a). Around East Arm Wharf 18 were captured in 2019, 42 in 2018 and 44 in 2017 (NT, 2019a). Although Saltwater Crocodiles are highly likely to be found in Darwin Harbour and the Study Area, management by authorities has resulted in the density remaining low (DoE, 2019j; Saalfeld et al., 2014). Observations of crocodiles from the NTG Threatened fauna animals page are shown in Figure 21.

Figure 19 Distribution of Saltwater Crocodile (C. Porous) in Australia (Source: Saalfeld et al., 2016).

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Figure 20 Distribution of the Freshwater Crocodile in Australia (Source: Delaney et al., 2010).

Figure 21 Crocodile observations within the Study Area and Darwin Harbour region. Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) and Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) (Source: ALA, 2019).

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Biologically important areas have not yet been identified for Saltwater Crocodiles in the North Marine Region (DSEWPaC, 2012).

Habitat

The Saltwater and Freshwater Crocodile can both be found in fresh and saltwater environments.

Saltwater Crocodile can be found in coastal waters, estuaries, freshwater lakes, tidal rivers, coastal floodplains, inland swamps and marshes, billabongs as well as far out to sea (DSEWPaC, 2012). The Saltwater Crocodile usually inhabits the lower (estuarine) reaches of rivers, while upper reaches are inhabited by the Freshwater Crocodile, although areas of overlap occur in some rivers (DoE, 2019j). As this species is an ectotherm, its distribution and behaviour is determined the amnbient temperature (DoE, 2019j). Croccodiles thermoregulate by intermittently seeking deep and shallow water, full sun on the bank, and shade on the bank (DoE, 2019j).

In Australia the Saltwater Crocodile occurs in tidal areas of mangrove-lined rivers; particularly those associated with extensive freshwater wetlands or floodplains (Saalfeld et al., 2016). In the Northern Territory Saltwater Crocodiles can be found in almost any water body, fresh or saline, within their range (Saalfeld et al., 2016). An estimated area of 41, 154 km2 is regarded as high quality saltwater habitat in the Northern Territory, which is approximately 11% of the total area of extent of saltwater crocodiles in the NT (Figure 22) (Saalfeld et al., 2016).

The Freshwater Crocodile can be found in rivers, swamps, creeks, lagoons and billabongs, largely upstream and away from the coast, although they can also live in the tidal reaches of some rivers. They like sandy substrates in areas where river channels cut through escarpments and plateaus, and sands, loams and other friable substrate in freshwater wetlands such as that in the Northern Territory (Delaney et al., 2010). The freshwater Crocodile show strong site fidelity to their dry season waterbody, laying dormant between late winter and late spring (August-December) and often walking long distances at the end of wet season (Australian Museum, 2018). Freshwater Crocodiles tend to congregate in isolated permanent and semi-permanent billabongs along secondary creek lines in both rocky escarpments and floodplains (Delaney et al., 2010).

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Figure 22 Suitable Saltwater Crocodile habitat in the Northern Territory reserve system predicted from hydrography and vegetation layers. Suitable habitat defined as favourable water body types (land subject to inundation, marine swamp, saline coastal flat, swamp, perennial lake, perennial watercourses, and mangrove) (Source: Saalfeld et al., 2014).

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Foraging habitat

Saltwater Crocodiles are opportunistic predators; juveniles eat crustaceans (crabs and prawns), insects, lizards, snakes, fish, birds and mammals, although their diet varies between seasons and depending on their body size (Saalfeld et al., 2016; DSEWPaC, 2012). Larger crocodiles can feed on crabs, birds, sea turtles, fish, flying foxes, dingoes, cats, pigs, dogs, buffalo, and cattle (DSEWPaC, 2012). In tidal rivers such as Elizabeth River in Darwin, adult crocodiles are more likely feed on crabs and prawns (Saalfeld et al., 2016).

Similar to the Saltwater Crocodile, the Freshwater Crocodiles has a varied diet, including crustaceans, insects, spiders, fishes, frogs, turtles, lizards, snakes, birds and mammals, although insects and fish are preffered (Australian Museum, 2018). Larger Freshwater Crocodiles eat larger prey such as wallabies and waterbirds.

Within Darwin Harbour, both crocodile species are more likely to consume crab and smaller volume of shrimp and insects (DoE, 2019j). As the Saltwater and Freshwater Crocodile diet is varied and consists of both terrestrial and aquatic animals that are mobile, it is unlikely the Project would impact foraging habitat of these species.

Breeding habitat

Saltwater Crocodiles nest during the wet season from October to May, with peak nesting during January and February (Saalfeld, 2016; DSEWPaC, 2012). The extent and timing of nesting is related to rainfall and water levels in the late dry season (Saalfeld et al., 2016). High nesting effort is associated with high rainfall and cool conditions between August and November, and the opposite is true for years with poor rainfall and hot conditions during these months (Saalfeld et al., 2016). Preffered nesting habitat includes elevated, isolated freshwater swamps/wetlands that are not tidal, however saltmarsh habitats and mangrove swamps may also be utilised for nesting (DSEWPaC, 2012; DoE, 2019j; Saalfeld et al., 2016). Floating rafts of vegetation such as grasses and reeds, also provide important nesting habitat in some areas (DSEWPaC, 2012). In the Northern Territory, most Saltwater Crocodile nest sites are found on the north-west banks of rivers and are usually exposed to the midday sun, however shaded in the early morning and late evening (DoE, 2019j).

Freshwater Crocodiles nest during the dry season June – September. The female crocodile needs sandy areas to dig a nest-hole to bury their eggs, which is usually within 10 m of the waters edge (Australian Museum, 2018).

Suitable breeding habitat for both Saltwater and Freshwater Crocodiles does not exist within the Study Area and therefore the Project is unlikely to impact on breeding habitat for this species.

4.2 Elasmobranchs (Sharks & Rays)

4.2.1 Likelihood of Occurrence

The likelihood of occurrence assessment (0) provides the basis for identifying species that are likely to occur within the Study Area. The shark/ray species that are identified as likely to occur is based on known observations of these species, or the presence of suitable habitat, within Darwin Harbour region or Study Area,. A lower likelihood of occurrence was afforded to shark/ray species that have not been

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recorded within the study area or within Darwin Harbour however suitable habitat exists in the Study Area.

4.2.2 Sawfish

Significance

All species are protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000 (TPWC Act) and are listed as Vulnerable. Under the IUCN they are listed as Endangered or Critically endangered.


Five species of sawfish have been identified worldwide, however little is known about the ecology of these species due to their rarity (Morgan, 2017; Bradshaw et al., 2008;). Two species are present in the Atlantic, four in the Indo-West Pacific, and one species is present in the eastern Pacific (Harrison, 2014). Only the Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis) is present in all oceans (Harrison, 2014). The population of each species is believed to have declined (Morgan, 2017).

In Australia there are four species (Bradshaw et al., 2008; Pogonoski, 2002; Thorburn et al., 2004), all of which are widely distributed throughout Northern Australian tropical waters (Bradshaw et al., 2008; Morgan, 2017; URS, 2014). Although globally endangered, sawfish populations may be relatively abundant in northern Australia and the least threatened, compared to other populations globally, (Bradshaw et al., 2008; CoA, 2015; Stevens et al., 2008).

Pristis microdon (Freshwater Sawfish) is now included within Pristis pristis, a global species that wasn’t previously considered to occur in Australia (DoE, 2019). In Australia the distribution of Pristis pristis is not clearly defined due to confusion with other members of the genus (Thorburn et al., 2004). The potential for these species to occur within Darwin Harbour has also been identified through desktop reviews by Aecom (2017) and URS (2014) for regional developments.

Within northern Australia, Indigenous people have rights to access and manage much of the sparsely populated landscape where sawfish occur, used for food and ceremonial purposes (CoA, 2015).

There are no records of the Dwarf Sawfish (Pristis clavata), Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis) and Green Sawfish (Pristis zijsron) within Darwin Harbour at the Project location (URS, 2014; INPEX, 2009), however a search of the online database, Atlas of Living Australia (2019), identified records of the Dwarf Sawfish, Green Sawfish and Largetooth Sawfish outside Darwin Harbour (Figure 23). Two records of the Dwarf Sawfish and three records of the Green Sawfish are present at Buffalo Creek which is located outside of the Darwin Harbour (INPEX, 2009), from between 1992 and 2016. Five records of the Largetooth Sawfish were recorded near Vernon Island (north), Manton Dam and the Adelaide River (east inland), with records dating back to 1947, with the most recent being in 2007. Additionally, the Largetooth Sawfish is known to inhabit the Darwin catchments, however there are limited records (Barber et al. 2018). As there is little available information regarding the habitat preference of sawfish species within Darwin Harbour, a regional and state-wide approach to information on sawfish habitat preferences has been sourced to determine the likely presence of each species within the Darwin Harbour and in particular within the proposed outfall location.

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In the Northern Territory juvenile and adult Largetooth Sawfish has also been recorded from the Adelaide, Keep, Victoria, Daly Rivers, East and South Alligator, Goomadeer, Roper, McArthur, Wearyan and Robinson Rivers, and in several drainages in other states within northern Australia including Fitzroy, Durack and Ord rivers (WA), and the Gilbert, Mitchell, Normanby, Wenlock, Mission, Embley, Leichhardt and Flinders (QLD) (Figure 24) (Barber et al. 2018; Thorburn et al. 2004; INPEX, 2009). Globally this species is known to occur in four distinct regional populations, including South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia (Harrison, 2014, CoA, 2015), however in the Indo-west Pacific region, Australia may represent the last viable population stronghold and may be a globally important population centre (CoA, 2015). In addition, research suggests distinct subpopulations of this species exists in the Fitzroy river (WA) and Gulf of Carpentaria (NT), indicating individuals are unlikely to immigrate from one location to another (Morgan et al., 2008).

The Dwarf sawfish is believed to be restricted to tropical waters of northern Australia (CoA, 2015; Harrison, 2014). The confirmed range of the Dwarf Sawfish within Australia is from western Cape York in Queensland, to the northern Pilbara region of Western Australia (Harrison, 2014) and very few in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria (Figure 26). However, its status on the north-eastern coast of Queensland is uncertain with no confirmed records. Historically, it occurred more widely in the Indian ocean region and southeast Asia, but there are very few verifiable records from outside of Australia since the 1800s and therefore a great deal of uncertainty regarding its true historical distribution (Harrison, 2014).

The Green Sawfish is the most commonly encountered sawfish species in Australian waters (INPEX, 2009). Globally the Green Sawfish is widely distributed in the northern Indian Ocean and around Indonesia and Australia (CoA, 2015) (Figure 25). Nationally, the known distribution is from the Whitsundays in Queensland across northern Australian waters to Shark Bay in Western Australia (CoA, 2015). Combined datasets NT commercial fisheries indicate Green Sawfish were caught in low numbers in Fog Bay, Van Diemen Gulf and north of Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria (Bradshaw et al., 2008).

In northern Australia, historical local abundance estimates for sawfish are absent, and therefore it is not possible to determine whether these populations have declined (Bradshaw et al., 2008). However, recent studies suggest sawfish are not at natural population levels in northern Australia (Bradshaw et

al., 2008) and populations are declining, primarily attributable to gill net fisheries, with a global decline in extent of occurrence between 30% and 60% for each species (Morgan, 2017 and CoA, 2015). Current information on population sizes or long-term rates of population change for any of the species of sawfish is limited, and remaining populations are believed to remain isolated (CoA, 2015).

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Figure 23 Sawfish observations within the Study Area and Darwin Harbour region. Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis), Green Sawfish (Pristis zijsron) and Dwarf Sawfish (Pristis clavata) (Source: ALA, 2019).

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Figure 24 Largetooth Sawfish distribution within Australia (Source: CoA, 2015).

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Figure 25 Green Sawfish distribution within Australia (Source: CoA, 2015).

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Figure 26 Dwarf Sawfish distribution within Australia (Source: CoA, 2015).

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Biologically Important habitat

Biologically important areas have been not been identified for sawfishes in the North Marine Region (DSEWPaC, 2012).

No significant breeding, or forging areas were identified in Darwin Harbour or the Project location from literature reviews for any of the listed sawfish species (CoA, 2015a).

Habitat

Sawfish have been recorded in freshwater rivers, lakes and coastal marine environments (CoA, 2015; Poulakis et al., 2010; Compagno, 1990). Therefore the potential for most sawfish to occur within Darwin Harbour and the Project location is high, given it is considered an estuarine environment (mix of fresh and saline waters). The habitat in which adult and juvenile sawfish are found differs slightly; adults and juveniles may only occur in fresh or marine habitats dependant on their lifecycle stages (Harrison, 2014; Compagno, 1990). Adult Largetooth Sawfish occur mostly in fresh or brackish rivers and occasionally in marine waters. Adult Dwarf Sawfish inhabit inshore and offshore marine waters and estuaries, occasionally penetrating up-stream into rivers, remaining in salinities of 1–41 ppt (Morgan et al., 2011; Thorburn et al., 2008). Green Sawfish are known to primarily occur in inshore and offshore marine waters, or in shallow estuarine waters, but not in freshwater (Barber et al., 2018; CoA, 2015; Queensland Government, 2018; CoA, 2015; INPEX, 2009; Stevens et al., 2005) and are therefore more likely to inhabit the outer Harbour waters which are more saline, compared to the lesser saline waters at the Project location.

Anecdotal evidence from fisherman support the conclusion that Dwarf Sawfish occur in waters ~70 m in depth (Stevens et al., 2008). A movement study with acoustic telemetry in Western Australia tracked individuals of multiple species and found they occupied shallow depths of 0–2 m, moving up to 10 km during each tidal cycle. Individuals often returned to within 100 m of previous high tide resting sites, demonstrating the repeated use of habitat (Stevens et al., 2008). Stevens et al., (2008) tracked a 256 cm male Green Sawfish intermittently for approximately 26 hours over a period of four days in 2008. After tagging in Firewood Creek, Cape Keraudren, Western Australia, it moved out with the ebb tide and travelled 4.5 km across the bay. Peverell and Pillans (2008) tracked a female Green Sawfish in Port Musgrave, Queensland. Over 27 hours, the sawfish moved 28.7 km and was at all times within 200 m of the shoreline in very shallow water. Movements of the Green Sawfish appeared to be restricted, moving towards the shore on the rising tide and away from the shore on the falling tide but remaining in water mostly less than one and a half metres deep.

As discussed in the section on marine turtles, the largest habitat type within Darwin Harbour is the mangroves. Mangrove habitat provides shelter and protection for Sawfish. They spend high tide resting within the inundated vegetation, and on the moving tide they are relatively active on the mud and sand flats, presumably feeding (CoA, 2015; GBRMPA, 2012; INPEX, 2009; Stevens et al., 2008). The Green Sawfish in particular is believed to have a strong association with mangroves and mudflats (CoA, 2015). The Dwarf and Green Sawfish are known to utilise sand and mud flat habitats in shallow water coastal and estuarine environments (Thorburn et al., 2008). The Largetooth Sawfish is also found in muddy bottom areas (INPEX, 2009), however often encountered in freshwater, in the upper reaches of rivers, several hundred kilometres upstream (Thorburn et al. 2004).

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Breeding Habitat

Puppying is not known to occur in Darwin Harbour, however likely puppying habitat has been identified for Green Sawfish as presented in Figure 25. Juvenile Largetooth, Green and Dwarf Sawfish are likely to inhabit the protected waters of the outfall location as they are known to utilise estuaries, river mouths and mangrove creeks as a nursery (Morgan, 2017). Shallow nearshore coastal areas are also used as a nursery for juvenile Green and Dwarf Sawfish. In the Northern Territory puppying is thought to occur during the wet season (November to April) (Barber et al. 2018; Queensland Government, 2018; Morgan et al., 2008 and Last and Stevens 1994). A study by Morgan (2017), found juveniles have a high site fidelity for at least 3 to 6 months and remain in their chosen nursery for at least three to four years (CoA 2015; GBRMPA, 2012; Morgan, 2017; Stevens et al., 2005 and Thorburn et al., 2008), later migrating into marine waters after the wet season (Morgan, 2017). Sawfish return to the estuaries to breed during the following wet season (CoA, 2015; INPEX, 2009). Higher survival or recruitment have been found to correlate with years with high, late wet season flows, due to higher water levels (Barber et al. 2018; Queensland Government, 2018 and Morgan et al., 2008). In Darwin Harbour most of the rivers and streams that feed into it flow during the wet season, and the early part of the dry season (January and April) (Darwin Harbour Advisory Committee, 2003). In the dry season the rivers stop flowing, sometimes reducing to a series of temporary pools, which also dry out (Darwin Harbour Advisory Committee, 2003).

The low fecundity of sawfish species (Compagno, 1990; Harrison, 2014) and slow growth rate and late age maturity (Compagno, 1990; CoA, 2015; Morgan, 2017) make them susceptible to being threatened, in combination to high catchability in fisheries (Morgan, 2017). However, they are relatively long lived with the green and Largetooth Sawfish believed to live up to 50 years (Morgan, 2017). Peverell (2008) estimated longevity of 34 years for Dwarf Sawfish, and an age at maturity of eight years for males.

Foraging Habitat

The general diet of sawfish includes fish, shrimp, crustaceans, and benthic dwelling invertebrates (Barber, 2018; Harrison, 2014; GBRMPA, 2012).

Foraging behaviour such as depth and diurnal preferences also varies between adult and juvenile sawfish which are likely reflected in differences in diet and foraging strategies related to prey availability (Morgan et al., 2008). Juveniles prefer shallow water in coastal foreshores and embayment’s, often being observed in depths of about 0.25m, (believed to help in avoiding predation and maximise growth rate due to warmer temperatures in shallows) (Compagno, 1990; Harrison, 2014; Queensland Government, 2018; Morgan et al., 2008). Juveniles of Largetooth Sawfish are known to readily move between pools of water in upper reaches of estuarine environments, particularly moving upstream with incoming tides (Morgan et al., 2008). This ability to move between pools allows juvenile sawfish to avoid predators and forage in areas not exploited by larger fish (Morgan et al., 2008). Adult Sawfish movement are also believed to be influenced by tides limiting their movements within a restricted range of only a few square kilometres within the coastal fringe, in shallow waters less than 20m, however have also been found in deeper nearshore waters of the continental shelves less than 100m, as deeper waters are believed to allow greater manoeuvrability whilst also maintaining a close proximity to potential prey (Compagno, 1990; GBRMPA, 2012; Harrison, 2014; CoA, 2015; Morgan et al., 2008). Larger Sawfish have shown a marked tendency to occur at deeper depths during the day compared to at night due to greater prey availability and

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diversity at night in shallower waters (Morgan et al., 2008). The bathymetry within Darwin Harbour does not exceed 100 m (Compagno, 1990; Harrison, 2014 (Figure 27). Sawfish could therefore occur in the Harbour at either life history stage.

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Figure 27 Bathymetry of Darwin Harbour (Source: INPEX, 2009).

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4.3 Mammals

4.3.1 Likelihood of occurrence assessment

The likelihood of occurrence assessment (0) provides the basis for identifying species that are likely to occur within the Study Area. The mammal species that are identified as likely to occur is based on known observations of these species within Darwin Harbour region or suitable foraging habitat of these species that is known to exist in Darwin Harbour. A lower likelihood of occurrence is afforded to the other mammal species with a moderate likelihood of occurring within the Study Area given there are known records of these species at the entrance to Darwin Harbour, however no known records within Darwin Harbour or the Study Area. A low likelihood of occurrence for mammal species is based on no known records of these species within the Study Area, Darwin Harbour or entrance of Darwin Harbour, or region, however suitable habitat exists within the Study Area for these species.

4.3.2 Dolphins

Significance

All dolphin likely to occur in the area; the Australian Humpback Dolphin (Sousa sahulensis), Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) and the Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Irrawaddy Dolphin) are protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

(EPBC Act) as Marine and Migratory and under the IUCN they are listed as Vulnerable or Data Deficient.


Within the Northern Territory, three widely distributed species of coastal dolphin have been identified; the Australian Snubfin, Australian Humpback and Australian Bottlenose (Palmer, 2010; Palmer, 2014 and URS, 2009). An aerial survey conducted by Groom et al. (2017) in October/November 2015 over an area of 93,145 km2 in the Northern Territory coastline recorded 1,497 individual dolphins, and the resulting density estimates were comparable across the NT coast. Additionally a study on the status and distribution of Dolphin species in the Northern Territory by Palmer (2014), found the Snubfin Dolphin had the greatest number of individuals per sampling episode, ranging from 136-222, followed by the Humpback Dolphin with 48 to 207, and lastly the Bottlenose Dolphin with 34 to 75. Both Tursiops

sp (T. truncates and T. aduncus) were grouped for the purposes of Palmer’s study (2014) due to similarities between species and difficulties in identification, however it should be noted that the Spotted Bottlenose dolphin (T. aduncus) was solely identified in database searches possibly because it is most commonly encountered in inshore coastal waters whilst the Common Bottlenose inhabits offshore waters (Palmer, 2014).

The Humpback Dolphins are relatively common throughout Australian tropical waters from Shark Bay (WA), north through the Northern Territory, Queensland and northern New South Wales (URS, 2009). Studies have demonstrated that there are four species worldwide (Palmer, 2014). In 2014 Sousa

chinensis was newly re-defined and a new species Sousa sahulensis was identified and separated from Sousa chinensis. Sousa chinensis is now used for Humpback Dolphins in the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans and S. sahulensis is used for Humpback Dolphins in the waters of the Sahul Shelf from northern Australia to southern New Guinea. Australia is a stronghold for the Humpback Dolphin due to its sparsely developed northern coastline, in contrast to other countries it is found (Palmer, 2010 and URS, 2009).

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The Bottlenose Dolphin occurs in tropical and sub-tropical, shallow offshore waters internationally from South Africa to the Red Sea and eastwards to the Arabian Gulf, India, China and Japan, southwards to Indonesia and New Guinea, and New Caledonia (URS, 2009). Within Australia the species is restricted to inshore areas such as bays and estuaries, nearshore waters, open coast environments, and shallow offshore waters, around the whole Australian coast (URS, 2009). In particular they are found in four main regions around Australia; the Indian Ocean, Tasman Sea, Coral Sea, and Arafura/Timor Seas. The total population is not known, however local areas have small community populations and a high degree of site fidelity (Hammond et al., 2012). However long-range movement and migration have also been observed (Hammond et al., 2012).

The Australian Snubfin is a recently identified species, having previously been combined with the Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) (DoE, 2019k). Only a single record for the Australian Snubfin Dolphin exists outside Australia (in Papua New Guinea). The Australian Snubfin is now regarded as endemic to Australia occurring in small, localized populations (Palmer, 2010 and URS, 2009). Stranding and museum specimen records indicate that Australian Snubfin Dolphins occur only in shallow coastal and estuarine waters and close to river mouths, off the northern half of Australia from Broome (WA), NT and to Brisbane (QLD) (DoE, 2019k). Currently, there are no population estimates that allow an assessment of population dynamics, such as declines in occurrence of Snubfin Dolphins in Australia or globally.

All three dolphin species are believed to be residents of Darwin Harbour and surrounding waters (Figure 28). Dolphin monitoring programs such as the Darwin Harbour Coastal Dolphin Monitoring Program, funded by the INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG Project, have been conducted since 2011 (Pollock and Brooks, 2015), and other projects have occurred since 2008 (Darwin Port, 2016). Prior to 2008, no systematic long-term studies had been conducted on the ecology, habitat use, abundance or seasonality of the three dolphin species in the Northern Territory (Palmer, 2010). Recent surveys indicate dolphin populations are small but stable and high rates of temporary emigration of all three species occurs between Darwin Harbour, Bynoe Harbour and Shoal Bay and likely to contribute to the variation in abundance of dolphins (Flora and Fauna Division, 2019, Palmer, 2010 and Pollock and Brooks, 2015). In October 2018, a 35% increase in sightings (80) of the three species of dolphin was observed over 3,683 km over 21 days compared to a 2017 survey (Flora and Fauna Division, 2019). The average density of the three dolphin species in the Darwin region over the course of the monitoring programs appears to be lower when compared to other dolphin populations in Australia, with the Bottlenose population density considerably lower than similar locations in northern Australia (Flora and Fauna Division, 2019). The density of both Humpback and Snubfin Dolphins both overlap with the range of densities from multiple other sites (Flora and Fauna Division, 2019). Factors that contribute to movement and temporary emigration are unknown (Flora and Fauna Division, 2019).

A study conducted by Palmer (2010) within the Darwin region, over a 24month period found the Humpback Dolphin was the most commonly sighted (284 records) followed by the Bottlenose (188) and the Snubfin (31). Average school sizes for the Humpback and Snubfin were three and for the Bottlenose was six. Total numbers of the three species are believed to remain the same throughout the year during both seasons (wet and dry) (Palmer, 2010). Similarly, a study by Pollock and Brooks (2015) over a three-year period (October 2011 to April 2015) found the Humpback Dolphin were the most abundant and widely distributed of the three species in the area, followed by the Snubfin and then Bottlenose. However, Snubfin Dolphin numbers are known to vary (Pollock and Brooks, 2015), and recent research has found there has been a small increase in abundance of Snubfin Dolphin in the Darwin Harbour from

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previous years (Flora and Fauna Division, 2019). Small increases in Bottlenose abundances have also been identified in a 2018 survey, and research suggests population numbers have returned to a similar size as in a 2016 survey (Flora and Fauna Division, 2019). Despite the Humpback being the most abundant, there have been a small population decline within Darwin Harbour from 2017 and 2018, while an increase in abundance was identified in Bynoe Harbour and Shoal Bay (Flora and Fauna Division, 2019).

Over 2008 and 2010 (Palmer, 2010) the density of Snubfin Dolphins observed in the western parts of Darwin Harbour were substantially higher than near East Arm and Blaydin Point, which is consistent with reports indicating that the highest abundance was in the north-western parts of the Harbour (URS, 2015). Similarly, Bottlenose Dolphin densities similar between the western parts and East Arm, however both were less than in the northern parts of the Harbour (URS, 2015).

All three species are believed to have restricted coastal distributions and site fidelity (Palmer, 2010 and URS, 2009) and populations of all three species have been sighted utilising the habitat within the Darwin region, Bynoe Harbour and the Hope Inlet areas. In general, the whole of Darwin Harbour, Bynoe Harbour and Shoal Bay can be considered verified dolphin habitat (URS, 2015). Bynoe Harbour appears more significant for the Snubfin Dolphin compared to Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay (URS, 2015). Outer western areas of Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay yield more observations of Bottlenose Dolphins compared to Bynoe Harbour; and the upper reaches of all three locations (Darwin Harbour, Bynoe Harbour and Shoal Bay) appear to be favoured by the Humpback Dolphin (URS, 2015).

The Howard River and Hope Inlet are important foraging and probable nursery areas for the Humpback Dolphin and not accessed by the other two dolphin species (Palmer, 2010 and URS, 2015). Hope inlet is considered an estuarine environment and contains sand bars, seagrass and areas of open coastline (Palmer, 2010). Fannie Bay, close to the mouth of the Harbour, is an open bay that comprises seagrass and sandbars, and is a preferred location for the Bottlenose Dolphin, however the Bottlenose has also been sighted foraging along Frances bay in the inner Harbour, which comprises mud and mangrove habitat in an estuarine environment with numerous creek systems (Palmer, 2010).

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Figure 28 Dolphin observations within the Study Area and Darwin Harbour region. Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni), Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa sahulensis) and Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) (Source: ALA, 2019).

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Biologically important areas have been identified for the Australian Snubfin Dolphin, Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin and Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin in the North Marine Region (DSEWPaC, 2012). Biologically important habitat for cetaceans include breeding and foraging.

Foraging habitat

The Humpback, Snubfin and Bottlenose Dolphins all share similar behavioural activities, as well as some degree of spatial overlap. However, they each have significant differences in habitat use and fine-scale habitat selection (Palmer, 2010, Palmer, 2014, Pollock and Brooks, 2015). All three species of dolphin are opportunistic, generalist feeders, that prey on a wide variety of both schooling, bottom dwelling and pelagic fish and cephalopods that are generally associated with mangroves, seagrass, sandy bottom or rocky coral reefs in shallow coastal waters and estuaries of tropical regions (Parra, 2013). Feeding is one of the primary factors that determines the occurrence of dolphins in shallow, coastal and estuarine waters, close to river mouths and creeks and typically within 20 km of land and in water depths of less than 20 m (Parra, 2013 and URS, 2009). Each species also occasionally occurs offshore and differs in its broader range of preferred habitat types (CoA, 2012).

Within Darwin Harbour foraging has been identified as the dominant behaviour for dolphins, in waters from 0.7 m to 25 m (Palmer, 2010). The water depths surrounding the Study Area are shallow (approx.. 2 m). Fish species are likely to occur in this habitat, providing the opportunity for dolphins to forage here, where rocky outcrops, subtidal sands and hard corals exist (Gomelyuk, 2012). Smit et al. (2012) confirmed East and Middle Arms of Darwin Harbour are important foraging areas for the Humpback Dolphin in particular, and to a lesser extent the Bottlenose and Snubfin Dolphins. An assessment of the Darwin Harbour fish communities also confirms fish species found in non-coral lower littoral habitats within the Harbour are not unique or typical of this habitat and fish assemblages consisted of species that can be found in a large variety of habitats and depths. The non-coral littoral habitat also have the lowest fish abundances and diversity compared to coral habitats or deeper areas that are bare. The majority of fish found during the assessment were small carnivorous trevallies, threadfin breams and ponyfishes, that feed on zooplankton, nekton or benthos (Gomelyuk, 2012). The other fish communities found were mainly associated with coral habitat and deeper bare areas, considered an important nursery for amateur and commercially targeted snapper. In total 415 species of fish are found within the Harbour, however higher abundances and biodiversity of fish is higher at the entrance of the Harbour and around Channel Island and Shell island within the Harbour and areas outside of the Harbour such as Coburg Marine Park. Lower abundances and diversity within the Harbour are believed to be due to low standing stock of nutrients and nutrient concentrations and slight seasonal variations due to river runoff during the wet season.

Breeding habitat

The proportion of calves sighted has varied considerably over eight years for all three dolphin species (Flora and Fauna Division, 2019). Calving rates have increased from 2017 to 2018 for Humpback and Bottlenose Dolphins, whereas the Snubfin calving rate remained relatively stable, where over the previous 8 years the rate has generally been low (Flora and Fauna Division, 2019). For all three dolphin

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species calving occurs in the months October to April (Palmer, 2010) and has been observed within Darwin Harbour as well as Bynoe Harbour and Shoal Bay (Figure 29) (Flora and Fauna Division, 2019).

Figure 29 Locations of calves recorded during transect surveys: blue circle = Sousa sp.; red circle = Orcaella sp.; green circle = Tursiops sp. (Source: Palmer, 2010).

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4.3.3 Dugong

Significance

The Dugong is protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and listed as Marine and Migratory. Internationally it is listed under the IUCN they are listed as Vulnerable. The Dugong is listed as Near Threatened under the Territory

Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act. The dugong is a species of high cultural and conservation significance in Australia and many other coastal regions globally.


The Dugong inhabits warm, tropical waters globally and within Australia. Its range extends from east Africa to the western Pacific (Groom et al., 2017). In Australia, dugong distribution and abundance varies along the northern coastline from Shark Bay in Western Australia to Moreton Bay near Brisbane, Queensland (Groom et al., 2017 and URS, 2009). During an aerial survey conducted by Groom et al.

(2017) in October/November 2015 over 93,145 km2 of the Northern Territory coastline, 194 adult dugongs and 26 calves were sighted within transects and mean group size was 1.4 and maximum group size was six, with an overall population estimate of 8,176 (± 958), which was fairly consistent across the NT coast. They are known to travel long distances and regionally they are present in most areas of the Cobourg Marine Park, where total number and density is particularly high in some areas such as Aiton Bay east to Wurgurlu Bay and surrounding Greenhill Island (NTG, 2011). In this area the density of Dugongs reach up to 20 animals/km2 with total population estimated to be in excess of 1000 animals (Figure 30) (NTG, 2011). The Marine Park is considered to be one of the most significant areas for Dugong in the NT and Australia (NTG, 2011). Other key sites within northern Australia of national and international significance for dugongs include; the Tiwi islands, Peron Islands, Cape ford, Cape Scott, Blue Mud Bay, Limmen Coast and the Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands on the east Arnhem Land coast (URS, 2009) and critical habitat areas at Melville Island and on the east side of Van Diemen Gulf, however records are patchy (Cardno, 2013). Greater Dugong densities are generally associated with shallow water, larger islands and bays (Cardno, 2013).

Dugongs are commonly encountered within the Darwin Harbour region in low numbers (Figure 31) (Darwin Port, 2016; Palmer, 2010 and URS, 2009), compared to larger numbers in surrounding areas such as Vernon Islands and Gunn Point (30-50 km north east of Darwin Harbour) (URS, 2009). A survey on Dugong density around Darwin was conducted by Cardno (2013). Cardno (2013) recorded 150 Dugongs between June and August 2012 in the Bynoe Harbour, Vernon Island and Darwin Harbour/Hope Inlet region during aerial and boat surveys. The Darwin Harbour/Hope Inlet resulted in the greatest number of records of all locations, and Hope Inlet accounted for the majority of these.

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Figure 30 Distribution of Dugongs within the North Marine region, December 1995 (Source: Cardno, 2013).

Figure 31 Dugong observations within the Study Area and Darwin Harbour region. (Source: ALA, 2019).

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Biologically important areas are areas that are particularly important for conservation of the protected species and where aggregations of individuals display biologically important behaviour such as breeding, foraging, resting or migration (DSEWPaC, 2012). Biologically important habitat for Dugongs include breeding and foraging. No biologically important areas have been identified for Dugongs in the North Marine Region.

The distribution and abundance of Dugongs is generally associated with extensive seagrass and algal habitats, hence they are usually found in coastal areas such as shallow protected bays, mangrove areas and the lee side of large inshore islands where seagrass grows, however they have occasionally been sighted further offshore in areas where the continental shelf is wide, shallow (up to 37 m deep) and protected (URS, 2009). Juvenile and adult Dugong diet consists primarily of seagrass, in particular Halodule and Halophila and occasionally algae if seagrass is sparse (Cardno, 2013 and URS, 2009). The majority of seagrass communities in the Northern Territory occur along open coastlines in shallow coastal environments as their growth is limited by light availability, more so than algae species and their tolerance to prolonged low-light and elevated temperatures is low (Groome et al., 2017). Given that seagrass habitat does not occur within the Project location and occurs in sparse quantities towards the outer region of Darwin Harbour it is unlikely Dugongs would occur within the Study Area as they consume up to 40kg of seagrass in a day, and therefore the habitat within the Study Area or Darwin Harbour is unlikely to support their feeding requirements (Cardno, 2013).

However, seagrass biomass in northern Australia are known to be highly dynamic, in response to seasonality and annual variability, with biomass usually highest in the dry season and lowest in the wet season (Groom et al., 2017). In Darwin Harbour, Dugong have been observed foraging on rocky reef flats between Channel Island and the western end of Middle Arm Peninsula, in depths ranging from 1 m to 6 m, and occasionally in waters up to 21 m, (Cardno, 2013). Dugongs have been observed in this area during most months of the year, except from September to December (URS, 2009) and repeated sightings of dugongs at this location may indicate that algal covered rocky reefs may represent potential foraging habitat for a small number of dugongs in the region (Cardno, 2013). No seagrass occurs in these locations either as the habitat is primarily reef flat and therefore dugongs were likely to have been feeding on macro algae; and known food source in Fog Bay, 60 km south-west of Darwin Harbour (Cardno, 2013; URS, 2009). Given that algae could potentially grow in the Project location also it is possible dugongs could be found here, however they are more likely to forage in seagrass areas. Within the Darwin region, tropical seagrass species such as Halodule and Halophila grow in low densities and are ephemeral, with their distribution influenced by seasonal tidal patterns, nutrient availability, rainfall and cyclonic activity (Cardno, 2013). Habitat mapping conducted by Geooceans (2011) indicate seagrass cover approximately 2,520ha of the total benthic habitat of mapped Darwin habitat, with the majority of these beds mapped in the outer parts of the estuary (Cardno, 2013). Several distinct beds occur over soft bottom substratum near Charles Point, Woods Inlet, Fannie Bay, Lee Point and offshore from Casuarina (Cardno, 2013). Dugongs have also been recorded over sandy habitats, reef habitat and mangrove habitat within the region, although less so in the latter two habitats (Cardno, 2013).

Breeding habitat

Juvenile and adult dugongs have both been recorded within the Harbour (Cardno, 2013). In northern QLD, calving occurs from late August to November and predominately occurs in shallow waters such as tidal sandbanks and estuaries (Cardno, 2013). The dugong has a low fecundity due to a highly

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inconsistent reproductive rate (Cardno, 2013). Gestation is approximately 14 months, with one calf born every three to seven years (Cardno, 2013).

4.4 Fish

4.4.1 Likelihood of occurrence

The likelihood of occurrence assessment (0) provides the basis for identifying species that are likely to occur within the Study Area. The fish species that are identified as likely to occur is based on known observations of these species within Darwin Harbour region or suitable foraging habitat of these species that is known to exist in Darwin Harbour. A lower likelihood of occurrence is afforded to the other fish species with a moderate likelihood of occurring within the Study Area given there are known records of these species at the entrance to Darwin Harbour, however no known records within Darwin Harbour or the Study Area. A low likelihood of occurrence for fish species is based on no known records of these species within the Study Area, Darwin Harbour or entrance of Darwin Harbour, or region, however suitable habitat exists within the Study Area for these species.

4.4.2 Syngnathids (Pipefish)

Significance

Syngnathids (Pipefish) are not listed as threatened or migratory under the EPBC Act. However, all five species considered likely to occur; Short-keel Pipefish (Hippichthys parvicarinatus), Flat-face Seahorse (Hippocampus planifrons), Lowcrown Seahorse (Hippocampus dahli), Tidepool Pipefish (Micrognathus

micronotopterus) and Straightstick Pipefish (or long-nosed pipefish) (Trachyrhamphus longirostris) are listed Internationally as least concern under the IUCN. Nationally all species are listed as marine under the EPBC Act 1999. The EPBC Act controls international trade in all wild capture and aquarium-raised Australian syngnathid species (CoA, 2012). Australia is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) of which the Flat-Faced Seahorse and Low-crown Seahorse is listed under. In the Northern Territory all species are listed as data deficient under the NT TPWC Act. The Short-keel Pipefish is an endemic species restricted to estuarine and freshwater habitats in the Northern Territory.

Distribution and Abundance

Australia has the highest recorded diversity of syngnathids in the world (bony fishes) (CoA, 2012). In the North Marine Region of which the Northern Territory is located, approximately 28 species of syngnathids are known to occur, and a further 35 species may infrequently occur (CoA, 2012). Species within the Syngnathidae family have distinct characteristics such as differing distribution and relative abundance patterns across the North Marine Region, ranging from rare to very common (CoA, 2012). Habitat that supports syngnathid populations is generally patchy, so populations of syngnathid species may be dispersed and fragmented (CoA, 2012). The confirmed distribution of the Flat-faced Seahorse globally includes; Cambodia, China (Hong Kong SAR and Province of Taiwan), France (Tahiti), India, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam (Lourie et al., 2004). Their suspected distribution extends from Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, China, Papua New Guinea and Sri Lanka (Lourie et al., 2004). The Flat-faced Seahorse if found within the temperate and tropical/subtropical waters of northern Western

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Australia, Northern Territory and eastern Australian states (Lourie et al., 2004). The Tidepool Pipefish and Straight-stick Pipefish are known to occur in the North Marine Region (CoA, 2012). The Short-keeled Pipefish, Flat-faced Seahorse and Low-crown Seahorse are known to occur in the North Marine Region on an infrequent basis (CoA, 2012).

Seahorses occupy both temperature and tropical coastal waters, with a distribution from about 50 degrees north to 50 degrees south (Lourie et al., 2004). Seahorses tend to be patchily distributed at low densities (Lourie et al., 2004). Most seahorse species exhibit high site-fidelity and small home ranges, at least during breeding (Lourie et al., 2004). The young of some species are planktonic, entering the water column immediately after birth (Lourie et al., 2004).

Within the Study Area all species have been sighted, however observations of all five species have been recorded at Middle Arm, East Arm Wharf, the Harbour Entrance and other creeks to the west inside the Harbour.

Figure 32 Short-keel Pipefish (Hippichthys parvicarinatus), Flat-face Seahorse (Hipppocampus planifrons), Lowcrown Seahorse (Hippocampus dahli), Tidepool Pipefish (Micrognathus micronotopterus) and Straightstick Pipefish (Trachyrhamphus longirostris) observations within the Study Area and Darwin Harbour region (Source: ALA, 2019).

Habitat

Species within the Syngnathidae family have distinct characteristics such as differing habitats (CoA, 2012). Seahorses and pipefishes are a diverse group and occupy a wide range of habitats (CoA, 2012).

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Most species generally display a preference for seagrass and macroalgal beds, coral reefs, mangroves and sponge gardens (CoA, 2012). Although certain species are also found in open sandy or muddy bottoms and estuaries and lagoons (Lourie et al., 2004). The Flat Faced Seahorse is typically found at >10 m depth, with a maximum recorded depth of 100 m (Lourie et al., 2004). Seahorses have particular microhabitat preferences due to their limited swimming ability and often occupy environments such as the edges of seagrass, kelp bed, algae, mangrove and coral reef habitat (CoA, 2012). The Flat-faced Seahorse is primarily found in octocorals, macroalgae, not hard corals, gravel, sandy bottoms around shallow reefs and muddy bottoms in deeper waters (Lourie et al., 2004).

Given the preferred habitat of species within the Syngnathidae exist within the Study Area, it is likely they are present.

Biologically Important Habitat

Biologically important areas such as breeding, foraging, resting or migration, have not yet been identified for seahorse and pipefish species in the North Marine Region (CoA, 2012).

Foraging Habitat

Syngnathid are typically carnivorous, feeding in the water column on or near the sea floor (CoA, 2012). Their diet consists mainly of small crustaceans such as copepods; small invertebrates, such as mysids in the zooplankton; small amphipods; and occasionally larval fish (CoA, 2012). The Short-keel Pipefish feeds primarily on small planktonic crustaceans (CoA, 2012).

Given the foraging habitat preferred by syngnathid species is present within the Study Area, it is likely they are present.

Breeding habitat

All species of seahorses studied in the wild appear to be monogamous within a single breeding cycle (Lourie et al., 2004). The lifespan of seahorses are estimated to range from one year in the very small species to about three to five years in larger species (Lourie et al., 2004). The breeding season differs with the location of the population, and a study by Lourie et al., (2004) believes light, temperature and seasonal rainfall influences the breeding season, which is generally believed to last longer in tropical waters than in temperate waters (Lourie et al., 2004). Seahorses release between 100-300 young per breeding event, however this varies among species (Lourie et al., 2004). The Flat-faced Seahorse breeds year round with the peak of the season in March to May and in October (Lourie et al., 2004).

Little information exists on the preferred breeding habitat of each species and therefore it is difficult to ascertain whether breeding habitat for each species is suitable within the Study Area.

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5 Environmental Windows and Key Habitat

A summary of the environmental windows and key habitat for conservation significant species relevant to the proposed Darwin Processing Facility is provided in Table 6. Key environmental windows that should be considered in evaluating impacts from the Project include:

Sawfish pupping in Darwin is unknown, however they prefer tidal creeks as nurserys and this behaviour generally occurs between November - April in known locations such as the Ashburton River or the Fitzroy River in WA. They rely on sandy substrates between <1 m water depths. Little is known about the value of the Study Area with respect to Sawfish although pupping habitat is likley limitied to the mouths of the tidal creeks;

Length of nesting season for marine turtles and timing of peak of nesting season based on surveys in the Northern Territory. No significant nesting sites exist in the Harbour;

Higher numbers of sea snakes were observed in the wet season when breeding occurs; Saltwater Crocodiles nest in the wet season and Freshwater Crocodiles nest in the dry

season; Dolphin peak calving occurs in October – April; Foraging habitat for Dugongs is the primary factor contributing to their distribution as their diet

is primarily seagrass and macroalgal habitat which is seasonal. Highest biomass of seagrass is in the dry season and lower in the wet season. Therefore, occurrences of Dugong in the Harbour would be expected more so in the wet season when seagrass is scarce in outer Harbour regions and macroalga abundance is highest in the Harbour. Dugong calving is known to occur between August and November; and

Flat-faced Seahorse breeding period, which is year-round with the peak of the season in March to May and in October.

Table 6 Summary of Environmental Windows and Key Habitats

Conservation Significant Species

Environmental Window

Key Habitat Reference

Sawfish (pupping) November- April Tidal Creeks Morgan (2017)

Olive Ridley Turtle (nesting) March - Oct Nesting on Beaches WWF (2005) & NT Gov (2011)

Flatback Turtle (nesting) March - Oct Nesting on Beaches WWF (2005)

Green Turtle (nesting) End of Jan to unknown Nesting on Beaches WWF (2005)

Hawksbill Turtle (nesting) July - October Nesting on Beaches Chatto (2012)

Sea snakes (possibly breeding) Wet season Possible breeding habitat

DSEWPaC, 2012

Saltwater Crocodile (nesting) Wet season (Jan-Feb) nesting DSEWPaC 2012 Saalfeld 2016

Freshwater Crocodile Dry season (June-Sept) nesting Australian Museum, 2018

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Conservation Significant Species

Environmental Window

Key Habitat Reference

Dolphin (all three species) October- April Calving Palmer (2010)

Dugong August – November All months except Sep-Dec

Calving Foraging

Cardno (2013) Groom et al. (2017)

Fish – Flat -faced Seahorse (Breeding)

March, May and October Breeding Lourie et al., 2004

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6 Conclusion

A desktop literature review and online database searches identified a total of 23 listed threatened species and a further 56 species listed as marine under the EPBC Act that are likely to occur within the Study Area. However, only 20 species are regarded as highly likely to occur given their known occurrence and the likely presence of suitable habitat within Darwin Harbour. These included:

Six (6) reptile species including: • Four (4) turtles: Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Flatback Turtle and the Olive Ridley; • Two (2) Crocodiles: Freshwater Crocodile and Salt-water Crocodile; • Two (2) Sea snakes: Black-ringed Seasnake and Northern Mangrove Seasnake;

Four (4) mammal species: • Dugong; and • Three (3) Dolphins: Australian Humpback, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose and Australian

Snubfin Dolphin; Three (3) elasmobranch species: Dwarf Sawfish, Green Sawfish and Largetooth Sawfish; and Five (5) fish species: Short-keel Pipefish, Flat-face Seahorse, Lowcrown Seahorse, Tidepool

Pipefish and Straightstick Pipefish (or long-nosed pipefish).

The following key conclusions are made with respect to these conservation significant species:

The Green Turtle may utilise the Study Area for foraging habitat such as mangroves and macroalgae, although greater foraging habitat exists outside of the Harbour where seagrass (i.e. preferred diet of the Green Turtle) is more widespread. The other species of turtle may potentially forage in the Study Area, however greater foraging habitat exists in other areas of the Darwin Harbour and outside of the Harbour;

The Flatback Turtle is known to nest outside of the Harbour on Casuarina beach in greater numbers than the other turtle species. Suitable nesting habitat does not exist in the Study Area and therefore it is unlikely marine turtle species would utilise the habitat in the Project location for this activity;

Both the Freshwater and Saltwater Crocodile have been recorded within the Study Area, however the Saltwater Crocodile management program aims to remove any crocodiles that enter the Harbour;

Sea snakes were observed more frequently during the wet season than the dry season. The most recent observations of sea snakes in Darwin Harbour was in 2011 in Middle Arm. In the Study Area the only recorded observations were in 1994 and 1987 and one specimen observed in each period;

There are no records of sawfish within Darwin Harbour. However, records do exist in nearby areas outside of the Harbour. All sawfish species could potentially occur within the Study Area given they can occur in shallow depths and all are found in estuarine environments at any life history stage. Adult sawfish are more likely to occur in the area at night (reflecting prey activity time), compared to deeper waters where they seek protection during the day. The Largetooth sawfish may potentially utilise the waters as a migration pathway from the Darwin catchment to the marine waters during the transition from juvenile phase to adult phase;


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All dolphin species known to occur within Darwin Harbour are also known to occur within the Study Area. However, foraging activity is unlikely in the Study Area given greater foraging habitat exists in other areas of the Harbour and outside of the Harbour;

Dugongs are unlikely to occur within the Study Area given their feeding and foraging requirements. Their preferred diet is seagrass, which is not present within the Study Area. However, within Darwin Harbour macroalgae may be considered a significant food source for dugongs given they have been sighted foraging in areas where macroalgae is present, especially during the wet season when seagrass biomass is low; and

Little information is known of the fish species that may occur within the Harbour. Observations have been made in areas of the Harbour such as Middle Arm, however no records exist for any conservation significant fish species within the Study Area.

The above conclusions are based on extensive marine fauna surveys that have been conducted across Darwin Harbour, extending to adjacent regions, by the Northern Territory Government and also as part of environmental monitoring conditions applied to the Ichthys LNG Project and other regional monitoring programs. Current information on marine turtles, crocodiles, dolphins and dugongs within Darwin Harbour is substantial. However, there are gaps in the current knowledge of abundance, distribution and habitat use by sawfish, sea snake and pipefish species within Darwin Harbour. Therefore, if impacts to the marine environment are substantial then targeted surveys for sawfish, sea snakes and pipefish may be warranted to better inform assessment of Project impacts on these conservation significant species.


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Ward, T.M. (2000). Factors affecting the catch rates and relative abundance of sea snakes in the by-catch of trawlers targeting tiger and endeavour prawns on the northern Australian continental shelf. Marine Freshwater Research. 51:155-164.

Ward, R.J. (2002). Personal communication.


19WAU-0007 R190200

Ward, S and Larson, H. (2012). Threatened Species of the Northern Territory. Northern River Shark, New Guinea River Shark (Glyphis garricki).

Wassenberg, T.J., J.P. Salini, H. Heatwole & J.D. Kerr (1994). Incidental capture of sea-snakes (Hydrophiidae) by prawn trawlers in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. 45:429-43.

Whiting, S., Hadden, K., Long, J., Lauder, A., Kleidon, A. and Cook, K. (2003). Sea Turtle Conservation and Education on the Tiwi Islands. Final NHT Report. Report for the Department of the Environment and Water Resources.

WWF Australia (WWF). (2005). Identifying the links between nesting and foraging grounds for the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles in northern Australia. Project final report to the Department of the Environment and Water Resources.

A TNG Processing Facility Darwin Marine Fauna Review

19WAU-0007 R190200

Appendix A: Database Search Results

EPBC Act Protected Matters Report

This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other mattersprotected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.

Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in thecaveat at the end of the report.

Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines,forms and application process details.

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

Acknowledgements

Buffer: 10.0Km

Matters of NES

Report created: 10/10/19 14:46:16

Coordinates

This map may contain data which are©Commonwealth of Australia(Geoscience Australia), ©PSMA 2010

CaveatExtra Information

DetailsSummary

http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/environment-assessments

Summary

This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in, or mayrelate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report, which can beaccessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an activity that may have asignificant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance then you should consider theAdministrative Guidelines on Significance.

Matters of National Environmental Significance

Listed Threatened Ecological Communities:

Listed Migratory Species:

None

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park:

Wetlands of International Importance:

Listed Threatened Species:

None

41

None

None

National Heritage Places:

Commonwealth Marine Area:

World Heritage Properties:

None

None

62

The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions taken onCommonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. As heritage values of aplace are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of aCommonwealth Heritage place. Information on the new heritage laws can be found athttp://www.environment.gov.au/heritage

This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated.Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Commonwealth land,when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken onCommonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing totake an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.

A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a listed threatenedspecies or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales and other cetaceans, or a member ofa listed marine species.


None

None

12

Listed Marine Species:

Whales and Other Cetaceans:

100

Commonwealth Heritage Places:

6

None

Critical Habitats:

Commonwealth Land:

Commonwealth Reserves Terrestrial:

NoneAustralian Marine Parks:

Extra Information

This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.

1

NoneState and Territory Reserves:

Nationally Important Wetlands:

NoneRegional Forest Agreements:

Invasive Species: 31

NoneKey Ecological Features (Marine)

http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/environment-assessments

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/permits-and-application-forms

Details

Listed Threatened Species [ Resource Information ]Name Status Type of PresenceBirds

Red Knot, Knot [855] Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Calidris canutus

Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Calidris ferruginea

Great Knot [862] Critically Endangered Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Calidris tenuirostris

Greater Sand Plover, Large Sand Plover [877] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Charadrius leschenaultii

Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover [879] Endangered Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Charadrius mongolus

Alligator Rivers Yellow Chat, Yellow Chat (AlligatorRivers) [67089]

Endangered Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Epthianura crocea tunneyi

Red Goshawk [942] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Erythrotriorchis radiatus

Gouldian Finch [413] Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Erythrura gouldiae

Partridge Pigeon (eastern) [64441] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Geophaps smithii smithii

Bar-tailed Godwit (baueri), Western Alaskan Bar-tailedGodwit [86380]

Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Limosa lapponica baueri

Northern Siberian Bar-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit(menzbieri) [86432]

Critically Endangered Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Limosa lapponica menzbieri

Eastern Curlew, Far Eastern Curlew [847] Critically Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Numenius madagascariensis

Australian Painted-snipe, Australian Painted Snipe Endangered Species or speciesRostratula australis

Matters of National Environmental Significance

Name Status Type of Presence[77037] habitat known to occur

within area

Masked Owl (northern) [26048] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli

Mammals

Fawn Antechinus [344] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Antechinus bellus

Blue Whale [36] Endangered Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Balaenoptera musculus

Brush-tailed Rabbit-rat, Brush-tailed Tree-rat,Pakooma [132]

Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Conilurus penicillatus

Northern Quoll, Digul [Gogo-Yimidir], Wijingadda[Dambimangari], Wiminji [Martu] [331]

Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Dasyurus hallucatus

Ghost Bat [174] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Macroderma gigas

Humpback Whale [38] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Megaptera novaeangliae

Black-footed Tree-rat (Kimberley and mainlandNorthern Territory), Djintamoonga, Manbul [87618]

Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Mesembriomys gouldii gouldii

Nabarlek (Top End) [87606] Endangered Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Petrogale concinna canescens

Northern Brush-tailed Phascogale [82954] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Phascogale pirata

Bare-rumped Sheath-tailed Bat, Bare-rumpedSheathtail Bat [66889]

Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Saccolaimus saccolaimus nudicluniatus

Water Mouse, False Water Rat, Yirrkoo [66] Vulnerable Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Xeromys myoides

Plants

[86125] Critically Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Atalaya brevialata

a triggerplant [86366] Endangered Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Stylidium ensatum

a herb [65904] Endangered Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Typhonium taylori

Reptiles

Plains Death Adder [83821] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Acanthophis hawkei

Loggerhead Turtle [1763] Endangered Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Caretta caretta

Name Status Type of Presence

Green Turtle [1765] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Chelonia mydas

Leatherback Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Luth [1768] Endangered Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Dermochelys coriacea

Hawksbill Turtle [1766] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Eretmochelys imbricata

Olive Ridley Turtle, Pacific Ridley Turtle [1767] Endangered Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Lepidochelys olivacea

Flatback Turtle [59257] Vulnerable Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Natator depressus

Sharks

White Shark, Great White Shark [64470] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Carcharodon carcharias

Northern River Shark, New Guinea River Shark[82454]

Endangered Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Glyphis garricki

Dwarf Sawfish, Queensland Sawfish [68447] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Pristis clavata

Freshwater Sawfish, Largetooth Sawfish, RiverSawfish, Leichhardt's Sawfish, Northern Sawfish[60756]

Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Pristis pristis

Green Sawfish, Dindagubba, Narrowsnout Sawfish[68442]


Pristis zijsron

Whale Shark [66680] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Rhincodon typus

Listed Migratory Species [ Resource Information ]* Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list.Name Threatened Type of PresenceMigratory Marine Birds

Common Noddy [825] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Anous stolidus

Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Apus pacificus

Streaked Shearwater [1077] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Calonectris leucomelas

Lesser Frigatebird, Least Frigatebird [1012] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Fregata ariel

Great Frigatebird, Greater Frigatebird [1013] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Fregata minor

Little Tern [82849] Species or species habitatmay occur within

Sternula albifrons

Name Threatened Type of Presencearea

Migratory Marine Species

Narrow Sawfish, Knifetooth Sawfish [68448] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Anoxypristis cuspidata

Bryde's Whale [35] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Balaenoptera edeni



White Shark, Great White Shark [64470] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area



Caretta caretta


Chelonia mydas

Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile [1774] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Crocodylus porosus



Dugong [28] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Dugong dugon





Reef Manta Ray, Coastal Manta Ray, Inshore MantaRay, Prince Alfred's Ray, Resident Manta Ray [84994]

Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Manta alfredi

Giant Manta Ray, Chevron Manta Ray, Pacific MantaRay, Pelagic Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray [84995]


Manta birostris




Natator depressus

Australian Snubfin Dolphin [81322] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Orcaella heinsohni

Killer Whale, Orca [46] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Orcinus orca

Dwarf Sawfish, Queensland Sawfish [68447] Vulnerable Species or species habitatknown to occur

Pristis clavata

Name Threatened Type of Presencewithin area

Freshwater Sawfish, Largetooth Sawfish, RiverSawfish, Leichhardt's Sawfish, Northern Sawfish[60756]


Pristis pristis

Green Sawfish, Dindagubba, Narrowsnout Sawfish[68442]


Pristis zijsron

Whale Shark [66680] Vulnerable Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Rhincodon typus

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin [50] Breeding known to occurwithin area

Sousa chinensis

Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Arafura/Timor Seapopulations) [78900]

Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Tursiops aduncus (Arafura/Timor Sea populations)

Migratory Terrestrial Species

Red-rumped Swallow [80610] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Cecropis daurica

Oriental Cuckoo, Horsfield's Cuckoo [86651] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Cuculus optatus

Barn Swallow [662] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Hirundo rustica

Grey Wagtail [642] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Motacilla cinerea

Yellow Wagtail [644] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Motacilla flava

Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Rhipidura rufifrons

Migratory Wetlands Species

Oriental Reed-Warbler [59570] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Acrocephalus orientalis

Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Actitis hypoleucos

Ruddy Turnstone [872] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Arenaria interpres

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Calidris acuminata

Sanderling [875] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Calidris alba


Calidris canutus

Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur

Calidris ferruginea

Name Threatened Type of Presencewithin area

Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Calidris melanotos

Red-necked Stint [860] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Calidris ruficollis






Charadrius mongolus

Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel [882] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour may occur withinarea

Charadrius veredus

Swinhoe's Snipe [864] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Gallinago megala

Pin-tailed Snipe [841] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Gallinago stenura

Oriental Pratincole [840] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour may occur withinarea

Glareola maldivarum

Bar-tailed Godwit [844] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Limosa lapponica

Black-tailed Godwit [845] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Limosa limosa



Little Curlew, Little Whimbrel [848] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Numenius minutus

Whimbrel [849] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Numenius phaeopus

Osprey [952] Breeding known to occurwithin area

Pandion haliaetus

Pacific Golden Plover [25545] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Pluvialis fulva

Grey Plover [865] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Pluvialis squatarola

Grey-tailed Tattler [851] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Tringa brevipes

Name Threatened Type of Presence

Common Greenshank, Greenshank [832] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Tringa nebularia

Terek Sandpiper [59300] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Xenus cinereus

Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ]* Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list.Name Threatened Type of PresenceBirds

Oriental Reed-Warbler [59570] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Acrocephalus orientalis

Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Actitis hypoleucos

Common Noddy [825] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Anous stolidus

Magpie Goose [978] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Anseranas semipalmata

Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Apus pacificus

Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Ardea alba

Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Ardea ibis

Commonwealth Land [ Resource Information ]The Commonwealth area listed below may indicate the presence of Commonwealth land in this vicinity. Due tothe unreliability of the data source, all proposals should be checked as to whether it impacts on aCommonwealth area, before making a definitive decision. Contact the State or Territory government landdepartment for further information.

NameCommonwealth Land - Australian Government SolicitorCommonwealth Land - Director of Property Services Defence EstateDefence - DARWIN - TRANSMITTING STATION '11 MILE'Defence - KOWANDI NORTH COMMUNICATION STATIONDefence - KOWANDI SOUTH REPEATING STATIONDefence - ROBERTSON BARRACKS (Waler Barracks)



Ruddy Turnstone [872] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Arenaria interpres

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Calidris acuminata

Sanderling [875] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Calidris alba


Calidris canutus

Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Calidris ferruginea

Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Calidris melanotos

Red-necked Stint [860] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Calidris ruficollis



Streaked Shearwater [1077] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Calonectris leucomelas




Charadrius mongolus

Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel [882] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour may occur withinarea

Charadrius veredus

Black-eared Cuckoo [705] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Chrysococcyx osculans

Lesser Frigatebird, Least Frigatebird [1012] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Fregata ariel

Great Frigatebird, Greater Frigatebird [1013] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Fregata minor

Swinhoe's Snipe [864] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Gallinago megala

Pin-tailed Snipe [841] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Gallinago stenura

Oriental Pratincole [840] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour may occur withinarea

Glareola maldivarum


White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Haliaeetus leucogaster

Grey-tailed Tattler [59311] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Heteroscelus brevipes

Red-rumped Swallow [59480] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Hirundo daurica

Barn Swallow [662] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Hirundo rustica

Bar-tailed Godwit [844] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Limosa lapponica

Black-tailed Godwit [845] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Limosa limosa

Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Merops ornatus

Grey Wagtail [642] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Motacilla cinerea

Yellow Wagtail [644] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Motacilla flava



Little Curlew, Little Whimbrel [848] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour likely to occurwithin area

Numenius minutus

Whimbrel [849] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Numenius phaeopus

Osprey [952] Breeding known to occurwithin area

Pandion haliaetus

Pacific Golden Plover [25545] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Pluvialis fulva

Grey Plover [865] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Pluvialis squatarola

Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Rhipidura rufifrons

Painted Snipe [889] Endangered* Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato)

Little Tern [813] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Sterna albifrons

Common Greenshank, Greenshank [832] Species or speciesTringa nebularia

Name Threatened Type of Presencehabitat known to occurwithin area

Terek Sandpiper [59300] Foraging, feeding or relatedbehaviour known to occurwithin area

Xenus cinereus

Fish

Three-keel Pipefish [66192] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Campichthys tricarinatus

Pacific Short-bodied Pipefish, Short-bodied Pipefish[66194]


Choeroichthys brachysoma

Pig-snouted Pipefish [66198] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Choeroichthys suillus

Fijian Banded Pipefish, Brown-banded Pipefish[66199]


Corythoichthys amplexus

Reticulate Pipefish, Yellow-banded Pipefish, NetworkPipefish [66200]


Corythoichthys flavofasciatus

Reef-top Pipefish [66201] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Corythoichthys haematopterus

Bluestripe Pipefish, Indian Blue-stripe Pipefish, PacificBlue-stripe Pipefish [66211]


Doryrhamphus excisus

Cleaner Pipefish, Janss' Pipefish [66212] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Doryrhamphus janssi

Girdled Pipefish [66214] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Festucalex cinctus

Brock's Pipefish [66219] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Halicampus brocki

Mud Pipefish, Gray's Pipefish [66221] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Halicampus grayi

Spiny-snout Pipefish [66225] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Halicampus spinirostris

Ribboned Pipehorse, Ribboned Seadragon [66226] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Haliichthys taeniophorus

Blue-speckled Pipefish, Blue-spotted Pipefish [66228] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippichthys cyanospilos

Short-keel Pipefish, Short-keeled Pipefish [66230] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippichthys parvicarinatus

Beady Pipefish, Steep-nosed Pipefish [66231] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippichthys penicillus

Spiny Seahorse, Thorny Seahorse [66236] Species or speciesHippocampus histrix

Name Threatened Type of Presencehabitat may occur withinarea

Spotted Seahorse, Yellow Seahorse [66237] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippocampus kuda

Flat-face Seahorse [66238] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippocampus planifrons

Hedgehog Seahorse [66239] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hippocampus spinosissimus

Tidepool Pipefish [66255] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Micrognathus micronotopterus

Pallid Pipehorse, Hardwick's Pipehorse [66272] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Solegnathus hardwickii

Gunther's Pipehorse, Indonesian Pipefish [66273] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Solegnathus lettiensis

Robust Ghostpipefish, Blue-finned Ghost Pipefish,[66183]


Solenostomus cyanopterus

Double-end Pipehorse, Double-ended Pipehorse,Alligator Pipefish [66279]


Syngnathoides biaculeatus

Bentstick Pipefish, Bend Stick Pipefish, Short-tailedPipefish [66280]


Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus

Straightstick Pipefish, Long-nosed Pipefish, StraightStick Pipefish [66281]


Trachyrhamphus longirostris

Mammals

Dugong [28] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Dugong dugon

Reptiles

Horned Seasnake [1114] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Acalyptophis peronii

Dubois' Seasnake [1116] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Aipysurus duboisii

Spine-tailed Seasnake [1117] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Aipysurus eydouxii

Olive Seasnake [1120] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Aipysurus laevis

Stokes' Seasnake [1122] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Astrotia stokesii


Caretta caretta



Chelonia mydas

Freshwater Crocodile, Johnston's Crocodile,Johnston's River Crocodile [1773]


Crocodylus johnstoni

Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile [1774] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Crocodylus porosus



Spectacled Seasnake [1123] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Disteira kingii

Olive-headed Seasnake [1124] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Disteira major

Beaked Seasnake [1126] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Enhydrina schistosa



Black-ringed Seasnake [1100] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrelaps darwiniensis

Black-headed Seasnake [1101] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis atriceps

Slender-necked Seasnake [25925] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis coggeri

Elegant Seasnake [1104] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis elegans

Plain Seasnake [1107] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis inornatus

null [25926] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis mcdowelli

Spotted Seasnake, Ornate Reef Seasnake [1111] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis ornatus

Large-headed Seasnake, Pacific Seasnake [1112] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Hydrophis pacificus

Spine-bellied Seasnake [1113] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Lapemis hardwickii





Natator depressus

Northern Mangrove Seasnake [1090] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Parahydrophis mertoni

Yellow-bellied Seasnake [1091] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Pelamis platurus

Whales and other Cetaceans [ Resource Information ]Name Status Type of PresenceMammals

Bryde's Whale [35] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Balaenoptera edeni



Common Dophin, Short-beaked Common Dolphin [60] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Delphinus delphis

Risso's Dolphin, Grampus [64] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Grampus griseus



Irrawaddy Dolphin [45] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Orcaella brevirostris

Killer Whale, Orca [46] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Orcinus orca

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin [50] Breeding known to occurwithin area

Sousa chinensis

Spotted Dolphin, Pantropical Spotted Dolphin [51] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Stenella attenuata

Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin, Spotted BottlenoseDolphin [68418]

Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Tursiops aduncus

Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Arafura/Timor Seapopulations) [78900]


Tursiops aduncus (Arafura/Timor Sea populations)

Bottlenose Dolphin [68417] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Tursiops truncatus s. str.

Extra Information

Invasive Species [ Resource Information ]Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introduced plantsthat are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to biodiversity. Thefollowing feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffalo and Cane Toad. Maps fromLandscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 2001.

Name Status Type of PresenceBirds

Common Myna, Indian Myna [387] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Acridotheres tristis

Rock Pigeon, Rock Dove, Domestic Pigeon [803] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Columba livia

House Sparrow [405] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Passer domesticus

Eurasian Tree Sparrow [406] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Passer montanus

Common Starling [389] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Sturnus vulgaris

Frogs

Cane Toad [83218] Species or species habitatknown to occur within area

Rhinella marina

Mammals

Domestic Cattle [16] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Bos taurus

Water Buffalo, Swamp Buffalo [1] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Bubalus bubalis

Domestic Dog [82654] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Canis lupus familiaris

Horse [5] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Equus caballus

Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat [19] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Felis catus

House Mouse [120] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Mus musculus

Black Rat, Ship Rat [84] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Rattus rattus

Pig [6] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Sus scrofa

Name Status Type of PresencePlants

Gamba Grass [66895] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Andropogon gayanus

Pond Apple, Pond-apple Tree, Alligator Apple,Bullock's Heart, Cherimoya, Monkey Apple, Bobwood,Corkwood [6311]


Annona glabra

Para Grass [5879] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Brachiaria mutica

Cabomba, Fanwort, Carolina Watershield, Fish Grass,Washington Grass, Watershield, Carolina Fanwort,Common Cabomba [5171]


Cabomba caroliniana

Buffel-grass, Black Buffel-grass [20213] Species or species habitatmay occur within area

Cenchrus ciliaris

Cat's Claw Vine, Yellow Trumpet Vine, Cat's ClawCreeper, Funnel Creeper [85119]


Dolichandra unguis-cati

Water Hyacinth, Water Orchid, Nile Lily [13466] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Eichhornia crassipes

Hymenachne, Olive Hymenachne, Water Stargrass,West Indian Grass, West Indian Marsh Grass [31754]


Hymenachne amplexicaulis

Cotton-leaved Physic-Nut, Bellyache Bush, Cotton-leafPhysic Nut, Cotton-leaf Jatropha, Black Physic Nut[7507]


Jatropha gossypifolia

Lantana, Common Lantana, Kamara Lantana, Large-leaf Lantana, Pink Flowered Lantana, Red FloweredLantana, Red-Flowered Sage, White Sage, Wild Sage[10892]


Lantana camara

Mimosa, Giant Mimosa, Giant Sensitive Plant,ThornySensitive Plant, Black Mimosa, CatclawMimosa, Bashful Plant [11223]


Mimosa pigra

Parkinsonia, Jerusalem Thorn, Jelly Bean Tree, HorseBean [12301]


Parkinsonia aculeata

Mission Grass, Perennial Mission Grass,Missiongrass, Feathery Pennisetum, FeatherPennisetum, Thin Napier Grass, West IndianPennisetum, Blue Buffel Grass [21194]


Pennisetum polystachyon

Salvinia, Giant Salvinia, Aquarium Watermoss, KaribaWeed [13665]


Salvinia molesta

Reptiles

Asian House Gecko [1708] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Hemidactylus frenatus

Mourning Gecko [1712] Species or species habitatlikely to occur within area

Lepidodactylus lugubris

Flowerpot Blind Snake, Brahminy Blind Snake, CacingBesi [1258]


Ramphotyphlops braminus

Nationally Important Wetlands [ Resource Information ]Name StatePort Darwin NT

- non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites

- migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers

- some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed

Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is a general guide only. Where available datasupports mapping, the type of presence that can be determined from the data is indicated in general terms. People using this information in makinga referral may need to consider the qualifications below and may need to seek and consider other information sources.

For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remotesensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and pointlocation data are used to produce indicative distribution maps.

- seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent

Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.

Threatened, migratory and marine species distributions have been derived through a variety of methods. Where distributions are well known and iftime permits, maps are derived using either thematic spatial data (i.e. vegetation, soils, geology, elevation, aspect, terrain, etc) together with pointlocations and described habitat; or environmental modelling (MAXENT or BIOCLIM habitat modelling) using point locations and environmental datalayers.

The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at the end of the report.Caveat

- migratory and

The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in reports produced from this database:

- marine

This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the EnvironmentProtection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World and National Heritage properties, Wetlands of Internationaland National Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine species and listed threatenedecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at variousresolutions.

- threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants

- some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area

The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species:

Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped:

Where very little information is available for species or large number of maps are required in a short time-frame, maps are derived either from 0.04or 0.02 decimal degree cells; by an automated process using polygon capture techniques (static two kilometre grid cells, alpha-hull and convex hull);or captured manually or by using topographic features (national park boundaries, islands, etc). In the early stages of the distribution mappingprocess (1999-early 2000s) distributions were defined by degree blocks, 100K or 250K map sheets to rapidly create distribution maps. More reliabledistribution mapping methods are used to update these distributions as time permits.

-12.53298 130.96732

Coordinates

-Environment and Planning Directorate, ACT-Birdlife Australia-Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme

-Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia

Acknowledgements

-Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales

-Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania

-Department of Land and Resource Management, Northern Territory-Department of Environmental and Heritage Protection, Queensland

-Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria

-Australian National Wildlife Collection

-Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australia

This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the followingcustodians who have contributed valuable data and advice:

-Australian Museum

-National Herbarium of NSW

Forestry Corporation, NSW-Australian Government, Department of Defence

-State Herbarium of South Australia

The Department is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided expert adviceand information on numerous draft distributions.

-Natural history museums of Australia

-Queensland Museum

-Australian National Herbarium, Canberra

-Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria

-Geoscience Australia

-Ocean Biogeographic Information System

-Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums-Queensland Herbarium

-Western Australian Herbarium

-Tasmanian Herbarium

-Northern Territory Herbarium

-South Australian Museum

-Museum Victoria

-University of New England

-CSIRO

-Other groups and individuals-Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart, Tasmania

-Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

-Reef Life Survey Australia-Australian Institute of Marine Science-Australian Government National Environmental Science Program

-Australian Tropical Herbarium, Cairns

-Australian Government – Australian Antarctic Data Centre

-Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Inveresk, Tasmania

-eBird Australia

-American Museum of Natural History

© Commonwealth of Australia

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GPO Box 787

Department of the Environment

Please feel free to provide feedback via the Contact Us page.

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http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/

http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/

https://nt.gov.au/environment/environment-data-maps

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http://www.csiro.au/en/Research/Collections/ANWC

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http://australianmuseum.net.au/

http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/science/Herbarium_and_resources/nsw_herbarium

http://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/

http://www.defence.gov.au/

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https://nt.gov.au/environment/native-plants/native-plants-and-nt-herbarium

http://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/

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http://www.une.edu.au

http://www.csiro.au/

http://www.tmag.tas.gov.au/

http://www.magnt.net.au/

http://reeflifesurvey.com/reef-life-survey/rls-australia/

http://www.aims.gov.au/

https://www.environment.gov.au/science/nerp

https://www.ath.org.au/

https://data.aad.gov.au/

http://www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/qvmag/

http://ebird.org/content/australia/

http://www.amnh.org/

http://www.environment.gov.au/copyright-statement

http://www.environment.gov.au/about-us/contact-us


19WAU-0007 R190200

Appendix B: Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment

Codes used in the following likelihood of occurrence tables:

EPBC Act (species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999): Ex = Extinct, CE = Critically Endangered, E = Endangered, V = Vulnerable, M = Migratory, MM = Migratory Marine, MT = Migratory Terrestrial, MW = Migratory Wetlands, Ma = Listed Marine

NT Act (species listed under the Western Australian Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016): • Threatened Species: EX = Presumed Extinct, CR = Critically Endangered,

EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, IA = Migratory birds protected under an International Agreement, CD = Conservation Dependent, OS = Other Specially Protected

IUCN (species listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species): EX = Extinct, EW = Extinct in the Wild, CR = Critically Endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, NT = Near Threatened, LC = Least Concern

Likelihood of Occurrence Classifications:

Low potential to occur – the species has not been recorded in the region (no records from desktop search) and/or current known distribution does not encompass Study Area and/or suitable habitat is generally lacking from the Study Area;

Moderate potential to occur – the species has been recorded in the region (desktop search) however suitable habitat is generally lacking from the Study Area OR species has not been recorded in the region (no records from desktop searches) but potentially suitable habitat occurs at the Study Area;

High potential to occur – the species has been recorded in the region (desktop search) and suitable habitat is present at the Study Area; and

Known to occur – the species has been recorded on-site in the recent past (i.e. last 5-10 years) and the site provides suitable habitat for it.


19WAU-0007 R190200

Reptiles

Species Name EPBC Act Status NT Act Status IUCN Status Habitat Preference Likelihood of Occurrence

Acalyptophis peronii

Horned Seasnake

Ma LC The Horned Seasnake occurs in tropical waters from Barrow Island in WA

(Smith 1974; Storr et al. 2002) to Moreton Bay in QLD (Covacevich & Couper

1991). The Horned Seasnake is typically found on sandy substrates (Cogger

2000; Ehmann 1992b; Guinea & Whiting 2005; Ineich & Laboute 2002;

McCosker 1975). Most commonly trawled in the Gulf of Carpentaria at depths

of 11-20 m (Ward 2000).

Moderate potential to occur

Habitat occurs in the area. Sightings

recorded in the region although no

sightings within Darwin Harbour.

Aipysurus duboisii

Dubois' Seasnake

Ma LC The Dubois' Seasnake occurs between Exmouth Gulf in WA (Storr et al.. 1986)

and Hervey Bay in QLD (Limpus 1975); and on Ashmore Reef and the Sahul

Shelf (Minton & Heatwole 1975). The Dubois' Seasnake is most often

observed in shallow water near protected coral reefs at depths of 3–4 m

(McCosker 1975), but it has also been caught in trawling nets at depths most

frequently between 20-50 m down to 45 m (Dunson 1975b, Ward 2000).





Aipysurus eydouxii

Spine-tailed Seasnake

Ma LC The Spine-tailed Seasnake occurs in tropical northern Australia from Exmouth

Gulf in WA (Storr et al. 1986) to Fraser Island in QLD (Limpus 1975). The

species is known to inhabit shallow bays and estuaries, where it is commonly

associated with soft muddy substrates, rather than rock or coral (Ehmann

1992b).





Aipysurus laevis

Olive Seasnake

Ma LC Surveys conducted before 2000 found that the Olive Seasnake occurs in

coastal and coral reef waters across northern Australia, including the coast of

the NT, the north east coast of WA (north of Exmouth) and the coast of

Queensland (Cogger 2000; Ineich & Limpus 1975; Storr et al. 1986). The Olive

Seasnake is found along lower reef edges and upper lagoon slopes of leeward

reefs (McCosker 1975) and Lukoschek and colleagues (2007a) found that the

Olive Seasnake occurs on larger, sheltered reefs and rarely on highly exposed

reefs.





Astrotia stokesii

Stokes' Seasnake

Ma LC The Stokes' Seasnake inhabits the tropical seas of northern Australia,

including WA, the NT and QLD (Cogger 2000). Stokes' Seasnake is associated

with inner reef drop-offs (Guinea & Whiting 2005), muddy substrates at

depths of 10 m (McCosker 1975) and coastal tidal pools (Sutherland 1983).



recorded in the region from the

entrance to Darwin Harbour.

Caretta caretta

Loggerhead Turtle

E, MM VU VU No records within the Study Area. There are no known nesting beaches in the

proposed Project area, however loggerhead turtles have been recorded in NT

waters (Chatto, 2008). The Project area is not mapped as a biologically

important area for this species (CoA, 2015a). However suitable habitat for


Foraging, feeding or related behaviour

known to occur within area (PMST).

The species is known to occur in the


19WAU-0007 R190200


this species is present within Darwin Harbour. In Australia it occurs in the

waters of coral and rocky reefs, seagrass beds and muddy bays (DoE, 2019b).

Foraging areas are widely distributed, though nesting occurs on open, sandy

beaches (DoE, 2019b).

region from recent scientific studies

(Chatto, 2008). Suitable habitat is also

present in the Study Area; however, no

records exist from within the Study

Area.

Chelonia mydas

Green Turtle

V, MM EN This species is known to occur in Darwin Harbour. There are records in the

Harbour within or within the Study Area. There are no known nesting

beaches in the Study Area. The Study Area is not mapped as a biologically

important area for this species (CoA, 2015a).

Known to occur


known to occur within area (PMST).

Studies by Cardno (2013) confirm this.

Crocodylus johnstoni

Freshwater Crocodile,

Ma LC The Freshwater Crocodile can be found in fresh and saltwater environments,

despite its name. Commonly found in rivers, swamps, creeks, lagoons and

billabongs, largely upstream and away from the coast, although they can also

live in tidal reaches of some rivers. They like sandy substrates in areas where

river channels cut through escarpments and plateaus, and sands, loams and

other friable substrate in freshwater wetlands such as that in the Northern

Territory (Delaney et al., 2010). However, it is common and locally abundant in

the Northern Territory (Delaney et al., 2010).

High potential to occur Two sighting recorded in Study Area. Further sightings within Darwin Harbour.

Crocodylus porosus

Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile

MM LC In the Northern Territory the saltwater crocodile has been found in numerous

rivers and marine waters. Mainly occurring in tidal rivers, coastal floodplains

and channels, billabongs and swamps up to 150 km inland from the coast. It

usually inhabits the lower (estuarine) reaches of rivers. They prefer to nest in

isolated freshwater swamps with little tidal influence, nesting in the NT

between November and May in areas with tall vegetation and permanent

water close by. They eat crustaceans, insects and mammals (DoE, 2019J).

Known to occur Records exist for the Study Area.

Although it is worth noting that since

the introduction of the saltwater

crocodile conservation program in the

1970’s the Northern Territory’s

Problem Crocodile Program has aimed

to capture and remove any crocodiles

moving into Darwin Harbour from

around the coast (Semeniuk et al.,

2011).


Leatherback turtle

E, MM CE VU Considered oceanic (URS, 2014). There are no records within the Study Area.

Occurs in tropical and temperate waters and most pelagic of all marine turtles

(DoE, 2019a). Carnivorous, feeding in the open ocean (pelagic feeder) on

jellyfish and other soft-bodied invertebrates (DoE, 2019a). Nesting was

confirmed at one site in the NT and a few anecdotal nesting were reported in

other areas (Aecom, 2017; Chatto, 2008), however no major nesting has been

Low potential to occur


likely to occur within area (PMST).


19WAU-0007 R190200


recorded in Australia (DoE, 2019a). The Study Area is not mapped as a

biologically important areas for this species (CoA, 2015a).

Disteira kingie

Spectacled Seasnake

Ma The Spectacled Seasnake has only been known to occur in Australia, between

Safety Bay in WA (in 2000) (Cogger 2001 pers. com.) across the northern

coastline of Australia to Moreton Bay in QLD as recorded in the mid 1970s

(Limpus 1975). Coastal waters deeper than 20 m (Ward 2000).





Disteira major

Olive-headed Seasnake

Ma This species is widely distributed in the tropical waters of northern Australia

and Southern Papua New Guinea, from Shark Bay in Western Australia (Storr

et al.. 1986), to Moreton Bay in Queensland (Limpus 1975) and to New

Caledonia (as Hydrophis major, Ineich & Rasmussen 1997). Specimens have

been observed in and collected from sand or mud habitats in water depths

between 3–10 m (Limpus 1975; Ehmann 1992b).





Enhydrina schistosa

Beaked Seasnake

Ma LC The species is known from widely scattered localities in northern Australia,

including the Hey-Embley River, Mission River, and Repulse Bay in north QLD.

The Beaked Seasnake has not been recorded in WA (Cogger 2000; Limpus

1975; Porter et al.. 1997). The species inhabits mud and sand environments in

estuaries, harbours and shallow bays (Limpus 1975; Porter et al.. 1997; Voris

et al.. 1978). It frequently travels into the fresh water reaches of large rivers

(Cogger 2000)






Hawksbill turtle

V, MM V CR This species is known to occur within Darwin Harbour. There aren’t records in

the Harbour within 5 km of the outfall location. The Study Area is not mapped

as a biologically important area for this species (CoA, 2015a).

Known to occur

Species or species habitat known to

occur within area (PMST). Records

within the Harbour by Cardno (2013).

Hydrelaps darwiniensis

Black-ringed Seasnake

Ma LC The Black-ringed Seasnake is endemic to the shallow coastal waters of

northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea, west of Torres Strait

(Cogger 2000). Black-ringed Seasnakes inhabit the intertidal zone of tidal

creeks and flats of relatively compact mud or sandy mud with crab and mud

skipper holes (Cogger 2000; Ehmann 1992b).

High potential to occur


occur within area (PMST). Sighting

records within the Study area.

Hydrophis atriceps

Black-headed Seasnake

Ma LC The Black-headed Seasnake was known to occur in northern Australia,

between Darwin and the coast of Papua New Guinea in 2000 (Cogger 2000).



19WAU-0007 R190200


The Black-headed Seasnake has been captured in trawling nets at depths of

20–40 m (Ward 1996b; Ward 2000).




Hydrophis coggeri

Slender-necked Seasnake

Ma LC The Slender-necked Seasnake is found in the waters of the northern

Australian coast (Cogger 2000). Slender-necked Seasnakes at Ashmore Reef

appear to inhabit the deeper (30–50 m) water beyond the reef edges as well

as the reef flat. This is in contrast to the populations in Fiji that are often

encountered on reef flats and in lagoons, especially where there are

seagrasses (Cogger 2000; Guinea 1982; Guinea & Whiting 2005; McCosker

1975).





Hydrophis elegans

Elegant Seasnake

Ma LC Its distribution extends from Shark Bay in WA to Moreton Bay in QLD (Cogger

2000; Storr et al.. 1986). The Elegant Seasnake uses a variety of marine and

estuarine habitats, including sandy substrates in less than two metres of

water to depths of approximately 80 m (Limpus 1975).





Hydrophis inornatus

Plain Seasnake

Ma Only a few specimens had been collected from northern Australian waters by

2000 (Cogger 2000). Specimens have been trawled off Kurumba and dip

netted from Mission River in the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1975 (Heatwole 1975). Little is known of the habitat occupied with the majority of snakes captured

over muddy substrates


Habitat occurs in the area. No sightings

recorded in the region.

Hydrophis mcdowelli

Small-headed Seasnake

Ma LC The species is restricted to northern Australia (Cogger 2000), including south

and south-west Gulf of Carpentaria (Milton et al.. 2008) and the coast of the

Northern Territory (Milton 2001; Ward 2002 pers. comm.). Has been caught

on the northern Australian continental shelf in water up to 50 m deep, in

river estuaries and other turbid (muddy) inshore waters (Cogger 2000).





Hydrophis ornatus

Spotted Seasnake

Ma LC The Ornate Seasnake occurs in tropical northern Western Australia, the

Northern Territory and northern Queensland. The Ornate Seasnake occurs in

a variety of habitats, including clear water near coral reefs and turbid

(muddy) water in estuaries (Cogger 1996). In the Gulf of Carpentaria caught

at depths of 21–50 m (Ward 2000).


Habitat occurs in the area. No sightings

recorded in the region.

Hydrophis pacificus

Large-headed Seasnake

Ma NT The Large-headed Seasnake is restricted to northern Australia (Cogger 1996),

including areas of the Gulf of Carpentaria, the coast of the NT, and the Hey,

Embley and Mission Rivers near Weipa on Cape York (Milton 2001; Porter et

al.. 1997; T. M. Ward 2002 pers. comm.). Caught during trawling in open

water up to 50 m deep in soft sediment on the northern Australian

Continental Shelf, and in rivers on Cape York (Porter et al.. 1997; Ward 2000).






19WAU-0007 R190200


Lapemis hardwickii

Spine-bellied Seasnake

Ma LC The Spine-bellied Seasnake inhabits the tropical seas of northern Australia

including WA, the NT and QLD (Cogger 1996). The species is known to inhabit

coastal habitats ranging from shallow reefs with clear water to turbid

(muddy) inshore estuaries, and usually occurs in water that is less than 30 m

deep (Cogger 1996; Limpus 1975; Wassenberg et al.. 1994).






Olive ridley turtle

E, MM V VU This species has not been recorded in the Study Area; however, it is known to

occur in the Darwin region (Chatto, 2008). The Study Area is not mapped as a

biologically important area for this species (CoA, 2015a).




Natator depressus

Flatback turtle

V, MM DD This species has not been recorded in the outfall location; however, it is

known to occur within Darwin Harbour. There are records from the Harbour

within the Study Area. The Study Area and surrounding areas in the region

are mapped as a biologically important area for this species in terms of

critical nesting habitat present (CoA, 2015a).

Known to occur



Recorded outside of the Harbour and

within the study area (Cardno, 2013).

Parahydrophis mertoni

Northern Mangrove Seasnake

Ma DD Found in the NT. Principally coastal and estuarine and associated mud flats

(Cogger 1996).


Sightings recorded within Study Area

Pelamis platurus

Yellow-bellied Seasnake

Ma The Yellow-bellied Seasnake is the most widely distributed of all sea snake

species. The Yellow-bellied Seasnake is usually found within a few kilometres

of the coast and prefers shallow inshore waters found to be between 11.7–

36°C. Nevertheless, the species is the most pelagic of all known sea snakes,

occurring in the open waters well away from coasts and reefs (Karthikeyan &

Balasubramanian 2007).






19WAU-0007 R190200

Sharks and Rays


Anoxypristis cuspidata

Narrow Sawfish, Knife tooth Sawfish

M EN The Narrow sawfish is known in waters of Australia including WA, QLD, and

NT, and also known to occur in other countries such as India and Indonesia.

This species of sawfish inhabits both freshwater and marine areas in depths

between 0-40m. Puppying occurs in inshore and estuarine waters whilst adults

occur offshore. They have been found in subtidal sandy, muddy habitats,

seagrass habitats (D’Anastasi, 2013).

Moderate potential to occur Species or species habitat likely to occur within area (PMST). No records occurring within Darwin Harbour or scientific literature.


White Shark, Great White Shark

V, M VU In Australia, Great White Sharks have been recorded from central QLD around

south coast to north-west Australia (DoE, 2019c). It has been sighted in all

coastal areas except the NT (DoE, 2019c). Typically found from close inshore

habitats (e.g. rocky reefs and shallow coastal bays) to the outer continental

shelf and slope areas (DoE, 2019c). Recorded between the coast and the 100 m

depth contour within Australia (DoE, 2019c). Adults and juveniles have been

recorded diving to depths of 1000metres (DoE, 2019c). They are known to eat

finfish, sharks, rays, marine mammals, squid, crustaceans and seabirds (DoE,

2019c).

Low potential to occur Species or species habitat may occur within area (PMST). No records from the Darwin Harbour or Study Area.

Glyphis garricki

Northern River Shark

E EN CR Limited records exist for this species in the NT, however observed in the

Adelaide River which is considered a significant habitat for the species (Pillans

et al., 2009 and Ward, 2012), in WA they have been observed in waters

surrounding King Sound, approximately 935 km SW of the Darwin Harbour

(Morgan et al., 2011). Possibly restricted to shallow, brackish reaches of large

rivers and juveniles in upper reaches of river systems (Ward, 2012; Morgan et

al., 2011). Considered primarily estuarine, rather than freshwater (Ward,

2012).

Moderate potential to occur Species or species habitat may occur within area (PMST). No records from the Darwin Harbour or Study Area.

Manta alfredi

Reef Manta Ray, Coastal Manta Ray, Inshore

Manta Ray, Prince Alfred’s Ray, Resident

Manta Ray

M This species is known from Australia and areas within the Northern Territory

as well as other countries in tropical and sub-tropical waters. This species is

found inshore but also offshore in association with reef areas and considered

primarily pelagic known to inhabit depths between 0-452m. Suitable habitat

includes sandy, pelagic reef areas (Marshall et al., 2018).

Moderate potential to occur Species or species habitat may occur within area (PMST).

Manta birostris

Giant Manta Ray, Chevron Manta Ray, Pacific

Manta Ray, Pelagic Manta Ray, Oceanic

Manta Ray

M This species is known from Australia as well as other countries in tropical and

temperate waters. This species is found seasonally in inshore and offshore

areas where regular upwelling occurs, as well as oceanic island groups and

offshore pinnacles and seamounts. It is known to inhabit depths between 0-

1000m. Suitable habitat includes sandy, pelagic and subtidal reef areas

(Marshall et al., 2018).

Low potential to occur Species or species habitat may occur within area (PMST).


19WAU-0007 R190200


Pristis clavata

Dwarf Sawfish

V, M VU EN The species' Australian distribution has previously been considered to extend

north from Cairns around the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, across

northern Australian waters to the Pilbara coast in Western Australia (Last &

Stevens 1994). The Dwarf Sawfish usually inhabits shallow (2–3 m) coastal

waters and estuarine habitats (DoE, 2019d). The Dwarf sawfish is restricted to

brackish and saltwater, feeding on fish (DoE, 2019d). Estuarine habitats in the

north west of Australia are used as nursery’s (DoE, 2019d). Available evidence

suggests this species is an inshore species that does not move in or out of

Australian waters (DoE, 2019d). The Study Area is not mapped as a biologically

important area for this species (CoA, 2015a).

High potential to occur Species or species habitat known to occur within area (PMST), however no records are present within Study Area.

Pristis pristis

Largetooth sawfish, Freshwater sawfish,

River sawfish, Leichhardt’s sawfish, Northern

sawfish (formerly pristis Microdon)

V, M VU CR This species has been recorded from several drainages in northern Australia

including the Northern Territory (DoE, 2019e). It is a marine/estuarine species

with juveniles primarily inhabiting freshwater rivers and estuaries, and adults

inhabiting coastal and offshore waters up to 25 m with restricted movements

(DoE, 2019e). The species prefers mud bottoms of river and estuaries and

found well upstream in waters greater than 1 m deep (DoE, 2019). The Study

Area is not mapped as a biologically important area for this species (CoA,

2015a).

High potential to occur Species or species habitat known to occur within area (PMST), however no records indicate it exists within the Study Area.

Pristis zijsron

Green Sawfish

V, M VU CR The green sawfish inhabits shallow coastal marine and estuarine waters of

northern Australia, from Eighty Mile Beach in WA, to the Cairns region in QLD,

but does not penetrate into freshwater (DoE, 2019f). It has been occasionally

been recorded as far south as Sydney. Green sawfish are known to be pupped

near the Ashburton River mouth and utilise the estuary and nearby mangrove

creeks, before moving offshore to mature at a length of about 3 m (DoE,

2019f). The Study Area is not mapped as a biologically important area for this

species (CoA, 2015a).

High potential to occur Species or species habitat known to occur within area (PMST), however no records indicate it exists within the Study Area.

Rhincodon typus

Whale Shark

V, M EN Is a large filter feeding (krill and zooplankton) shark known from NSW, QLD,

NT and WA, however the Ningaloo reef is the main known aggregation site in

Australian waters (DoE, 2019g). It is an oceanic and coastal, tropical to warm-

temperate pelagic shark (DoE, 2019g).

Low potential to occur Species or species habitat may occur within area (PMST).




19WAU-0007 R190200

Mammals


Balaenoptera edeni

Bryde’s Whale

M LC Bryde's Whales occur in temperate to tropical waters, both oceanic and

inshore, bounded by latitudes 40° N and 40° S, or the 20 °C isotherm

(Bannister et al.. 1996). The coastal form of Bryde's Whale appears to be

limited to the 200 m depth isobar, moving along the coast in response to

availability of suitable prey (Best et al.. 1984). The offshore form is found in

deeper water (500 m to 1000 m).


Species or species habitat may occur

within area. No known records of

occurring within the Darwin region or

Darwin Harbour.


Blue Whale

E, MM EN Blue whale sightings are widespread in Australian waters, occurring around

the continent at different times of the year. However, much of the Australian

continental shelf and coastal waters have no particular significance to the

whales and are used only for migration and opportunistic feeding (DoE,

2019h). There are no significant areas in the NT for the Blue whale. Further

south the Perth Canyon, Bonney upwelling, Geographe Bay are important

resting and feeding areas in depths between 10-200m. The diet includes krill,

fish and squid (DoE, 2019h).





Darwin Harbour, most likely due to

depth restrictions and feeding

preferences.

Delphinus delphis

Common Dolphin

Ce LC Common Dolphins are found in offshore waters. They have been recorded in

waters off all Australian states and territories, but are rarely seen in northern

Australian waters (Jefferson & Waerebeek 2002; Ross 2006). Common

Dolphins appear to occur mainly in medium water depths over the

continental shelf (Evans 1994; Forcada & Hammond 1998),





Darwin Harbour.

Grampus griseus

Risso's Dolphin

Ce LC Risso's Dolphins have been recorded from all states except Tasmania and the

Northern Territory (Bannister et al.. 1996; Ross 2006). Risso's Dolphin occur

mainly on steep sections of the upper continental slope (Baumgartner 1997),

usually in waters deeper than 1000 m (Ross 1984), in tropical and warm

temperate latitudes





Darwin Harbour.

Dugong dugon

Dugong

MM NT VU Dugongs occur in coastal and island waters from Shark Bay in WA across the

northern coastline to Moreton Bay in QLD. They spend most of their time in

the neritic zone, especially near tidal and subtidal seagrass meadows

foraging. They have been observed in Darwin Harbour, including at Channel

Island in Middle Arm, where they are thought to be feeding on macroalgae

(Cardno, 2013).

Known to occur


occur within area (PMST).


19WAU-0007 R190200



Humpback whale

V, MM LC Humpback whales occur in all major oceans mostly in coastal and continental

shelf waters. They are present on the east and west coast of Australia during

their annual migration between breeding areas to feeding areas in the

Antarctic, where krill is abundant. They generally occur in coastal waters of

Australia in less than 200 m depth and generally within 20-200 km of the

coast. In southern Australia they migrate northwards in May , and by October

start their southward migration back south to the Antarctic. In the NT one

humpback was found on a beach in the Napier Peninsula, north-eastern

Arnhem Land. Live whales have observed near Casuarina and Perron Islands

(DoE, 2019I).




occurring within the Darwin Harbour,

most likely due to feeding preferences.

Sightings outside of the Harbour.

Orcaella heinsohni

Australian Snubfin Dolphin, Irrawaddy

Dolphin

M VU Stranding and museum specimen records indicate that Australian Snubfin

Dolphins occur only in waters off the northern half of Australia, from Broome

on the west coast to the Brisbane River on the east coast. They occur mostly

in protected shallow waters close to the coast, and close to river and creek

mouths in estuarine waters, but have been recorded 23 km.. Found in waters

less than 20 m deep, close to the coast and seagrass beds. They generally

feed on fish, and in a variety of habitats including mangroves to sandy

bottoms and rock and/or coral reefs (DoE, 2019k).

Known to occur


occur within area.

The Study Area and Darwin Harbour

are mapped as a biologically important

area for this species (CoA, 2015a).

Orcinus orca

Killer Whale, Orca

M DD Killer whales occur throughout all oceans and contiguous seas, from

equatorial regions to the polar pack ice zones, and may even ascend rivers.

Most numerous in coastal waters and cooler regions where productivity is

high. They are oceanic, pelagic and neritic, occurring in both cold and warm

waters (DoE, 2019l).





Darwin Harbour, however pods of false

killer whales are known to visit the

Harbour (Palmer, 2010).

Pseudorca crassidens

False Killer Whale

Ce DD Widely recorded in Australia as a result of strandings in each of the coastal

states. They are found worldwide in deep tropical and temperate waters

offshore waters, and sometimes deep coastal waters. Zones of prey

abundance along the continental slope may attract this species to the narrow

edge of the continental shelf. They are opportunistic feeders, and primarily

feed on fish and cephalopods, but known to attack other smaller cetaceans.

Stranding records suggest there may be a seasonal movement inshore or

along the continental shelf on the southern and south-eastern coasts of

Australia between May and September (DoE, 2019p).


Single sighting within Darwin Harbour

and several sightings outside the

entrance.

Sousa sahulensis

Australian Humpback Dolphin

M VU Found in tropical/subtropical waters from northern Australia to New Guinea.

In Australia, they are thought to be widely distributed along the northern

Australian coastline from QLD to Shark bay in WA. They occur close to the

Known to occur

Breeding known to occur within area

(PMST).


19WAU-0007 R190200


coast within 20 km of land, in relatively sheltered offshore waters near reefs

or islands. Known to feed in a wide range of inshore- estuarine coastal

habitats including rivers and creeds, exposed banks, rock and coral reefs as

well as over submerged reefs in waters at least up to 40 m deep, preying on

fish (DoE, 2019m).




Stenella attenuata

Spotted Dolphin

Ce LC In Australia, pantropical Spotted Dolphins have been recorded off the NT, and

in WA, south to Augusta, QLD and NSW. Inhabit both near-shore and oceanic

habitats in tropical and warm temperate seas. They have also been found on

the shelf and along the continental slope, indicating that they may use neritic

(over the continental slope) habitat as well.





Darwin Harbour.

Stenella longirostris roseiventris

Long-snouted Spinner Dolphin

Ce DD In Australia, there are records of Long-snouted Spinner Dolphins from WA, as

far south as Bunbury (33°19' S), as well as from the NT (including numerous

records of these dolphins caught in the Arafura and Timor seas as bycatch in

the gillnet fishing industry during 1981–85), along the east coast from QLD to

NSW (Bannister et al.. 1996), including the Great Barrier Reef (Marsh 1990).

Long-snouted Spinner Dolphins are primarily pelagic (occurring in open

ocean) but they can be neritic (occurring over the continental shelf) in some

regions. Associate with tuna, pantropical Spotted Dolphins and sea birds

under certain oceanographic conditions, such as well-defined, shallow,

pelagic habitats about 100 m deep, in restricted areas (Ross 2006).


Species or species habitat does not

occur within area. No known records

within Darwin Harbour but multiple

records near the entrance.

Tursiops aduncus

Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin , Indian Ocean

Bottlenose dolphin, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose

dolphin (Arafura/Timor Sea populations)

M DD The Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin has a discontinuous distribution in the

warm temperate to the tropical Indo-Pacific. It occurs over shallow coastal

waters on the continental shelf or around oceanic islands. They feed on a

wide variety of schooling, demersal and reef fishes, as well as cephalopods

(Hammond et al., 2012).

Known to occur


occur within area (PMST).





19WAU-0007 R190200

Fish


Campichthys tricarinatus

Three-keel Pipefish

Ma DD Distribution from Exmouth in WA north to Gladstone in QLD. Associated with

sand, coral rubble, algae (including Sargassum), isolated coral knolls, soft

corals, small sponges, low coral outcrops, sheltered reef and rocky islets in

depths of 3-11 m. The infrequency in which Campichthys pipefishes are

encountered probably reflects their apparent preference for localities away

from the shoreline where trawling would be the usual means of capturing

them. Their small size allows them to easily slip through the mesh of all but the

finest nets (Gomon et al. 1994).


Species or species habitat occurs within area. Two sighting records within Darwin Harbour, one within the Study Area. However, these fish are rarely encountered.

Choeroichthys brachysoma

Pacific Short-bodied Pipefish

Ma LC Distribution from Exmouth in WA to Thursday Island in North QLD. Most

commonly occurs in seagrass, reef and coral habitats in depths of less than

5 m, although has been found in depths up to 27.4 m (Dawson 1985).


Species or species habitat occurs within area. One sighting record within the Study Area and numerous sightings at the entrance to Darwin Harbour.

Choeroichthys suillus

Pig-snouted Pipefish

Ma LC Distribution from Perth in WA north to Rockhampton in QLD. Specimens in

Australian fish collections were collected in association with coral knolls, live

corals, coral rubble, shell rubble, coral rock, ledges, sand, seagrass and algae

in depths of 1-14 m


Species or species habitat occurs within area. No known records of occurring within the Darwin region or Darwin Harbour.

Corythoichthys amplexus

Fijian Banded Pipefish

Ma LC Distribution from Port Hedland in WA north to Coffs Harbour in NSW. This

species prefers protected coral habitats in depths of 0-31 m (Dawson & Randall

1975; Dawson 1977), most commonly found in depths greater than 9 m

(Dawson 1985). It



Corythoichthys flavofasciatus

Network Pipefish

Ma LC Distribution from Shark Bay in WA north to the Sunshine Coast in QLD. Found

among algal-matted rock and living corals of lagoon and seaward reefs from

the low tide line to a depth of 25 m or more.



Corythoichthys haematopterus

Reef-top Pipefish

Ma LC Found in three separate areas, from Kununurra to Nhulunbuy in the NT. This

species occurs on reef crests and slopes (Kuiter 1992) and on rubble patches

and large coral heads in depths 1-20 m (Kuiter 1996). It is also known from

intertidal and generally shallow sheltered inner reef flats and rubble lagoons,

usually in association with partially silty habitats (Kuiter 2000).


Species or species habitat occurs within

area. No known records of occurring

within the Darwin region or Darwin

Harbour.


19WAU-0007 R190200


Doryrhamphus excisus

Bluestripe Pipefish

Ma LC Distributed from Port Hedland in WA north to the Bundaberg in QLD. Free-

swimming benthic fishes found in various reef habitats in coastal to outer

reefs, and usually stay close to small caves or narrow crevices into which they

retreat when threatened (Kuiter 2000). This species is secretive and is usually

found under large coral pieces in shallow water (Kuiter 1992). Some examined

collections of this species are from tidepools, but most are from open waters

over rock or coral substrates (Dawson 1981).



Doryrhamphus janssi

Cleaner Pipefish

Ma LC Distribution from Onslow in WA north to Airlie Beach in QLD. Free-swimming

benthic fishes found in various reef habitats in coastal to outer reefs, and

usually stay close to small caves or narrow crevices into which they retreat

when threatened (Gronell 1983; Kuiter 2000). This species occurs under

overhangs, in often in association with sponges, in depths of 5-30 m (Kuiter

1992)





Harbour.

Festucalex cinctus

Girdled Pipefish

Ma LC Distribution from Kununurra in WA to Batemans Bay in NSW, preferring rubble

bottoms in depths of 12 m (Dawson 1985). It is also found in sponge and

seagrass habitats (Kuiter 1992) in sheltered coastal bays with sparse low algal

growth (Kuiter 1996).


Species or species habitat occurs within area. One sighting record within the Study Area the only sighting in the Darwin region.

Halicampus brocki

Brock's Pipefish

Ma LC Distributed from Perth in WA to Cairns in QLD. Usually inhabits patches of coral

and macro-algae on coastal reefs at 3-45 m.



Halicampus grayi

Mud Pipefish

Ma LC Distributed from Geraldton in WA to Rockhampton in QLD. Inhabits silty and

muddy soft bottoms on the continental shelf from inshore bays to deep

offshore areas to 100 m.


Species or species habitat occurs within area. No recorded sightings occurring within Darwin Harbour and one sighting in the Darwin region.

Halicampus spinirostris

Spiny-snout Pipefish

Ma LC Distributed from Onslow in WA to Bundaberg QLD. Inhabits shallow coral

rubble areas in lagoons and intertidal zones of inshore coral reefs in 5-10 m.



Haliichthys taeniophorus

Ribboned Pipehorse

Ma LC Distributed from Geraldton in WA to Cape York north QLD. Inhabits a variety

of inshore shallow water areas including weedy regions bordering open

substrates, coral reefs, rocky, gravel, sandy and muddy substrates; also

associated with sponges, macroalgae, hydroids, shells and seagrasses usually

from 1-18 m.


Species or species habitat occurs within area. Four sighting records within the Darwin Harbour and at the entrance.


19WAU-0007 R190200


Hippichthys cyanospilos

Blue-speckled Pipefish

Ma LC Distributed from Kununurra in WA to Coffs Harbour NSW. Inhabiting brackish

shallow-water environments in estuaries and lower reaches of coastal rivers

and streams, often amongst mangroves to 4 m.


Species or species habitat occurs within area. One sighting record at the entrance to Darwin Harbour.

Hippichthys parvicarinatus

Short-keel Pipefish

Ma LC An endemic species restricted to estuarine and freshwater habitats in the

Northern Territory from Wadeye to Nhulunbuy in the NT.


Species or species habitat occurs within area. Two sighting records within the Study Area at the entrance to Darwin Harbour.

Hippichthys penicillus

Beady Pipefish

Ma LC Distributed from Carnarvon in WA to Wollongong NSW. Found in the lower

reaches of streams and rivers, in estuarine seagrass beds and other shallow

inshore habitats.


Species or species habitat occurs within area. Two sighting records at the entrance to Darwin Harbour.

Hippocampus histrix

Spiny Seahorse

Ma VU Distributed from Shark Bay in WA to Airlie Beach QLD. Inhabits areas with both

hard and soft bottoms, often attached to soft corals or sponges at 10-95 m,

usually below 15 m. The Spiny Seahorse may also be found on shallower algae-

rubble or rocky reef areas in about 10 m.


Species or species habitat occurs within area. No recorded sightings occurring within Darwin Harbour and one sighting in the Darwin region.

Hippocampus kuda

Spotted Seahorse

Ma VU Distributed from Exmouth in WA to Coffs Harbour NSW. Inhabit seagrass and

marine algae areas of estuaries and seaward reefs; also on steep mud slopes.

Found in open water and attached to drifting Sargassum up to 20 km from

shore.


Species or species habitat occurs within area. One sighting record at the entrance to Darwin Harbour and another sighting within the Darwin Region.

Hippocampus planifrons/ dahli

Flat-face Seahorse/ Lowcrown Seahorse

Ma LC Until recently, the Lowcrown Seahorse, found in north and north-eastern

Australia, was thought to be a synonym of the Flatface Seahorse, Hippocampus

planifrons, which lives in north Western Australia. This species is now regarded

as endemic to tropical north and north-eastern Australia, from Darwin to

Moreton Bay in QLD. Benthic, in inshore waters on soft bottoms or rubble

substrates or in estuarine channels to 21 m.


Species or species habitat occurs within area. One sighting record within the Study Area, one within Darwin Harbour and an additional three at the entrance to Darwin Harbour.

Hippocampus spinosissimus

Hedgehog Seahorse

Ma VU Distributed from Pilbara coast in WA to Cairns in QLD. Found in the continental

shelf, on muddy or sandy bottoms and in coral reefs.



occur within area. No recorded

sightings occurring within Darwin

Harbour and one sighting in the Darwin

region.


19WAU-0007 R190200


Micrognathus micronotopterus

Tidepool Pipefish

Ma LC Distributed from Ningaloo coast in WA to West side of the Gulf of Carpentaria

in NT. Usually inhabits shallow inshore reefs and tidepools, amongst sparse

seagrasses and algae-rubble, in depths from 1-5m, although individuals have

been collected from depths to 10m.



area. One sighting record at within the

Study Area and another at the entrance

to Darwin Harbour.

Solegnathus hardwickii

Pallid Pipehorse

Ma DD Northeast of the Monte Bello Islands, WA, and north of Cartier Island, Timor

Sea, to the Arafura Sea north of Maningrida, NT, and off Cairns, QLD, to off Hat

Head, NSW; also on the Lord Howe Rise in the Tasman Sea. Elsewhere the

species occurs in the tropical, Indo-west Pacific. Inhabits areas with hard

substrates, in association with gorgonian corals, black corals, algae and

sponges.





Harbour.

Solegnathus lettiensis

Gunther's Pipehorse

Ma DD Recorded in Australia from the continental slope from Esperance in WA to N

of Bathurst Is, NT. Found elsewhere in the Indo-west Pacific.



occur within area. No known records of


Darwin Harbour.

Solenostomus cyanopterus

Robust Ghostpipefish

Ma LC Known in Australian waters from the Shark Bay region, WA, around the tropical

north and southwards to at least Sydney Harbour, NSW. Robust Ghostpipefish

live in protected coastal and lagoon reefs, deeper coastal reefs and deep, clear

estuaries with seagrass or macro-algae in 15-25m.





Harbour.

Syngnathoides biaculeatus

Double-end Pipehorse

Ma LC In Australian waters, known from Geraldton to Shark Bay, and north to

Ashmore and Cartier Reefs, Western Australia, and from the Timor Sea, the

Northern Territory, eastwards to Queensland and south to Batemans Bay in

NSW. Inhabits shallow, protected waters of bays, lagoons and estuaries

including mangrove areas, in association with seagrass beds and macroalgae

in depths at 0-10 m.





Harbour.

Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus

Bentstick Pipefish

Ma LC Pipefish are known in Australian waters from the central coast of WA,

northwards throughout the waters of the NT and QLD to central NSW. They

live in sheltered coastal lagoon and reef areas on sandy and rubble habitats

amongst seagrasses and macroalgae at 1– 30 m.



area. Two sighting records in Darwin

Harbour outside the Study Area. Few

sighting in the Darwin region.


19WAU-0007 R190200


Trachyrhamphus longirostris

Straightstick Pipefish

Ma LC Recorded in Australian waters from North West Cape, WA, northwards around

the tropical north to about Magnetic Island, QLD. Most specimens have been

trawled or dredged from muddy to sandy-bottom habitats in depths of 16-

91m, in association with sand, rubble, seagrasses, algae, sponges, sea pens and

hydroids.



area. Two sighting records in the Study

Area and another at the entrance to

Darwin Harbour.

A TNG Processing Facility Darwin Marine Fauna Review

19WAU-0007 R190200

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