Protected Marine Species of the Gorgon Gas Development EIS/ERMP-Technical appendix C6

Brief description

In order to assist with the assessment of the environmental implications of this venture, ChevronTexaco engaged RPS Bowman Bishaw Gorham to conduct a literature review of protected marine species occurring within the proposed development area. This report describes the results of the literature review, combined with opportunistic field observations recorded as part of the marine ecological surveys. More than one hundred protected marine species have been identified as occurring, or likely to occur, in the waters surrounding Barrow Island. Protected fish and invertebrate species are known, or likely, to occur in both the nearshore and offshore waters surrounding Barrow Island. The habitats which they occupy are generally widespread throughout the Pilbara region. There are no known features in the proposed development area or surrounds to suggest that significant concentrations would be expected to occur. Humpback whales generally are likely to rest occasionally around Flacourt Bay and Double Island (sighted on occasions) and pass through the region seaward of Barrow Island on their annual migration between the Southern Ocean and the Kimberley. Their northern migration is broadly centered on the 200 m bathymetric contour, and they are likely to pass through the area around the Gorgon gas field. The southern migration of adults and calves tends to be more inshore and some use inshore areas such as the area near Flacourt Bay and Double Island to rest. Other whales and deep water dolphins that occur off the northwestern Australian coast that may occur in the survey area tend to have widely dispersed populations and there are no known features in the survey area or surrounds that suggest that significant concentrations would be expected within the development area. Barrow Island is an important feeding and nesting area for sea turtles, primarily flatback turtles on the east coast and green turtles on the west coast. KEYWORKS: Gorgon Gas Development, Barrow Island, EIS/ERMP, Protected Marine Species, EPBC Act, marine mammals, fish, turtles

Lineage

Maintenance and Update Frequency: unknown

Statement: Original record compiled for the Gorgon Gas Development EIS/ERMP.

Notes

Credit
Jeremy Fitzpatrick: RPS Environment