The NWSFTCP, in collaboration with partners, is advancing our understanding of the North West Shelf flatback turtle population, as well as other turtle populations and species. This knowledge is then shared via various channels and formats and strategically applied to improve management outcomes.

The Program plays an active and vital role in providing expert advice to multiple internal and external stakeholders. Many of these stakeholders have legislative responsibilities that are the backbone of conservation management at local, state, national and international levels.

Examples of advice

Authorisations to take and disturb threatened species under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016

Any activity that may take (e.g. kill, injure, harvest or capture) or disturb (e.g. chase, drive, harass, herd or hunt) a threatened species requires an authorisation from the DBCA. Authorisations outline conditions to mitigate or offset the impact of the activity. The DBCA’s Species and Communities Program leads this process, who seek expert advice from the NWSFTCP staff for marine turtles.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) under the Environmental Protection Act 1986

Significant development proposals (those likely to have a significant impact to the environment) are referred to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for assessment with support from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). This is a five-stage process that is incredibly detailed. Under a formal agreement between the EPA and the DBCA’s Environmental Management Branch (EMB), the DBCA may be contacted for advice during any stage of the EIA for matters relating to the DBCA’s legislative responsibilities, including threatened species and conservation estate management. The DBCA’s EMB regularly requests advice from the NWSFTCP to support this process with the aim to minimise impacts to marine turtles from significant developments.

Wildlife licencing under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016

A licensing scheme has been established through the regulations under the BC Act 2016. Licences are granted for a variety of purposes, including fauna taking for scientific purposes, biological assessment, relocation, and possessing (including rehabilitation). The DBCA’s Parks and Wildlife Services (PWS) Wildlife Protection Branch assesses and manages licences issued by the DBCA. The NWSFTCP provides advice to the Wildlife Protection Branch for licences involving marine turtles.

Development and implementation of Conservation Estate management plans under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984

Management plans are required for all lands vested to the Conservation and Parks Commission or lands managed by the CEO under the CALM Act 1984. Management plans are developed by the DBCA’s PWS Parks and Visitor Services and implemented by the Regional and Fire Management Services Team. Management plans are legislatively required to be reviewed every 10 years. Of the 19 management plans (coastal and marine) from Shark Bay to the Northern Territory Border, 18 list marine turtles as an environmental value that have associated objectives and management actions. The NWSFTCP provides advice during all phases of development, implementation and review.

Land use planning under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016

While not an official process under the BC Act 2016, this section of the DBCA is responsible for liaising and working with local and state government departments managing developments under the States Planning Framework, administered through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) and delivered by local governments. The DBCA’s Land Use Planning team provides advice to local and state governments regarding the DBCA’s legislative responsibilities, including threatened species and conservation estate management, requesting advice from the NWSFTCP with matters relating to marine turtles.

Recovery plan under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is responsible for the development and implementation of Recovery Plans for threatened species listed under the EPBC Act 1999. While Recovery Plans can be developed under Western Australia’s BC Act 2016, the NWSFTCP extensively contributed to the Commonwealth’s by providing project findings and content relevant to all marine turtle species in Western Australia.

Bioregional plans under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

DCCEEW is responsible for the development and implementation of Bioregional Plans. An important component of Bioregional Plans is the identification of Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) for protected species. The NWSFTCP and its partners have contributed significantly to the identification of BIAs for marine turtles in Western Australia and across jurisdictions.

Formal collaboration groups

The NWSFTCP staff participate on and contribute to many formal governance bodies and advisory groups for marine turtles, including: 

  • Gorgon Project Marine Turtle Expert Panel – Led by Chevron
  • Marine Turtle Round Table – Led by the Commonwealth Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
  • Indian Ocean and South East Asian MOU Marine Turtle Advisory Committee – Led by the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SCC) Marine Turtle Specialist Group – Led by the IUCN
  • Sea Turtle Foundation Scientific Advisory Group – Led by the Sea Turtle Foundation 
  • Raine Island Scientific Advisory Group – Led by the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science (DES)

Bells Beach in Wickham, where industry and turtle nesting co-exist. Photo - Tristan Simpson/DBCA

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.