COASTAL AND MARINE AREAS

PRIORITY WC2

Bass Strait islands

Natural values present on the sparsely inhabited islands of Bass Strait make them critical assets for the region as secure refuges for marine and avian wildlife. titima (Trefoil Island), Hunter, Three Hummock, Walker, Robbins, Kangaroo, Albatross, Christmas and New Year Islands have unique natural and cultural values requiring long term management planning to ensure values are protected.

outcome

By 2030, key partnerships have been established and priority actions are being implemented on 50% of priority Bass Strait islands.

threats

Local threats that can be addressed by NRM actions:

  • Uncontrolled bushfires
  • Weeds, pests, feral animals and disease
  • Inundation and damage resulting from rising sea level
  • Uncontrolled access
  • Loss of cultural knowledge and access

Actions

WC2.a

Identify Bass Strait islands priority actions based on biodiversity and cultural values to ensure long-term sustainability. Maintain ongoing partnerships and develop or contribute to management plans to guide implementation of priority actions.

Work with Aboriginal communities to identify priorities for assessing, learning about and protecting important Aboriginal Sea Country on the Bass Strait islands.

implementation

Investment Opportunity

  • Australian Government
  • Tasmanian Government
  • Regional or Local
  • Private or philanthropic

  • Information gathering activities including analysis of island management plans, threats and Aboriginal aspirations for the islands.
  • Policy and planning activities such as updating management plans and selecting locations for investment; participate in government marine planning processes where appropriate.
  • On-ground work such as weed management, feral animal control, protection of culturally important sites.

Local government, State Government agencies such as Marine Branch, PWS; Aboriginal groups, research and environment groups; community groups (e.g. Landcare and Wildcare).

Volunteer land management activities and citizen science monitoring involving community and Landcare/Wildcare volunteers; support for capacity building for Aboriginal communities learning about and protecting important Aboriginal Sea Country on the Bass Strait Islands.