Species monitoring

Why is this project important?

NSW's coastal waters are home to a rich diversity of marine species. These species play vital roles in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

However, many of these populations face significant threats from human activities, such as climate change, coastal development, terrestrial run-off, pollution, 4WD traffic on beaches and recreational boating.

Monitoring species populations helps to identify emerging issues and take timely action to prevent further declines. This project provides critical data that will inform conservation efforts and management strategies, helping to protect and preserve these unique species for future generations.

What are we doing?

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service – Marine Wildlife Team are doing targeted research to better understand the health of marine species and the threats they face.

These activities include:

• Testing ultrasonic predator deterrent devices for beach-nesting birds
• Advancing health assessment techniques for marine fauna including analysis of microscopic organisms (like bacteria, algae, and plankton) and studying how toxic substances, such as pollutants (heavy metals, pesticides, plastics, etc.)
• Testing and measuring the presence of phthalates (chemicals commonly used to make plastics) in sea birds
• Conducting a statewide analysis of sea turtle health, including morbidity and mortality rates, to establish a baseline for future health assessments
• Studying the impacts of climate change on Little penguins
• Conducting water quality testing in targeted estuaries. This data will complement studies on sea turtle health from those areas and will aid in the development of mitigation recommendations
• Developing best practice guidelines for beach nesting shorebirds
• Tracking calving patterns of migratory humpback whales, including their extension into NSW
• Analysing leatherback genetics to determine the area where they were born (natal origin)
• Carrying out Shearwater surveys on Muttonbird and Broughton Island, including using drones to monitor breeding success and to detect eggs and chicks in burrows

What have we achieved so far?

• Completed a pilot experiment on ultrasonic deterrence of predators for beach nesting species in Myall Lakes National Park.
• Extracted DNA from Montague Island and Lion Island scat (fecal) samples of little penguins to be screened to identify what they eat.
• Completed a water quality report for targeted estuaries.
• Published scientific research on the role of oceanic currents on humpback whale entanglements in NSW (read the publication).

Increased the number of post-mortem examinations on marine mega-fauna by partnering with volunteer groups, rehab organisations, veterinary practices, and universities. This has improved our understanding of stranding events.

Statewide

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service – Marine Wildlife Team

Zoos and aquariums; including:

• Taronga Conservation Society Australia
• Sea World Foundation
• SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Rehabilitation and rescue centres, including:

• Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue
• NSW TurtleWatch
• Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sea Shelter / Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Volunteer organisations

• Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia
• Marine Rescue NSW
• Surf Life Saving NSW

Tertiary education and research institutions, including:

• Griffith University
• Southern Cross University
• Sydney Institute of Marine Science
• The University of Sydney
• The University of New South Wales
• University of Newcastle
• University of Technology Sydney

Local councils

Other government departments

NSW EPA

NSW DPIRD Fisheries

Transport for NSW Maritime

Marine Wildlife Management Manual 2021

Links to MEMS newsletter articles:

• NSW Turtle Summit 2024: Uniting experts for marine conservation
• Rare mother and calf captured on camera for conservation
• Citizen scientists caring for our coast
• Cause of death for young sea turtles investigated