James Price Point a nursery for Humpback whales: Independent study

Humpback whales were observed giving birth in the coastal corridor off James Price Point, where Woodside is proposing to build a gas industrial complex, an independent land-based whale survey has found.

“The survey was undertaken in response to the strategic assessment report for James Price Point that lacked a land-based whale survey and an assessment of behavioral data,” said Jenita Enevoldsen from The Wilderness Society.

“Contrary to the strategic assessment report, the independent study observed a large number of whale calves within 5km of James Price Point, highlighting the potential importance of the area as a whale nursery,” said Maddie Goddard - independent marine scientist, representing the Broome No gas Campaign.

“We also observed a significant reduction in the number of whale sightings when operational drilling rigs were present at James Price Point. These findings raise serious questions about the potential impacts of the proposed construction of a port precinct, especially the blasting and dredging. Habitat degradation¹ is known as the single biggest threat to this species outside of the resumption of commercial whaling”.

“This is another example of independent community science highlighting inadequacies in the environmental assessment for this proposed development. The Environmental Protection Authority must question the reliability of the strategic assessment report in making any decision about the suitability of this site for development,” said Jenita Enevoldsen, marine campaigner for The Wilderness Society.

¹ DEH 2005, Humpback whale Recovery Plan 2005-2010, http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/m-novaeangliae/pubs/m-novaeangliae.pdf

Commercial fishing restrictions in Kimberley's Camden Sound marine park

PROTECTION: The Camden Sound marine park will ensure protection of a valuable breeding ground for migrating humpbacks.Source: Annabelle Sandes - Kimberley Media

COMMERCIAL fishing will be phased out and recreational fishers required to release their catch in a new Kimberley marine park announced by the State Government.

The new marine sanctuary, known as Camden Sound, will cover 7000sq m of coastline about 300km north-east of Broome.

Under the plan, pearling operations will have designated areas, half of the area will be closed to commercial trawl fishing and 23 per cent will be closed to all forms of commercial fishing.

For the first time in WA, the State Government has also introduced a "wilderness" fishing zone within the sanctuary, where recreational fishers and charter boats will be required to release their catch or eat it before leaving the area.

The plan comes a month after the government announced commercial fishing would be banned along sections of the South-West coast as part of the Ngari Capes Marine Park plan.

Related Coverage

• New marine park to cover 209,000haHerald Sun, 30 Sep 2011
• Hervey Bay a whale waystationCourier Mail, 25 Sep 2011
• Whale baby boom 'biggest in 50 years'The Australian, 23 Sep 2011
• Native title ruling on Kimberley archipelagoPerth Now, 26 May 2011
• Aquatic AdventuresPerth Now, 9 May 2011

Premier Colin Barnett said the new Camden Sound Marine Park would be one of the biggest sanctuaries in the state and protect a vital humpback whale calving area.

Thousands of humpback whales that annually migrate along the west coast will have increased protection under the plan, he said.

"Camden Sound is internationally recognised as the biggest calving area for humpback whales in the southern hemisphere with more than 1,000 humpbacks found there during the calving season," Mr Barnett said.

“They are part of the biggest population of humpback whales in the world - numbering almost 30,000 - that migrate from Antarctica each year to give birth in the waters off the north of our State.”

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said vessels within a "special purpose zone" would be required to remain at least 500m from humpback mothers and calves

“There will also be two sanctuary zones comprising about 20 per cent of the marine park area around Champagny Islands and Montgomery Reef, which is exposed on the outgoing tide to reveal a series of awe-inspiring waterfalls.

“Montgomery Reef sanctuary zone, at 761 square kilometres, will become the biggest sanctuary zone in the WA marine park system."

Camden Sound is the first of four new marine parks to be created under the State Government's $63million Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy.

Wilderness Society marine campaigner Jenita Enevoldsen said the conservation group welcomed the announcement as the Kimberley marine environment was one of the natural wonders of the world. 

"The region is one of Australia's last remaining large and healthy refuges for many threatened species including: humpback whales, snubfin dolphins, dugongs, saw sharks and six of the seven sea turtle species," Ms Enevoldsen said. 

"Camden Sound Marine Park is the right way forward for the Kimberley. It recognises that the future for this region is in protecting and promoting its unique natural and cultural values through a conservation economy, not in pursuing unnecessary and destructive industrial projects such as the James Price Point gas hub - which would be located in the unprotected southern end of the Kimberley humpback whale nursery." 

Conservation Council of WA's Tim Nicol said the marine park showed leadership and vision from the Premier "at a time when the future of the Kimberley is at a crossroads".

Mr Barnett said other parks would be created at Eighty Mile Beach, Roebuck Bay and the North Kimberley.

He said "where appropriate" compensation would be paid to fishing operations impacted by new regulations within Camden Sound.

The marine park will be jointly managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation and the traditional owners, including the Dambimangari and Uunguu people.

The marine park is expected to be created by mid-2012.