❓ Hon Robin Chapple questions the Minister for Environment regarding the impact of marine development in Exmouth on humpback whale populations, referencing studies on vessel traffic and whale displacement. The Minister responds that the EPA considers relevant research during environmental impact assessments, but is not currently assessing proposals in Exmouth Gulf that would impact whales.
AnsweredQoN 798Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
MARINE DEVELOPMENT — EXMOUTH
798. Hon ROBIN CHAPPLE to the
minister representing the Minister for Environment:
I refer to question without notice 751.
(1) Is the
minister aware of studies carried out by the Centre for Whale Research here in
WA that show increased vessel traffic in humpback whale resting areas is likely
to result in whale displacement near areas immediately associated with ships?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) If yes to
(1), will the minister assess the impact of marine access points and marinas in
the Exmouth Gulf on the migratory whale population?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
798. Hon ROBIN CHAPPLE to the
minister representing the Minister for Environment:
I refer to question without notice 751.
(1) Is the
minister aware of studies carried out by the Centre for Whale Research here in
WA that show increased vessel traffic in humpback whale resting areas is likely
to result in whale displacement near areas immediately associated with ships?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) If yes to
(1), will the minister assess the impact of marine access points and marinas in
the Exmouth Gulf on the migratory whale population?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of the question. The
Minister for Environment is advised by his departments that —
(1) Studies
carried out by the Centre for Whale Research are considered by the
Environmental Protection Authority during the environmental impact assessment
of maritime developments.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) The
Environmental Protection Authority is not currently assessing any strategic
proposals and/or significant proposals in Exmouth Gulf that have the potential
to impact on whales.
(4) See response to (3).
Minister for Environment is advised by his departments that —
(1) Studies
carried out by the Centre for Whale Research are considered by the
Environmental Protection Authority during the environmental impact assessment
of maritime developments.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) The
Environmental Protection Authority is not currently assessing any strategic
proposals and/or significant proposals in Exmouth Gulf that have the potential
to impact on whales.
(4) See response to (3).
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