❓ Hon Lynn MacLaren questions the Minister for Environment regarding the decline of Perth's little penguin population and the potential impact of the proposed Point Peron marina development on their habitat. The Minister's response indicates ongoing assessment by the EPA.
AnsweredQoN 15Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
LITTLE PENGUINS — HABITAT
15. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the minister representing the
Minister for Environment:
(1) Is the
minister aware of the Murdoch University research that raises serious concerns
regarding the long-term survival of Perth's little penguin population
after deaths reached four times the normal level in the second half of 2011?
(2) Is the
minister aware that the main reason for these deaths was starvation and that
other deaths have been caused by collisions with marine craft?
(3) Is the
minister aware of the finding in the public environmental review documents for
the Point Peron marina that the Garden Island penguins appear to forage almost
exclusively within the southern half of Cockburn Sound during chick rearing?
(4) Is the
minister aware of the finding in the PER documents that the seagrass in Mangles
Bay has been identified as an important nursery areas for a range of fish
species found within the diet of little penguins?
(5) Will the
minister undertake to ensure that the little penguin habitat is protected now
and into the future and that the proposed canal estate adjacent to their foraging
area is not permitted?
15. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the minister representing the
Minister for Environment:
(1) Is the
minister aware of the Murdoch University research that raises serious concerns
regarding the long-term survival of Perth's little penguin population
after deaths reached four times the normal level in the second half of 2011?
(2) Is the
minister aware that the main reason for these deaths was starvation and that
other deaths have been caused by collisions with marine craft?
(3) Is the
minister aware of the finding in the public environmental review documents for
the Point Peron marina that the Garden Island penguins appear to forage almost
exclusively within the southern half of Cockburn Sound during chick rearing?
(4) Is the
minister aware of the finding in the PER documents that the seagrass in Mangles
Bay has been identified as an important nursery areas for a range of fish
species found within the diet of little penguins?
(5) Will the
minister undertake to ensure that the little penguin habitat is protected now
and into the future and that the proposed canal estate adjacent to their foraging
area is not permitted?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) The Department of
Environment and Conservation has advised the minister that the research
indicates that the main reason for the deaths was starvation most likely caused
by high sea temperatures linked to the strong La Nina conditions and a strong
Leeuwin current that occurred in the summer of 2010–11. High
temperatures impact on the survival of the fish that are the main food source
for penguins and can lead to their starvation.
(3)–(5) The Environmental Protection
Authority is currently assessing the Mangles Bay marina-based tourist precinct
and as part of this process the proponent, Cedar Woods Properties, has released
the public environmental review documentation for public comment until 23 April
2012. The public environmental review document addresses the impacts of the
proposal on the little penguin and its habitat, and these matters will be given
due consideration by the Environmental Protection Authority in its report and
recommendations.
Environment and Conservation has advised the minister that the research
indicates that the main reason for the deaths was starvation most likely caused
by high sea temperatures linked to the strong La Nina conditions and a strong
Leeuwin current that occurred in the summer of 2010–11. High
temperatures impact on the survival of the fish that are the main food source
for penguins and can lead to their starvation.
(3)–(5) The Environmental Protection
Authority is currently assessing the Mangles Bay marina-based tourist precinct
and as part of this process the proponent, Cedar Woods Properties, has released
the public environmental review documentation for public comment until 23 April
2012. The public environmental review document addresses the impacts of the
proposal on the little penguin and its habitat, and these matters will be given
due consideration by the Environmental Protection Authority in its report and
recommendations.
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