Issues
Sources of impact
Construction and operation of an OWF can result in loss, degradation, modification and fragmentation of benthic habitats in the CMA due to:
- excavation, burial/smothering or overtopping by infrastructure during construction;
- reduction in the quality and quantity of light reaching the seabed associated with increased water turbidity; and
- replacement of one benthic substrate type with another resulting in changes to benthic flora and fauna present.
Sources of impact
Construction and operation of an OWF can result in loss, degradation, modification and fragmentation of benthic habitats in the CMA due to:
- excavation, burial/smothering or overtopping by infrastructure during construction;
- reduction in the quality and quantity of light reaching the seabed associated with increased water turbidity; and
- replacement of one benthic substrate type with another resulting in changes to benthic flora and fauna present.
Resources
- Cables – Installation, Reliability, Inspection, Maintenance and Decommissioning
- Partnership to protect marine life near ports
- MarineNSW.gov.au – “Our research has shown that large ships anchoring offshore of Port Kembla reduce reef biodiversity. We have run workshops with industry leaders, academics and government agencies. The aim of the workshops is to develop better ways to protect marine biodiversity based on our research. In partnership with the Port Authority of NSW, we have developed designated anchorages offshore of Port Kembla Harbour.
- Past Marine Parks and Marine Sanctuary Proposals – Hawkesbury SHELF
- See Concrete Playground
- 2018 Illawarra Greens – A marine sanctuary zone over part of the Five Islands is exactly what marine life needs to ensure it thrives, Wollongong Greens Councillor Cath Blakey said. Under plans proposed by the State Government, Flinders Islet (Toothbrush Island) would become a sanctuary zone, where fishing of any sort would not be allowed, other than Aboriginal cultural and heritage usage. The rest of the Five Islands zone would be a “special purpose zone”, where recreational and commercial fishing would be allowed, including spear fishing, taking abalone, and rock lobster fishing. But gathering shells and marine vegetation would be off-limits as the islands are an important seabird habitat… “I’m pleased our local marine icon of Five Islands has been chosen as one of 25 sites along the NSW coastline for secure, lasting protection,” she said. “Wollongong is a proud coastal council and community with marine resources that are second to none. “But our oceans and marine life have never been under more pressure from climate disruption, pollution, coastal development and other human impacts. “Sanctuary zones, together with other protected areas, are essential for healthy oceans, to build resilience in our aquatic environments and help ensure fish for the future.”
- 2017 – Nature Conservation Council on Facebook – some are calling for a new one (marine park along the Hawkesbury Shelf bioregion – a massive stretch of coastline from Newcastle to Wollongong. In a NSW first, a 10-year plan is being drawn up to help address the major threats to the state’s coastline and mentions the potential for a marine park along the Hawkesbury Shelf, but stresses the need for extensive consultation. The Nature Conservation Council thinks it’s a good idea, saying it would protect the Illawarra coastline from emerging threats such as climate change and coast development.
- See NPANSW and submission by Duncan Leadbitter
- However the former NSW Government back – pedalled on the 25 proposed marine park sanctuary zones in NSW under pressure from the Fishers lobby – 1, 2, 3, .
- See – The Leader
- Diigo
Issues
Sources of impact
Construction and operation of an OWF can result in loss, degradation, modification and fragmentation of benthic habitats in the CMA due to:
- excavation, burial/smothering or overtopping by infrastructure during construction;
- reduction in the quality and quantity of light reaching the seabed associated with increased water turbidity; and
- replacement of one benthic substrate type with another resulting in changes to benthic flora and fauna present.
Sources of impact
Construction and operation of an OWF can result in loss, degradation, modification and fragmentation of benthic habitats in the CMA due to:
- excavation, burial/smothering or overtopping by infrastructure during construction;
- reduction in the quality and quantity of light reaching the seabed associated with increased water turbidity; and
- replacement of one benthic substrate type with another resulting in changes to benthic flora and fauna present.
Resources
- Cables – Installation, Reliability, Inspection, Maintenance and Decommissioning
- Partnership to protect marine life near ports
- MarineNSW.gov.au – “Our research has shown that large ships anchoring offshore of Port Kembla reduce reef biodiversity. We have run workshops with industry leaders, academics and government agencies. The aim of the workshops is to develop better ways to protect marine biodiversity based on our research. In partnership with the Port Authority of NSW, we have developed designated anchorages offshore of Port Kembla Harbour.
- Past Marine Parks and Marine Sanctuary Proposals – Hawkesbury SHELF
- See Concrete Playground
- 2018 Illawarra Greens – A marine sanctuary zone over part of the Five Islands is exactly what marine life needs to ensure it thrives, Wollongong Greens Councillor Cath Blakey said. Under plans proposed by the State Government, Flinders Islet (Toothbrush Island) would become a sanctuary zone, where fishing of any sort would not be allowed, other than Aboriginal cultural and heritage usage. The rest of the Five Islands zone would be a “special purpose zone”, where recreational and commercial fishing would be allowed, including spear fishing, taking abalone, and rock lobster fishing. But gathering shells and marine vegetation would be off-limits as the islands are an important seabird habitat… “I’m pleased our local marine icon of Five Islands has been chosen as one of 25 sites along the NSW coastline for secure, lasting protection,” she said. “Wollongong is a proud coastal council and community with marine resources that are second to none. “But our oceans and marine life have never been under more pressure from climate disruption, pollution, coastal development and other human impacts. “Sanctuary zones, together with other protected areas, are essential for healthy oceans, to build resilience in our aquatic environments and help ensure fish for the future.”
- 2017 – Nature Conservation Council on Facebook – some are calling for a new one (marine park along the Hawkesbury Shelf bioregion – a massive stretch of coastline from Newcastle to Wollongong. In a NSW first, a 10-year plan is being drawn up to help address the major threats to the state’s coastline and mentions the potential for a marine park along the Hawkesbury Shelf, but stresses the need for extensive consultation. The Nature Conservation Council thinks it’s a good idea, saying it would protect the Illawarra coastline from emerging threats such as climate change and coast development.
- See NPANSW and submission by Duncan Leadbitter
- However the former NSW Government back – pedalled on the 25 proposed marine park sanctuary zones in NSW under pressure from the Fishers lobby – 1, 2, 3, .
- See – The Leader
- Diigo
Offshore wind turbines can help boost the number but not the diversity of fish, and don’t benefit invertebrates, say researchers – As nurturing marine life at offshore wind farms becomes an increasing concern for developers, a global meta-analysis of research has painted a nuanced picture of whether turbines are really “oases in the desert” for fish and other animals….“Compared with natural sedimentary habitats, oil and gas installations and offshore wind farms increase fish abundance,” they said. Such structures do not however increase the abundance of invertebrates such as crustaceans, starfish and jellyfish… But overall, they found “limited evidence” to support the argument that abandoned oil and gas installations and offshore turbines could be used to “promote healthy productive ecosystems, and no evidence that they might benefit biodiversity.”.. “With that said,” there was “no evidence that reefing them would cause ‘harm’ or be detrimental,” said the researchers.
A Mavens Magnets 