Review and refinement of the Queensland marine mammal and turtle stranding and mortality program focused in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (C1.4.4a)

Task leader: Dr Kirstin Dobbs, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Task associate: NA.

This project will assess the quality of delivery and direction of the existing program to recover and appraise marine mammal and turtle live strandings and carcasses in the GBRWHA. Information from these events has to date provided important data to assist in developing marine mammal and turtle conservation management actions and priorities.

Of critical importance is determining levels and specific causes of deaths. Information about anthropogenic sources and levels of mortality is essential to evaluate management measures, such as vessel speed limits in Hinchinbrook Channel and netting restrictions imposed by Dugong Protection Areas (DPAs).

The Task will involve a review and refinement study in consultation with management agencies and stakeholders to optimise methods for the future collection, analysis and interpretation of pathological and biological data and specimens from stranded marine wildlife in Queensland in consultation with wildlife management agencies and Traditional Owners.

The resultant protocols will ensure that the best value for money is obtained from inspecting stranded marine mammals and turtles with a view to addressing management objectives. The Task is expected to be completed by December 2003.