Biology, threats and conservation status of the SUB-ANTARCTIC

0,91

MB

FUR SEAL AND SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL in Australian waters

65

stron

5381

ID

Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage

2004

rok

Table of contents

Table of contents 4

List of figures and tables 6

List of abbreviations 7

List of abbreviations 7

Summary 8

Part A: Species information 9

1. Species details: Sub-Antarctic fur seal 9

1.1 Description of species and taxonomy 9

1.2 Population estimates at colonies 9

1.3 Social organization and breeding 12

1.4 Reproductive success 12

1.5 Sexual maturity and life expectancy 13

1.6 Mortality 13

1.7 Foraging and diet 13

1.8 Long-range movements 14

2. Species details: Southern elephant seal 14

2.1 Description of species and taxonomy 14

2.2 Population estimates at colonies 15

2.3 Social organization and breeding 18

2.4 Reproductive success 18

2.5 Sexual maturity and life expectancy 19

2.6 Mortality 19

2.7 Foraging and diet 19

2.8 Long-range movements 20

Part B: Distribution and location 22

1. Distribution on land 22

2. Habitat requirements 27

3. Important populations 29

Part C: Conservation status and threats 30

1. Conservation status and legislative protection 30

2. Identification of threats 31

2.1 Legal fisheries 31

2.2 Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing 36

2.3 Interaction with human-generated non-biodegradable debris 37

2.4 Oil spills and other pollutants 39

2.5 Increasing tourism 41

2.6 Research impacts 43

2.7 Direct human interference away from the main breeding colonies 45

2.8 Climatic and oceanographic change 46

2.9 Disease 48

2.10 Predation 49

2.11 Introgression and other genetic effects in the sub-Antarctic fur seal 50

References 52

Appendix I Commonwealth legislation relevant to Macquarie Island seals 63

Appendix II Tasmanian state government legislation relevant to Macquarie Island seals 64

Appendix III Commonwealth legislation relating to Heard Island 65