Key threatening process nominations not prioritised for assessment

 

Key threatening process nominations no longer eligible for automatic consideration

The following nominations have been considered for prioritisation by the Minister for two consecutive years and are no longer eligible for automatic consideration for prioritisation. If additional information becomes available a new nomination could be submitted for consideration for prioritisation.

KTP name Years considered Reasons the nomination was not prioritised
1080 poison baiting used for the control of vertebrate 'pest' species 2007 & 2008 The use of 1080 poison is subject to a controlled, licensing scheme and there is a limited amount of evidence available regarding the impact of the process on non-target species. However, there is some evidence to suggest the process is impacting on the Dingo, and an investigation of the conservation status of the Dingo may be pursued, depending on resources.

Nomination - 1080 poison baiting used for the control of vertebrate 'pest' species (PDF - 453.02 KB) | (DOC - 212.5 KB)
Alteration to the natural flow regimes of watercourses and their floodplains and wetlands 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

‘Alteration to the natural flow regimes of watercourses and their floodplains and wetlands’ has been publicly nominated for assessment for listing as a Key Threatening Process under the EPBC Act. The nomination relates to the threat to species and ecological communities caused by changes to the magnitude, frequency, duration, time, or rate of water flow. Similar threatening process are listed in New South Wales ‘Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers, streams, floodplains & wetlands’ under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and in Victoria ‘Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams’ under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

The Committee notes that there are many mitigating mechanisms currently in place, or being implemented, to abate this process. The Committee understands that additional information on the progress of these initiatives and related new information will become available in the near future. Given these initiatives and the need to prioritise substantially fire-affected items in 2020, the nomination is not recommended for inclusion in the 2020 Finalised Priority Assessment List. The nomination is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2021 Proposed Priority Assessment List.

Nomination - Alteration to the natural flow regimes of watercourses and their floodplains and wetlands (PDF - 614.7 KB) | (DOCX - 190.8 KB)
Death or injury to marine species following a capture in the lethal shark control programs on ocean beaches’ 2015 & 2016 Death or injury to marine species following a capture in the lethal shark control programs on ocean beaches was nominated by the public for consideration for listing as a Key Threatening Process. This threatening process was assessed in 2005 and found ineligible for listing as a key threatening process as it only operates over a very small proportion of the geographical range for most species identified in the nomination. While localised mortality may be appreciable, at a national scale the threat is unlikely to be sufficient to cause species to become threatened as defined by the EPBC Act, or if already listed, to be raised to a higher category of endangerment. For many of the species, there are not sufficient data on population size or trends available, and thus it was not possible to assess the impact of the mortality attributed to shark control programs on national populations. 
 
In 2016, the nominator advocating considering this process in the context of its effects on three species of hammerhead sharks (scalloped, great, smooth). However, the concerns outlined above apply also to hammerhead sharks. The Committee has not prioritised the nomination for inclusion on the 2016 PPAL and the nomination will not automatically be eligible for inclusion on the 2017 PPAL.
Death or injury to marine species following capture in the lethal shark control programs (nets and drumlines) on ocean beaches 2017, 2018 Death or injury to marine species following capture in the lethal shark control programs (nets and drumlines) on ocean beaches was publically nominated in 2017 for consideration for listing as a Key Threatening Process. It was previously assessed in 2005 and found ineligible for listing as a Key Threatening Process. It was nominated again in 2015 and considered in both 2015 and 2016 without being included on the assessment list. The nomination highlights this Key Threatening Process as a significant source of mortality in a range of marine wildlife species, many of which are not the targets of the control programs. However, the threatening process operates over only small portions of the range of most of the species identified in the nomination. While local scale mortality may be significant, at the scale of the species’ national distribution, it is not sufficient in most cases to either cause it to become threatened, or if already listed as threatened, to be transferred to a higher category. Additionally, for other species concerned, there are only sparse data on population size or trend, and thus it is not possible to assess the relative significance of mortality in shark control programs. A possible exception is the Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharius taurus), for which shark control programs are noted as a primary threat in this species’ Recovery Plan. However, although the nomination merits consideration, given current capacity, this Key Threatening Process is not included on the PPAL in 2018. It will not automatically be eligible for reconsideration by the Committee in 2019.
Death or injury to marine species as a direct result of boat strike on the east coast of Australia 2007 & 2008 The Committee recognises that boatstrike is a known cause of death for individuals of Dugong and some turtle species in certain areas. However, there is insufficient evidence available to assess the impact of the process on these species at a population level and a lack of data regarding the impact of the process across its national extent.

Nomination - Death or injury to marine species as a direct result of boat strike on the east coast of Australia (PDF - 1.15 MB) | (DOC - 1005.5 KB)
Dingo loss - The cascading effects of the loss or removal of dingoes from Australian landscapes 2015 & 2016,
Resubmitted 2016 & 2017		 The cascading effects of the loss or removal of dingoes Australian landscapes was publically nominated for consideration for listing as a Key Threatening Process. The nomination relates to the role of the dingo in suppressing the presence, abundance and impacts of foxes and cats, and regulating the abundance and impacts of native herbivores, on the Australian landscape and its biodiversity. There is merit in exploring the role of dingos in controlling introduced predators and overabundant native herbivores and enabling the survival and recovery of threatened plants and animals in Australian ecosystems. At this time there is not sufficient evidence for the process to be assessed under the EPBC Act as a key threatening process. Further scientific research and experimental field trials are needed provide evidence required for assessment. The assessment of species and ecological communities (including those listed in states and territories but not under the EPBC Act) is a higher priority for consideration by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee.
Dingo loss - The loss or removal of dingoes from Australian landscapes 2017, 2018 The cascading effects of the loss or removal of dingoes from Australian landscapes was publically nominated for consideration for listing as a Key Threatening Process in 2017. The nomination relates to the role of the dingo in suppressing the presence, abundance and impact of foxes and cats, and regulating the abundance and impact of native herbivores, on the Australian landscape and its biodiversity. The Committee believes that there is merit in exploring the role of dingoes in controlling introduced predators and overabundant native herbivores, and enabling the survival and recovery of threatened plants and animals in Australian ecosystems, and recommended that it be included on the 2017 PPAL. Noting the minister’s decision not to include this nomination on the 2017 FPAL, the Committee decided not to prioritise this nomination for assessment in 2018, and notes that it will not be automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2019 PPAL.
Ecosystem degradation, habitat loss and species decline due to invasion in southern Australia by introduced Tall Wheat Grass (Lophopyrum ponticum) 2010 & 2011 This nomination falls fully within the assessment of the broader KTP 'Novel biota and its impact on biodiversity'.

Nomination - Ecosystem degradation, habitat loss and species decline due to invasion in southern Australia by introduced Tall Wheat Grass (Lophopyrum ponticum) (PDF - 464.4 KB) | (DOC - 637 KB)
Ecosystem degradation, habitat loss and species decline due to urban, semi-urban, industrial & other similar development (e.g. infrastructure development) and subsequent human occupation affecting nationally critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable species or ecological communities or those likely to become so 2009 & 2010
Resubmitted and considered 2011 & 2012		 It is a very broad KTP nomination, to the extent that it encompasses the effects of a number of other listed and/or nominated KTPs. Full assessment would take a considerable amount of resources and would duplicate work completed or underway. The proposed KTP is insufficiently defined, extending across multiple ecosystems and multiple sub-threats (land clearance, invasive species, greenhouse gases, predation by feral foxes and cats etc.). The definition would require significant refining to distinguish it from other KTPs. In addition, an assessment of the KTP's eligibility for listing would require extensive examination of the impact on listed threatened species and communities and implications for planning and other regulations in multiple jurisdictions. The Australian Government has commenced development of a Sustainable Population Strategy for Australia, taking into account the economic, social and environmental impacts of such a strategy. This KTP would require extensive consultation across a range of portfolios and sectors and would likely duplicate work undertaken in other areas. The listing of this process as a KTP is unlikely to be an effective mechanism by which to achieve any tangible reduction in ecological impacts from urban development.

Nomination - Ecosystem degradation, habitat loss and species decline due to urban, semi-urban, industrial & other similar development (e.g. infrastructure development) and subsequent human occupation (PDF - 638.03 KB) | (DOC - 478 KB)
Ecosystem degradation, habitat loss and species decline in arid and semi-arid Australia due to the invasion of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris and C. pennisetiformis) 2012 & 2013 Buffel grass is having a negative impact on biodiversity in Australia's rangelands. It threatens biodiversity by out-competing native vegetation and increasing fuel loads to produce hotter and more intense wildfires. Buffel grass is described as a 'transformer weed' in the Australian rangelands. It is widely considered to be the most debilitating 'fatal injury weed of natural ecosystems in arid and semi-arid Australia and directly or indirectly displaces and threatens a large percentage of native and endemic plants and animals.
The Committee notes that this threat is recognised in the overarching KTP 'Novel biota and their impact on biodiversity'. Novel biota refers to organisms that are new to an ecosystem, and the scope of this broader KTP covers all invasive species including weeds. However, the Committee recommends that specific threat abatement guidelines be developed to address this threat.

Nomination - Ecosystem degradation, habitat loss and species decline in arid and semi-arid Australia due to the invasion of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris and C. pennisetiformis) (PDF - 1.22 MB) | (DOC - 319.5 KB)
Fatal injury to marine mammals, reptiles, and other large marine species through boat strike on the Australian coast 2012, 2013 & 2014, 2015 Fatal injury to marine mammals, reptiles and other large marine species from boat strike was nominated by the public for consideration for listing as a Key Threatening Process. The nomination relates to the impact (death or injury) that direct contact with the hull or propeller of boats is having on marine turtles, dugongs, dolphins, whales and sharks. While there are relatively clear data on the adverse impacts of this process on localised populations of some species of conservation concern, the case for the threat being nationally significant remains to be definitively demonstrated. The nomination has not been prioritised for inclusion on the 2015 PPAL. A new nomination would have to be submitted for this KTP to be considered for the 2016 PPAL.

Nomination - Fatal injury to marine mammals, reptiles, and other large marine species through boat strike on the Australian coast (PDF - 1.27 MB) | (DOCX - 495.68 KB)
Herbivory and Habitat Degradation by Feral Deer 2011 & 2012 This nomination falls fully within the assessment of the broader KTP 'Novel biota and its impact on biodiversity'.

Nomination - Herbivory and Habitat Degradation by Feral Deer (PDF - 874.38 KB) | (DOC - 487.5 KB)
Human population growth in Australia 2010 & 2011 Human population growth is a major driver of impacts on the environment, as recognised in a range of government documents. However, it is a process that is influenced by a broad range of economic and social drivers, only some of which are under governmental control. Of those that may be influenced by government policy, many of these are in sectors beyond the control of the EPBC Act. Where the EPBC Act may be effective, a human population growth KTP would overlap significantly with existing KTPs, such as Land Clearance and Greenhouse Gases. Additionally, since this nomination was received, the Australian Government has commenced development of a Sustainable Population Strategy for Australia, taking into account the economic, social and environmental impacts of such a strategy. A human population growth KTP would require extensive consultation across a range of portfolios and sectors and would likely duplicate work undertaken in other areas. The listing of this process as a KTP is unlikely to be an effective mechanism by which to achieve any tangible reduction in ecological impacts from human population growth.

Nomination - Human population growth in Australia (PDF - 575.32 KB) | (DOC - 563.5 KB)
Introduction, establishment, and spread of, and infection by, exotic rust fungi of the order Pucciniales pathogenic on plants of the family Myrtaceae' 2014, 2015 Introduction, establishment, and spread of, and infection by, exotic rust fungi of the order Pucciniales pathogenic on plants of the family Myrtaceae was publically nominated for consideration for listing as a Key Threatening Process. Puccinia psidii (Eucalyptus rust, guava rust, myrtle rust) is an exotic rust fungus of the Order Pucciniales, of South American origin, pathogenic on plants of the family Myrtaceae. The Committee considers this threatening process is currently encompassed within the existing ‘Novel biota and their impact on biodiversity’ Key Threatening Process. The scope of this broad KTP covers all invasive species including rusts that threaten species and ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act. The Committee is investigating options to promote public awareness of myrtle rust as a threat and achieve threat abatement outcomes. The nomination has not been prioritised for inclusion on the 2015 PPAL, and is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2016 PPAL.

Nomination - Introduction, establishment, and spread of, and infection by, exotic rust fungi of the order Pucciniales pathogenic on plants of the family Myrtaceae (PDF - 1.88 MB) | (DOCX - 830.48 KB)
Loss of habitat and native flora due to expansion of the weed Lippia (Phyla canescens)' 2008 & 2009 The impacts of this process will be addressed through the assessment of ''The introduction of novel biota and its impact on biodiversity" key threatening process nomination. Therefore there is no additional conservation benefit from considering this nomination separately.

Nomination - Loss of habitat and native flora due to expansion of the weed Lippia (Phyla canescens) (PDF - 401.37 KB) | (DOC - 168 KB)
Marine seismic activities 2013 & 2014

The nominations relates to the proposed impact that underwater sounds generated by human activities affect several types of responses in fish, crustaceans, molluscs, marine mammals and marine reptiles. The current understanding of the science, as presented in the nomination, demonstrates relatively small impacts (mostly behavioural) over short time scales. The case for this process leading to any species becoming threatened, or a threatened species being elevated to a higher category, is not made quantitatively. The principal effects of the threats are to marine mammals and these are widely recognised and addressed in current policy as applied to environmental assessment of applications to conduct seismic activities. Without considerably more science providing a compelling case for impacts of a scale that poses a threat to the persistence of species other than cetaceans a KTP determination would have little effect on current policy. It was therefore not recommended for inclusion on the 2014 FPAL. The nomination is not eligible for automatic reconsideration in 2015 PPAL.

Nomination - Marine seismic activities (PDF - 328.91 KB) | (DOC - 205 KB)
Physical weathering and sea wave erosion/destruction of WA Kimberley coast’s Cretaceous dinosaur tracks (multiple species) located in the intertidal zone… with minor marine and human biological destructive components. 2016 & 2017 The nomination relates predominantly to the physical weathering and erosion of the Kimberley Coast dinosaur tracks by wind and wave impacts. The nomination details how the impacts of the natural erosive process are weathering away the footprints.
The EPBC Act provides for the listing of key threatening processes if that process: 
(a) could cause a native species or ecological community to become eligible for listing in any category other than conservation dependent 
(b) could cause a native species or ecological community to become eligible for listing in another category representing a higher degree of endangerment 
(c) adversely affects two or more listed species or ecological communities.
 
The EPBC Act defines a species as a group of biological entities that (a) interbreed to produce fertile offspring; or (b) possess common characteristics derived from a common gene pool. While the Committee considers that the dinosaurs that left the footprints were biological entities, the footprints themselves are not a biological entity and therefore the impact upon them could not be considered a key threatening process for the purposes of the EPBC Act.
While the nomination provides thorough details of the impact that the erosive effects are having on the dinosaur footprints, the Committee considers that for the nomination to be eligible for consideration for listing it would need to identify a native species or ecological community dependent only on the footprints that could be shown as becoming eligible for listing due to the footprints being weathered and eroded over time.
The Committee notes the issues raised in the nomination and will publish the nomination on the Department’s website with personal details removed to increase awareness of the issue. The nomination has not been prioritised for inclusion on the 2017 PPAL.
Predation of endangered Tasmanian cavity nesting birds by introduced sugar gliders 2014, 2015 Predation of endangered Tasmanian cavity nesting birds by introduced sugar gliders was nominated by the public for consideration for listing as a Key Threatening Process. The nomination describes the impact that sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) – which was likely to have been introduced to Tasmania from the mainland - are having on tree cavity-dependent birds and their eggs. The Committee considered that the evidence presented for this being a threat of national environmental significance is limited and needed to be strengthened. The Committee would require more extensive data on the extent of predation and its broader impact to be able to assess the nomination as a key threatening process. The Committee considers that abatement actions to address the threat could be carried out by strengthening recovery plans already in place for cavity nesting birds such as the swift parrot. The nomination has not been prioritised for inclusion on the 2015 PPAL, but is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2016 PPAL.
Recreational fishing which results in the capture of top order predators such as sharks, tuna and marlin including competition game fishing, offshore fishing, line fishing and other fishing methods 2016 & 2017 The nominated process – Recreational fishing which results in the capture of top order predators such as sharks, tuna and marlin including competition game fishing, offshore fishing, line fishing and other fishing methods relates to the recreational fishing for large pelagic sharks and other gamefish in Australian waters as well as all other top order predators. While there are some indications that recreational fishing is having impacts upon top order predators in Australian waters, the case for listing this process against the listing criteria is not strong. Management of recreational fisheries in Australian waters is primarily a state or territory government responsibility. State and territory fisheries management agencies have mechanisms in place to manage recreational fishing of top order predator species so that the practice may be sustainable into the future. It is unlikely that an assessment would produce sufficient evidence for the process to be listed under the EPBC Act as a key threatening process. The Committee therefore recommended excluding the process from the 2017 FPAL. This nomination will not be considered next year for inclusion on the 2018 PPAL.
Recreational game fishing - competition game fishing especially for sharks, tuna and marlins 2012 & 2013 The physiological impacts and survival rates of catch-and-release of game fish are important issues that require further research and consideration. While the nomination presented important information, the case for the threat being significant at the species level is not quantified.

Nomination - Recreational game fishing - competition game fishing especially for sharks, tuna and marlins (PDF - 1.49 MB) | (DOC - 684.5 KB)
The invasion, establishment and spread of Lantana camara impacts negatively on native biodiversity including many EPBC listed species and communities. 2008 & 2009 The impacts of this process will be addressed through the assessment of "The introduction of novel biota and its impact on biodiversity" key threatening process nomination. Therefore there is no additional conservation benefit from considering this nomination separately.

Nomination - The invasion, establishment and spread of Lantana camara impacts negatively on native biodiversity including many EPBC listed species and communities (PDF - 311.33 KB) | (DOC - 244.5 KB)
The impact of Sarcoptic Mange (Sarcoptes scabei) on Lasiorhinus spp. 2018, 2019 Sarcoptic Mange is caused by an introduced ectoparasite the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, of Australian wildlife that is particularly severe in wombat species. While it has been demonstrated to cause substantial declines when introduced to naïve populations, the Committee considers that this is unlikely to cause a population decline at the national scale to be eligible for listing as a Key Threatening Process. However, Sarcoptic Mange does cause local population declines in the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat and Bare-nosed Wombat and therefore the Committee recommends that guidelines be developed on abating the threat. On this basis, the Committee has decided not to prioritise this nomination for assessment in 2019 and notes that it is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2020 PPAL.

Key threatening process nominations for possible future consideration

The following nominations have not been prioritised but are eligible for consideration in the next assessment cycle.

KTP name Years considered Reasons the nomination was not prioritised
Bycatch of threatened, endangered, and protected species in commercial gillnet fishing operations 2023 Bycatch of threatened, endangered, and protected species in commercial gillnet fishing operations was publicly nominated for consideration for listing as a Key Threatening Process. Accidental death or injury following interactions with commercial gillnets as ‘bycatch’ is a significant source of mortality for a range of marine wildlife species, many of which are listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Gillnet fishing operations occur in nearshore and offshore waters around a significant portion of the Australian coastline, generally excluding areas in New South Wales. While there is evidence for bycatch of threatened species in commercial gillnet operations, the available information on species interaction rates, post-release mortality and the impact of the significance of the threat to marine wildlife is generally lacking. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee would require more extensive, fisheries-independent data on the impact of commercial gillnet operations on the population declines of threatened species to assess the nomination as a key threatening process. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee considers threat abatement actions to address the threat could be carried out by fisheries management agencies and cross-jurisdictional fora, such as the Australian Fisheries Management Forum, guided by existing Conservation Advices and Recovery Plans in place for listed species. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee notes that the Australian Commonwealth Fisheries Bycatch Policy and associated guidelines are currently under review and that there are government commitments to further reduce effort in the Great Barrier Reef Region and the Queensland waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee considers that the assessment of this threat as a Key Threatening Process may be premature while that review is taking place and the Queensland commitments are implemented. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee has not prioritised the nomination for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. The nomination is automatically eligible for consideration for consideration on the 2024 PPAL.
The cascading effects caused by the loss or removal of dingoes from Australian landscapes 2015 & 2016, Resubmitted in 2016 & 2017 and 2023 The cascading effects of the loss or removal of dingoes from Australian landscapes was publicly nominated for consideration for listing a Key Threatening Process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The nomination relates to the role of the dingo in suppressing the presence, abundance and impact of foxes and cats, and regulating the population and grazing impacts of native and introduced herbivores. There is merit in exploring the role of dingoes in controlling introduced predators, overabundant native herbivores, and introduced herbivores, thereby preventing declines and enabling the survival and recovery of threatened plants and animals in Australian ecosystems. Current evidence indicates that the removal of dingos is associated with a suite of interlinked changes to ecosystems, but the case for whether this causes listed species to become more imperilled, or unlisted species to become eligible for listing, is not clearly made in the nomination. Demonstrating the adverse effects of removing dingoes could be challenging, given the suite of co-occurring threats that usually accompany dingo removal. It is likely that any potential benefits from retaining dingoes in ecosystems will vary spatially and temporally, and be hard to predict. Given the complexity of this assessment, the TSSC considers this nomination to be a lower priority for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. The nomination is automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2024 PPAL.
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio predation on the Norfolk Island Group 2023 Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio predation on the Norfolk Island Group was publicly nominated for consideration for listing a Key Threatening Process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) is common in its native range throughout eastern and northern Australia, and self-introduced to the Norfolk Island Group sometime in the mid-late 1800s, likely taking advantage of habitat modification by European settlers. The species exerts significant predation pressure on the eggs and chicks of several seabird species (including threatened species), which have re-established on Phillip Island (Norfolk Island Group) following its revegetation in the 1980s. The purple swamphen is also likely to prey upon other threatened species in the Norfolk Island Group, including reptiles and land snails. The nomination focuses on the impact of predation by the purple swamphen on threatened species on the Norfolk Island Group, especially on Phillip Island. This threatening process is already recognised in various pest management and conservation plans for the island and active effective abatement is ongoing. As such, its listing as a Key Threatening Process under the EPBC Act is unlikely to enhance the abatement of the threat or its impact on threatened species. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee has not prioritised the nomination for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. It is automatically eligible for consideration on the 2024 PPAL.