The Western Australian Department of Environmental Protection (WADEP) is conducting a $2.7M North West Shelf Marine Environmental Management Study (NWSMEMS) (the Study) over four years. The Study, which began in January 1998, is developing and consolidating the technical information base, scientific understanding and predictive capability required to underpin environmental decision making in both the public and private sectors. It is drawing on the support and involvement of the scientific, industry, community and State and Commonwealth government agencies through representations on a Steering Committee and Technical Group, the provision of data, direct contributions of research and consultations on a range of environmental issues. The ultimate outcome of the Study is to recommend options for a coordinated management framework under existing legislation and policies to ensure an integrated approach to sustainable development on the North West Shelf. This report compiles and summarises existing International Conventions and Treaties, Commonwealth and State legislation, policies, strategies and other instruments relevant to marine resource allocation, use, conservation and environmental protection on the North West Shelf. It identifies the agencies in which legislation is vested and the crossjurisdictional arrangements that are in place between Commonwealth and State agencies in implementing the legislation. The report will be used in at least two ways: to ensure that there is a complete and accurate understanding of the existing legislative and management framework so that technical outputs of the Study provide the strategic and tactical information required to support the objectives of the existing management framework; and to provide the basis for evaluating the effectiveness of the existing management framework and developing options to address any identified deficiencies.
