Biologically Important Areas of Regionally Significant Marine Species - Southern Right Whale

Work has been undertaken in 2022-24 to review and update the biologically important areas (BIAs) framework and geospatial data. Under the updated BIA framework, BIAs are defined as areas known or likely to be regularly or repeatedly used by individuals or aggregations of a species, stock, or population for either reproduction, feeding, migration or resting. BIAs are designated for marine species protected under the Australian Government’s regulatory framework, currently this includes species listed as Threatened, Migratory, Marine and/or Cetaceans (listed species may be updated pending the outcomes of the EPBC Act regulatory reform). BIAs are designated using scientific and Indigenous ecological knowledge about key areas used by individual species for biologically important behaviour.Biologically important behaviour is defined as behaviour associated with critical life functions i.e., reproduction, foraging, migration and resting. BIAs are not intended to reflect entire species occurrence or distribution. BIAs are areas identified as important by using reliable information on occurrence and behaviour. Data underpinning BIAs is quality rated and species-appropriate thresholds and area rules underpinned by evidence are used to filter data to delineate important areas. Refer to the Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species web page for more information.BIAs species included:Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)