Blue, Fin and Sei Whale Recovery Plan 2005-2010 (Cth)

BLUE, FIN AND SEI WHALE

RECOVERY PLAN

2005 - 2010

The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is listed as endangered, and fin (Balaenoptera physalus) and sei (Balaenoptera borealis) whales are listed as vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This plan outlines the measures necessary to ensure recovery of the Australian populations of these species and is set out in accordance with Part 13, Division 5 of the EPBC Act.

Objectives for recovery

The objectives are: * the recovery of populations of blue, fin and sei whales utilising Australian waters so that the species can be considered secure in the wild; and * to maintain the protection of blue, fin and sei whales from human threats.

For the purposes of this plan 'secure in the wild' is defined qualitatively, recognising that stricter definitions are not yet available, but will be refined and where possible quantified during the life of this plan by work currently underway and identified in the actions of this plan.

'Secure in the wild' with respect to these species means: a population with sufficient geographic range and distribution, abundance, and genetic diversity to provide a stable population over long time scales.

Criteria to measure performance of the plan against the objectives

It is not anticipated that the objectives for recovery will be achieved during the life of this plan. However, the following criteria can be used to measure the ongoing performance of this plan against the objectives: 1. an indication of the population and recovery status of blue, fin and sei whale populations using Australian waters was developed; and 2. domestic and international protection regimes that support the recovery of the species were maintained and where possible improved.