ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ON THE NORTH WEST SHELF: A REVIEW OF EXISTING DATA

Abstract

The Western Australia Department of Environmental Protection initiated the North West Shelf Marine Environmental Management Study in recognition of development pressures on the complex and poorly understood marine environment of the North West Shelf. The four-year study, which began in 1998, is providing strategic information for long-term sustainable use and conservation management in the region. It will develop and consolidate the technical information base, scientific understanding, and predictive capabilities required to support an integrated, ecologically based management framework. As a first step in the study, we have reviewed scientific knowledge relevant to the marine environment of the North West Shelf and its management. With the cooperation of industry, academia and government, we have compiled a bibliography of more than 1,700 published and unpublished sources of data, models and hypotheses. Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Ltd (APPEA) members are responsible for much of this information. In addition, we have critically assessed models and tools for environmental management and identified key gaps in current scientific understanding related to management of marine resources on the North West Shelf. Finally, we have highlighted opportunities for future research on the North West Shelf and provided the foundation for design of the study.