Declaration under s209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 - List of Migratory Species (13/07/2000)

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Declaration under s 209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 – List of Migratory Species (13/07/2000)

made under section 209 of the

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Compilation No. 16 

Compilation date: 21/09/2024

Includes amendments: F2024L01190

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Declaration under s 209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 – List of Migratory Species (13/07/2000) that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 21/09/2024 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.

Selfrepealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

 

 

 

Contents

Mammals.......................................1

Birds..........................................2

Reptiles........................................6

Fish...........................................6

Insects.........................................7

Endnotes

Endnote 1 – About the endnotes....................8

Endnote 2 – Abbreviation key.....................9

Endnote 3 – Legislation history....................10

Endnote 4 Amendment history....................13

 

 

Commonwealth of Australia

Declaration under s209 of the

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

I, ROBERT MURRAY HILL, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, in pursuance of s209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, hereby declare that a list of migratory species to that Act shall be deemed to be established by inclusion of the following migratory species:

Mammals

Balaena glacialis australis

 

Balaenoptera bonaerensis

Antarctic Minke Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Bryde’s whale

Balaenoptera musculus

 

Balaenoptera physalus

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera omurai

 

Caperea marginata

Pygmy Right Whale

Dugong dugon

 

Lagenodelphis hosei (Southeast Asian populations)

 

Lagenorhynchus obscurus

 

Megaptera novaeangliae

 

Orcaella heinsohni

 

Note: The Orcaella heinsohni (the Australian Snubfin Dolphin) was previously included as part of the listing for the Orcaella brevirostris (the Irrawaddy Dolphin).

 

Orcinus orca

Killer whale

Phocoena dioptrica

 

Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm whale

Sousa chinensis

 

Stenella attenuata (eastern tropical Pacific population, Southeast Asian populations)

 

Stenella longirostris (eastern tropical Pacific populations, Southeast Asian populations)

 

Tursiops aduncus (Arafura/Timor Sea populations)

 

 

Birds

All species in the family Accipitridae for which Australia is a Range State.

All species in the family Anatidae for which Australia is a Range State.

All species in the family Charadriidae for which Australia is a Range State.

All species in the family Falconidae for which Australia is a Range State.

All species in the family Phoenicopteridae for which Australia is a Range State.

All species in the family Recurvirostridae for which Australia is a Range State.

All species in the family Scolopacidae, including the sub-family Phalaropodinae, formerly listed as the family Phalaropodidae, for which Australia is a Range State.

All species in the genus Grus for which Australia is a Range State.

Acrocephalus orientalis

 

Actitis hypoleucos

 

Anas querquedula

 

Anous stolidus

 

Apus pacificus

 

Ardenna carneipes

 

Ardenna grisea

 

Ardenna pacifica

 

Ardenna tenuirostris

 

Arenaria interpres

 

Bulweria bulwerii

 

Calidris acuminata

 

Calidris alba

 

Calidris canutus

 

Calidris ferruginea

 

Calidris melanotos

 

Calidris ruficollis

 

Calidris subminuta

 

Calidris tenuirostris

 

Calonectris leucomelas

 

Cecropis daurica

 

Charadrius dubius

 

Charadrius leschenaultii

 

Charadrius mongolus

 

Charadrius veredus

 

Chlidonias leucopterus

 

Cuculus optatus

 

Diomedea amsterdamensis

 

Diomedea antipodensis

 

Diomedea dabbenena

 

Diomedea epomophora

 

Diomedea exulans

 

Diomedea sanfordi

 

Fregata andrewsi

 

Fregata ariel

 

Fregata minor

 

Gallinago hardwickii

 

Gallinago megala

 

Gallinago stenura

 

Gelochelidon nilotica

 

Glareola maldivarum

 

Hirundapus caudacutus

 

Hirundo rustica

 

Hydrobates monorhis

 

Hydrobates matsudairae

 

Hydroprogne caspia

 

Limicola falcinellus

 

Limnodromus semipalmatus

 

Limosa lapponica

 

Limosa limosa

 

Macronectes giganteus

 

Macronectes halli

 

Motacilla cinerea

 

Motacilla flava

 

Numenius madagascariensis

 

Numenius minutus

 

Numenius phaeopus

 

Oceanites oceanicus

 

Onychoprion anaethetus

 

Pandion haliaetus

 

Phaethon lepturus

 

Phaethon rubricauda

 

Phalaropus lobatus

 

Philomachus pugnax

 

Phoebastria immutabilis

 

Phoebetria fusca

 

Phoebetria palpebrata

 

Plegadis falcinellus

 

Pluvialis fulva

 

Pluvialis squatarola

 

Procellaria aequinoctialis

 

Procellaria conspicillata

 

Procellaria cinerea

 

Procellaria parkinsoni

 

Procellaria westlandica

 

Stercorarius longicaudus

 

Stercorarius maccormicki

 

Stercorarius parasiticus

 

Stercorarius pomarinus

 

Sterna dougallii

 

Sterna hirundo

 

Sterna hirundo hirundo (populations breeding in the Western Palearctic)

 

Sterna paradisaea (Atlantic populations)

 

Sterna sumatrana

 

Sternula albifrons

 

Sula dactylatra

 

Sula leucogaster

 

Sula sula

 

Thalassarche bulleri

 

Thalassarche carteri

 

Thalassarche cauta

 

Thalassarche chlororhynchos

 

Thalassarche chrysostoma

 

Thalassarche eremita

 

Thalassarche impavida

 

Thalassarche melanophris

 

Thalassarche salvini

 

Thalassarche steadi

 

Thalasseus bergii

 

Tringa brevipes

 

Tringa glareola

 

Tringa incana

 

Tringa nebularia

 

Tringa stagnatilis

 

Tringa totanus

 

Xenus cinereus

 

Reptiles

All native species in the family Cheloniidae, for which Australia is a Range State

All native species in the family Dermochelidae, for which Australia is a Range State

Crocodylus porosus

Fish

Anoxypristis cuspidata

 

Carcharhinus falciformis

 

Carcharhinus longimanus

 

Carcharias taurus

 

Carcharodon carcharias

Great White Shark

Cetorhinus maximus

Basking shark

Isurus oxyrinchus

Shortfin mako shark

Isurus paucus

Longfin mako shark

Lamna nasus

Porbeagle shark

Manta alfredi

 

Manta birostris

Giant Manta Ray

Mobula eregoodootenkee

 

Mobula japanica

 

Mobula thurstoni

 

Pristis clavata

 

Pristis pristis

 

Pristis zijsron

 

Rhincodon typus

 

Insects

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.

 

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

 

ad = added or inserted

orig = original

am = amended

par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)

amdt = amendment

/subsubparagraph(s)

c = clause(s)

pres = present

C[x] = Compilation No. x

prev = previous

Ch = Chapter(s)

(prev…) = previously

def = definition(s)

Pt = Part(s)

Dict = Dictionary

r = regulation(s)/rule(s)

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

reloc = relocated

Div = Division(s)

renum = renumbered

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have

rep = repealed

effect

rs = repealed and substituted

F = Federal Register of Legislation

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

gaz = gazette

Sch = Schedule(s)

LA = Legislation Act 2003

Sdiv = Subdivision(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment

SR = Statutory Rules

cannot be given effect

SubCh = SubChapter(s)

mod = modified/modification

SubPt = Subpart(s)

No. = Number(s)

underlining = whole or part not

o = order(s)

commenced or to be commenced

Ord = Ordinance

 

 

Endnote 3—Legislation history

 

Name

Registration

Commencement

Application, saving and transitional provisions

Declaration under s209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 – List of Migratory Species (13/07/2000)

9 Aug 2000

9 Aug 2000 (see Gazette 2000, No. GN 31 and F2007B00750)

 

Amendment to the List of Migratory Species under s209(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (03/12/2002)

12 Mar 2003

23 Dec 2002 (see Gazette 2003, No. GN 10 and F2007B00765)

_

Amendment to the List of Migratory Species under s209(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (26/11/2014)

10 Dec 2014 (F2014L01674)

27 Feb 2007

_

Amendment to the List of Migratory Species under s209(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (27/02/2007)

6 Mar 2007 (F2007L00574)

7 Mar 2007

_

Amendment to the List of Migratory Species under s209(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (12/03/2009)

17 Mar 2009 (F2009L01063)

23 Mar 2009

_

Amendment to the List of Migratory Species under s209(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (12/03/2009)

17 Mar 2009 (F2009L01064)

23 Mar 2009

_

Amendment to the List of Migratory Species under s209(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (11/12/2009)

05 Jan 2010 (F2010L00033)

29 Jan 2010

_

Amendment to the List of Migratory Species under s209(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (20/09/2012)

27 Sep 2012 (F2012L01950)

28 Sep 2012

_

Amendment to the List of Migratory Species under s209(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (26/11/2013)

13 Dec 2013 (F2013L02109)

14 Dec 2013

_

Amendment to the List of Migratory Species under s209(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (18/06/2015)

23 June 2015 (F2015L00871)

30 June 2015

_

Amendment to the List of Migratory Species under s209(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (18/06/2015)

23 June 2015 (F2015L00872)

30 June 2015

_

Amendment to the List of Migratory Species under s209(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

15 Sept 2015 (F2015L01436)

16 September 2015

_

Amendment to the list of migratory species under section 209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

7 June 2016 (F2016L01008)

9 June 2016

_

Amendment to the list of migratory species under section 209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

7 June 2016 (F2016L01009)

9 June 2016

_

Amendment to the list of migratory species under section 209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

14 Sept 2016 (F2016L01439)

15 Sept 2016

_

Instrument under section 209(6) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to update names on the list of migratory species

15 May 2017 (F2017L00527)

16 May 2017

_

Instrument under section 209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to update names on the list of migratory species

9 Mar 2018 (F2018L00233)

10 Mar 2018

_

Instrument under section 209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to correct a name on the list of migratory species (No. 1) 2018

19 Apr 2018 (F2018L00497)

20 Apr 2018

_

List of Migratory Species Amendment (Orcaella Species Name Update) Instrument 2018

10 Dec 2018 (F2018L01721)

11 Dec 2018

_

Amendment to the list of migratory species established under section 209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

20 Oct 2020 (F2020L01324)

21 Oct 2020

_

List of Migratory Species Amendment (1) Instrument 2024

20 September 2024 (F2024L01190)

21 September 2024

_

 

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Provision affected

How affected

Mammals

am F2007B00765; F2018L01721; F2024L01190

Birds

am F2014L01674; F2009L01063; F2009L01064; F2013L02109; F2015L00871; F2015L00872; F2016L01008; F2016L01009; F2016L01439; F2017L00527; F2018L00233; F2018L00497; F2024L01190

Reptiles

am F2007L00574; F2010L00033; F2012L01950; F2015L01436

Fish

am F2020L01324; F2024L01190

Insects

am F2020L01324

JAMBA

rep F2013L02109

 

Overview

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to address the problem of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, particularly in relation to threatened species and ecological communities. This Act provides a framework for the protection and management of Australia's biodiversity by establishing mechanisms for the conservation of threatened species, ecological communities, and heritage places of national significance. Under section 209 of the Act, a declaration was made on 13 July 2000, establishing a list of migratory species to be protected and managed under the Act. The policy objective of this declaration is to provide a comprehensive list of migratory species that require special attention and conservation efforts due to their movement across international boundaries and vulnerability to various threats. The declaration identifies specific species across different taxonomic groups, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects, ensuring that appropriate conservation measures are implemented to safeguard these migratory species and their habitats.

Scope and Application

The Declaration under s 209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 – List of Migratory Species (13/07/2000) outlines the migratory species that are protected under this Act. The species listed include various mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects, all of which are identified as migratory species for which Australia is a range state. This declaration applies to all persons and entities within the Commonwealth of Australia, extending to the protection of these species and their habitats across national borders. It is important to note that this Act is not limited to specific industries but rather encompasses any activities that may impact these migratory species or their environments. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, as it applies to all parts of Australia and its territorial waters, ensuring a comprehensive protection framework for these species. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions but is enforced through subordinate instruments that may further define operational parameters or specific protective measures. The application of this Act can be extended or restricted through amendments and updates to the list of migratory species, reflecting changes in species status or new scientific findings.

Key Provisions

This legislative instrument, a declaration made under section 209 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, establishes a list of migratory species protected under the Act. This list includes various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects that migrate through or are found in Australian waters. Specific species are listed under each category, such as the Antarctic Minke Whale and the Shortfin Mako Shark, ensuring these species receive the protection afforded under the Act. The Act imposes obligations on parties and entities to ensure the protection and conservation of the listed migratory species. This includes compliance with regulations designed to prevent activities that might harm these species or their habitats. It mandates that any actions which may affect the listed species must be assessed for their potential environmental impact, and appropriate measures must be taken to mitigate any adverse effects. Furthermore, the Act requires entities to report on activities that could impact these species and to adhere to any conditions set forth in environmental approval processes. Breaches of the Act or its regulations can result in significant penalties. For example, individuals or corporations found to have engaged in activities that harm listed migratory species can face fines up to several hundred thousand Australian dollars for corporations and tens of thousands for individuals. In more severe cases, particularly those involving intentional harm or significant environmental damage, criminal charges may apply, leading to imprisonment. Additionally, entities may be subject to injunctive relief or orders to restore affected habitats or populations, further ensuring the protection and conservation of these species.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Environmental Law
Instrument
Legislative Instrument
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Listing & Classification
Enforcement Powers
Regulatory Standards

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.