GPC: New Initiative to Protect Marine Wildlife in Gladstone Harbour

Business & Finance

New Initiative to Protect Marine Wildlife in Gladstone Harbour

Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) has developed and is administering a Biodiversity Offset Strategy (BOS) to provide for the long-term conservation of threatened and migratory species, including their habitats in the Western Basin area.

TAngler bins have recently been deployed at various boat ramps and fishing structures throughout Central Queensland.

The initiative forms part of th e LNG industry-funded BOS and is being delivered by Gladstone Ports Corporation in association with Oceanwatch Australia, CQUniversity, and Gladstone and Rockhampton Regional Councils.

GPC Safety, Environment and Risk General Manager, John Sherriff said entanglement and ingestion of marine debris is a serious threat to marine wildlife and can result in restricted mobility, starvation, amputation, infection and drowning.

A total of 34 TAngler bins have been installed, including 31 in the Gladstone region, two in Rockhampton and one at 1770. The locations of the bins were selected based on site surveys undertaken by CQUniversity and in consultation with regional councils.

[mappress]

Press Release, January 8, 2014