Description: NOTE: A review is being undertaken of Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species (BIAs), previously known as Biologically Important Areas of regionally significant marine species. See the Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species web page for more information.Summary of Biologically Important Areas data:BIAs are designated for marine species protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This includes cetaceans – whales, dolphins and porpoises and also migratory marine species that are listed as threatened. BIAs are areas used by protected marine species for carrying out critical life functions. This includes:reproductionfeedingmigrationrestingBIAs are:used to inform decision making about actions which may impact protected marine speciesdescribed in conservation plans for protected marine species including statutory recovery plans, wildlife conservation plans, and conservation advice documents.BIAs may also be used for:defining ‘habitat critical to the survival of the species’ required in recovery plans made under the EPBC Actidentifying information gaps and prioritising future research.When using BIA spatial data, consider that BIAs do not represent full species range. BIAs provide spatial information about species behaviour.BIAs are not designated for all protected species or all biologically important areas of the marine environment. Areas without BIAs may support species and biologically important behaviours.All BIA data can be viewed via the Australian Marine Spatial Information System (AMSIS).Background:BIAs were originally created through the Marine Bioregional Planning program. The purpose was to identify, describe and map biologically important areas (BIAs) for protected species under the EPBC Act. This work resulted in the publication of this BIA dataset in 2011. BIAs spatially and temporally define areas where protected species display biologically important behaviours (including reproduction, foraging, resting or migration), based on the best available scientific information. These areas are those parts of a marine region that are particularly important for the conservation of protected species. In collecting information on BIAs, the Department has explicitly aimed to collect information about known important areas and about areas that are likely to be or may be important for a protected species. This approach was taken to ensure that the BIAs identified did not simply represent survey effort but identified areas that scientists consider are likely to be biologically important for a protected species. BIAs are accompanied by comprehensive data attributes which enable decision-makers and people proposing to undertake actions that may have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance to assess the relevance of the information to their specific circumstances. BIAs were initially captured on a regional basis and each region has a different list of regionally significant species. For more information about the original BIAs and their capture please refer to the Marine Bioregional plans http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-bioregional-plans and the associated report cards for each region. Locations:BIAs may be located anywhere within the Australian marine environment including state, Commonwealth, and adjacent waters. They are based on reliable information about behaviour and regular or repeated use of areas. They can also be designated over terrestrial areas used by protected marine species. For example, nesting habitats for marine turtles and seabirds which are found on land. BIAs are not formally protected areas, although they may be designated within protected areas, parks, reserves, or sanctuaries. BIAs may be used to inform the designation of protected areas.BIAs have been identified for the following species:Dolphins:Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) Indo-Pacific/Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) Dugong:Dugong (Dugong dugon) Marine Turtles:Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus) Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) Sawfish (Rays):Dwarf Sawfish (Pristis clavata) Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis). Also known as Freshwater SawfishGreen Sawfish (Pristis zijsron) Seabirds: Antipodean Albatross (Diomedea exulans antipodensis) Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator) Australian Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirorstris melanops) Black Noddy (Anous minutus) Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) Black-winged Petrel (Pterodroma nigripennis) Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) Buller's Albatross (Thalassarche bulleri) Campbell Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris impavida) Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Common Diving-petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix) Common Noddy (Anous stolidus) Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) Fairy Tern (Sternula nereis) Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) Greater Frigatebird (Fregata minor) Great-winged Petrel (macroptera race) (Pterodroma macroptera macroptera) Great-winged Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera) Grey Ternlet (Procelsterna cerulea) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos bassi) Kermadec Petrel (Pterodroma neglecta neglecta) Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis)Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis tunneyi) Little Tern (Sternula albifrons sinensis) Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) Northern Giant Petrel (Macronectes halli) Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)Providence Petrel (Pterodroma solandri) Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta cauta) Soft-plumaged Petrel (Pterodroma mollis) Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscata) Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans (sensu lato)) Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica)White Tern (Gygis alba) White-bellied Storm Petrel (Fregetta grallaria grallaria) White-faced Storm Petrel (Pelagodroma marina) White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) White-necked Petrel (Pterodroma cervicalis) White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) Wilsons Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanites) Seals:Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) Sharks: Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) Whale Shark (Rhinocodon typus) White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Whales:Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Pygmy Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Species that have been updated so far as part of the BIA review process:Southern Right Whale - (Eubalaena australis) (2023)Note: A few BIAs extend into neighbouring marine regions including the Great Barrier Reef. Polygons are attributed with the region where most of the polygon occurs. Regional attribution is not necessarily noted for updated species because they are reviewed at a national level.Updates to this dataset: This dataset was originally published in 2011, and was updated in 2015. Some further minor updates and corrections were made to the dataset in June 2024, January 2025 and November 2025.The dataset underwent a more significant update in December 2025 in which original BIAs and reviewed BIAs were consolidated into this single dataset, and the field schema was changed. As part of this schema change a new field 'BEHAVIOUR_CAT' was added. This field is used for the new simplified BIA categorisation (Foraging, Reproduction, Migration, Resting) developed as part of the BIA review process. For original BIAs where species that have not been reviewed, the field has been attributed with one of these four broad behaviour categories based on values in the 'DOMINANT_BEHAVIOUR' field, formerly known as the ‘LEGEND’ field. If multiple behaviours are displayed in an area these continue to be listed under the other behaviours fields (e.g. Breeding, Foraging, Migration, Aggregation, Other) for species that have not been reviewed.BIA data are available under CC BY licence.
Service Item Id: 593155b7325b4486837efc3ddad9dc7a
Copyright Text: Biologically Important Areas of protected marine species. COPYRIGHT Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, 2025.
Description: NOTE: A review is being undertaken of Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species (BIAs), previously known as Biologically Important Areas of regionally significant marine species. See the Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species web page for more information.Summary of Biologically Important Areas data:BIAs are designated for marine species protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This includes cetaceans – whales, dolphins and porpoises and also migratory marine species that are listed as threatened. BIAs are areas used by protected marine species for carrying out critical life functions. This includes:reproductionfeedingmigrationrestingBIAs are:used to inform decision making about actions which may impact protected marine speciesdescribed in conservation plans for protected marine species including statutory recovery plans, wildlife conservation plans, and conservation advice documents.BIAs may also be used for:defining ‘habitat critical to the survival of the species’ required in recovery plans made under the EPBC Actidentifying information gaps and prioritising future research.When using BIA spatial data, consider that BIAs do not represent full species range. BIAs provide spatial information about species behaviour.BIAs are not designated for all protected species or all biologically important areas of the marine environment. Areas without BIAs may support species and biologically important behaviours.All BIA data can be viewed via the Australian Marine Spatial Information System (AMSIS).Background:BIAs were originally created through the Marine Bioregional Planning program. The purpose was to identify, describe and map biologically important areas (BIAs) for protected species under the EPBC Act. This work resulted in the publication of this BIA dataset in 2011. BIAs spatially and temporally define areas where protected species display biologically important behaviours (including reproduction, foraging, resting or migration), based on the best available scientific information. These areas are those parts of a marine region that are particularly important for the conservation of protected species. In collecting information on BIAs, the Department has explicitly aimed to collect information about known important areas and about areas that are likely to be or may be important for a protected species. This approach was taken to ensure that the BIAs identified did not simply represent survey effort but identified areas that scientists consider are likely to be biologically important for a protected species. BIAs are accompanied by comprehensive data attributes which enable decision-makers and people proposing to undertake actions that may have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance to assess the relevance of the information to their specific circumstances. BIAs were initially captured on a regional basis and each region has a different list of regionally significant species. For more information about the original BIAs and their capture please refer to the Marine Bioregional plans http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-bioregional-plans and the associated report cards for each region. Locations:BIAs may be located anywhere within the Australian marine environment including state, Commonwealth, and adjacent waters. They are based on reliable information about behaviour and regular or repeated use of areas. They can also be designated over terrestrial areas used by protected marine species. For example, nesting habitats for marine turtles and seabirds which are found on land. BIAs are not formally protected areas, although they may be designated within protected areas, parks, reserves, or sanctuaries. BIAs may be used to inform the designation of protected areas.BIAs have been identified for the following species:Dolphins:Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) Indo-Pacific/Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) Dugong:Dugong (Dugong dugon) Marine Turtles:Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus) Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) Sawfish (Rays):Dwarf Sawfish (Pristis clavata) Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis). Also known as Freshwater SawfishGreen Sawfish (Pristis zijsron) Seabirds: Antipodean Albatross (Diomedea exulans antipodensis) Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator) Australian Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirorstris melanops) Black Noddy (Anous minutus) Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) Black-winged Petrel (Pterodroma nigripennis) Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) Buller's Albatross (Thalassarche bulleri) Campbell Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris impavida) Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Common Diving-petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix) Common Noddy (Anous stolidus) Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) Fairy Tern (Sternula nereis) Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) Greater Frigatebird (Fregata minor) Great-winged Petrel (macroptera race) (Pterodroma macroptera macroptera) Great-winged Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera) Grey Ternlet (Procelsterna cerulea) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos bassi) Kermadec Petrel (Pterodroma neglecta neglecta) Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis)Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis tunneyi) Little Tern (Sternula albifrons sinensis) Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) Northern Giant Petrel (Macronectes halli) Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)Providence Petrel (Pterodroma solandri) Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta cauta) Soft-plumaged Petrel (Pterodroma mollis) Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscata) Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans (sensu lato)) Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica)White Tern (Gygis alba) White-bellied Storm Petrel (Fregetta grallaria grallaria) White-faced Storm Petrel (Pelagodroma marina) White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) White-necked Petrel (Pterodroma cervicalis) White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) Wilsons Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanites) Seals:Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) Sharks: Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) Whale Shark (Rhinocodon typus) White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Whales:Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Pygmy Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Species that have been updated so far as part of the BIA review process:Southern Right Whale - (Eubalaena australis) (2023)Note: A few BIAs extend into neighbouring marine regions including the Great Barrier Reef. Polygons are attributed with the region where most of the polygon occurs. Regional attribution is not necessarily noted for updated species because they are reviewed at a national level.Updates to this dataset: This dataset was originally published in 2011, and was updated in 2015. Some further minor updates and corrections were made to the dataset in June 2024, January 2025 and November 2025.The dataset underwent a more significant update in December 2025 in which original BIAs and reviewed BIAs were consolidated into this single dataset, and the field schema was changed. As part of this schema change a new field 'BEHAVIOUR_CAT' was added. This field is used for the new simplified BIA categorisation (Foraging, Reproduction, Migration, Resting) developed as part of the BIA review process. For original BIAs where species that have not been reviewed, the field has been attributed with one of these four broad behaviour categories based on values in the 'DOMINANT_BEHAVIOUR' field, formerly known as the ‘LEGEND’ field. If multiple behaviours are displayed in an area these continue to be listed under the other behaviours fields (e.g. Breeding, Foraging, Migration, Aggregation, Other) for species that have not been reviewed.BIA data are available under CC BY licence.
Service Item Id: 593155b7325b4486837efc3ddad9dc7a
Copyright Text: Biologically Important Areas of protected marine species. COPYRIGHT Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, 2025.
Description: NOTE: A review is being undertaken of Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species (BIAs), previously known as Biologically Important Areas of regionally significant marine species. See the Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species web page for more information.Summary of Biologically Important Areas data:BIAs are designated for marine species protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This includes cetaceans – whales, dolphins and porpoises and also migratory marine species that are listed as threatened. BIAs are areas used by protected marine species for carrying out critical life functions. This includes:reproductionfeedingmigrationrestingBIAs are:used to inform decision making about actions which may impact protected marine speciesdescribed in conservation plans for protected marine species including statutory recovery plans, wildlife conservation plans, and conservation advice documents.BIAs may also be used for:defining ‘habitat critical to the survival of the species’ required in recovery plans made under the EPBC Actidentifying information gaps and prioritising future research.When using BIA spatial data, consider that BIAs do not represent full species range. BIAs provide spatial information about species behaviour.BIAs are not designated for all protected species or all biologically important areas of the marine environment. Areas without BIAs may support species and biologically important behaviours.All BIA data can be viewed via the Australian Marine Spatial Information System (AMSIS).Background:BIAs were originally created through the Marine Bioregional Planning program. The purpose was to identify, describe and map biologically important areas (BIAs) for protected species under the EPBC Act. This work resulted in the publication of this BIA dataset in 2011. BIAs spatially and temporally define areas where protected species display biologically important behaviours (including reproduction, foraging, resting or migration), based on the best available scientific information. These areas are those parts of a marine region that are particularly important for the conservation of protected species. In collecting information on BIAs, the Department has explicitly aimed to collect information about known important areas and about areas that are likely to be or may be important for a protected species. This approach was taken to ensure that the BIAs identified did not simply represent survey effort but identified areas that scientists consider are likely to be biologically important for a protected species. BIAs are accompanied by comprehensive data attributes which enable decision-makers and people proposing to undertake actions that may have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance to assess the relevance of the information to their specific circumstances. BIAs were initially captured on a regional basis and each region has a different list of regionally significant species. For more information about the original BIAs and their capture please refer to the Marine Bioregional plans http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-bioregional-plans and the associated report cards for each region. Locations:BIAs may be located anywhere within the Australian marine environment including state, Commonwealth, and adjacent waters. They are based on reliable information about behaviour and regular or repeated use of areas. They can also be designated over terrestrial areas used by protected marine species. For example, nesting habitats for marine turtles and seabirds which are found on land. BIAs are not formally protected areas, although they may be designated within protected areas, parks, reserves, or sanctuaries. BIAs may be used to inform the designation of protected areas.BIAs have been identified for the following species:Dolphins:Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) Indo-Pacific/Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) Dugong:Dugong (Dugong dugon) Marine Turtles:Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus) Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) Sawfish (Rays):Dwarf Sawfish (Pristis clavata) Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis). Also known as Freshwater SawfishGreen Sawfish (Pristis zijsron) Seabirds: Antipodean Albatross (Diomedea exulans antipodensis) Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator) Australian Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirorstris melanops) Black Noddy (Anous minutus) Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) Black-winged Petrel (Pterodroma nigripennis) Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) Buller's Albatross (Thalassarche bulleri) Campbell Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris impavida) Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Common Diving-petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix) Common Noddy (Anous stolidus) Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) Fairy Tern (Sternula nereis) Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) Greater Frigatebird (Fregata minor) Great-winged Petrel (macroptera race) (Pterodroma macroptera macroptera) Great-winged Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera) Grey Ternlet (Procelsterna cerulea) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos bassi) Kermadec Petrel (Pterodroma neglecta neglecta) Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis)Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis tunneyi) Little Tern (Sternula albifrons sinensis) Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) Northern Giant Petrel (Macronectes halli) Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)Providence Petrel (Pterodroma solandri) Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta cauta) Soft-plumaged Petrel (Pterodroma mollis) Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscata) Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans (sensu lato)) Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica)White Tern (Gygis alba) White-bellied Storm Petrel (Fregetta grallaria grallaria) White-faced Storm Petrel (Pelagodroma marina) White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) White-necked Petrel (Pterodroma cervicalis) White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) Wilsons Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanites) Seals:Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) Sharks: Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) Whale Shark (Rhinocodon typus) White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Whales:Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Pygmy Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Species that have been updated so far as part of the BIA review process:Southern Right Whale - (Eubalaena australis) (2023)Note: A few BIAs extend into neighbouring marine regions including the Great Barrier Reef. Polygons are attributed with the region where most of the polygon occurs. Regional attribution is not necessarily noted for updated species because they are reviewed at a national level.Updates to this dataset: This dataset was originally published in 2011, and was updated in 2015. Some further minor updates and corrections were made to the dataset in June 2024, January 2025 and November 2025.The dataset underwent a more significant update in December 2025 in which original BIAs and reviewed BIAs were consolidated into this single dataset, and the field schema was changed. As part of this schema change a new field 'BEHAVIOUR_CAT' was added. This field is used for the new simplified BIA categorisation (Foraging, Reproduction, Migration, Resting) developed as part of the BIA review process. For original BIAs where species that have not been reviewed, the field has been attributed with one of these four broad behaviour categories based on values in the 'DOMINANT_BEHAVIOUR' field, formerly known as the ‘LEGEND’ field. If multiple behaviours are displayed in an area these continue to be listed under the other behaviours fields (e.g. Breeding, Foraging, Migration, Aggregation, Other) for species that have not been reviewed.BIA data are available under CC BY licence.
Service Item Id: 593155b7325b4486837efc3ddad9dc7a
Copyright Text: Biologically Important Areas of protected marine species. COPYRIGHT Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, 2025.
Description: NOTE: A review is being undertaken of Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species (BIAs), previously known as Biologically Important Areas of regionally significant marine species. See the Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species web page for more information.Summary of Biologically Important Areas data:BIAs are designated for marine species protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This includes cetaceans – whales, dolphins and porpoises and also migratory marine species that are listed as threatened. BIAs are areas used by protected marine species for carrying out critical life functions. This includes:reproductionfeedingmigrationrestingBIAs are:used to inform decision making about actions which may impact protected marine speciesdescribed in conservation plans for protected marine species including statutory recovery plans, wildlife conservation plans, and conservation advice documents.BIAs may also be used for:defining ‘habitat critical to the survival of the species’ required in recovery plans made under the EPBC Actidentifying information gaps and prioritising future research.When using BIA spatial data, consider that BIAs do not represent full species range. BIAs provide spatial information about species behaviour.BIAs are not designated for all protected species or all biologically important areas of the marine environment. Areas without BIAs may support species and biologically important behaviours.All BIA data can be viewed via the Australian Marine Spatial Information System (AMSIS).Background:BIAs were originally created through the Marine Bioregional Planning program. The purpose was to identify, describe and map biologically important areas (BIAs) for protected species under the EPBC Act. This work resulted in the publication of this BIA dataset in 2011. BIAs spatially and temporally define areas where protected species display biologically important behaviours (including reproduction, foraging, resting or migration), based on the best available scientific information. These areas are those parts of a marine region that are particularly important for the conservation of protected species. In collecting information on BIAs, the Department has explicitly aimed to collect information about known important areas and about areas that are likely to be or may be important for a protected species. This approach was taken to ensure that the BIAs identified did not simply represent survey effort but identified areas that scientists consider are likely to be biologically important for a protected species. BIAs are accompanied by comprehensive data attributes which enable decision-makers and people proposing to undertake actions that may have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance to assess the relevance of the information to their specific circumstances. BIAs were initially captured on a regional basis and each region has a different list of regionally significant species. For more information about the original BIAs and their capture please refer to the Marine Bioregional plans http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-bioregional-plans and the associated report cards for each region. Locations:BIAs may be located anywhere within the Australian marine environment including state, Commonwealth, and adjacent waters. They are based on reliable information about behaviour and regular or repeated use of areas. They can also be designated over terrestrial areas used by protected marine species. For example, nesting habitats for marine turtles and seabirds which are found on land. BIAs are not formally protected areas, although they may be designated within protected areas, parks, reserves, or sanctuaries. BIAs may be used to inform the designation of protected areas.BIAs have been identified for the following species:Dolphins:Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) Indo-Pacific/Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) Dugong:Dugong (Dugong dugon) Marine Turtles:Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus) Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) Sawfish (Rays):Dwarf Sawfish (Pristis clavata) Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis). Also known as Freshwater SawfishGreen Sawfish (Pristis zijsron) Seabirds: Antipodean Albatross (Diomedea exulans antipodensis) Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator) Australian Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirorstris melanops) Black Noddy (Anous minutus) Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) Black-winged Petrel (Pterodroma nigripennis) Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) Buller's Albatross (Thalassarche bulleri) Campbell Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris impavida) Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Common Diving-petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix) Common Noddy (Anous stolidus) Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) Fairy Tern (Sternula nereis) Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) Greater Frigatebird (Fregata minor) Great-winged Petrel (macroptera race) (Pterodroma macroptera macroptera) Great-winged Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera) Grey Ternlet (Procelsterna cerulea) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos bassi) Kermadec Petrel (Pterodroma neglecta neglecta) Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis)Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis tunneyi) Little Tern (Sternula albifrons sinensis) Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) Northern Giant Petrel (Macronectes halli) Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)Providence Petrel (Pterodroma solandri) Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta cauta) Soft-plumaged Petrel (Pterodroma mollis) Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscata) Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans (sensu lato)) Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica)White Tern (Gygis alba) White-bellied Storm Petrel (Fregetta grallaria grallaria) White-faced Storm Petrel (Pelagodroma marina) White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) White-necked Petrel (Pterodroma cervicalis) White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) Wilsons Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanites) Seals:Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) Sharks: Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) Whale Shark (Rhinocodon typus) White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Whales:Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Pygmy Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Species that have been updated so far as part of the BIA review process:Southern Right Whale - (Eubalaena australis) (2023)Note: A few BIAs extend into neighbouring marine regions including the Great Barrier Reef. Polygons are attributed with the region where most of the polygon occurs. Regional attribution is not necessarily noted for updated species because they are reviewed at a national level.Updates to this dataset: This dataset was originally published in 2011, and was updated in 2015. Some further minor updates and corrections were made to the dataset in June 2024, January 2025 and November 2025.The dataset underwent a more significant update in December 2025 in which original BIAs and reviewed BIAs were consolidated into this single dataset, and the field schema was changed. As part of this schema change a new field 'BEHAVIOUR_CAT' was added. This field is used for the new simplified BIA categorisation (Foraging, Reproduction, Migration, Resting) developed as part of the BIA review process. For original BIAs where species that have not been reviewed, the field has been attributed with one of these four broad behaviour categories based on values in the 'DOMINANT_BEHAVIOUR' field, formerly known as the ‘LEGEND’ field. If multiple behaviours are displayed in an area these continue to be listed under the other behaviours fields (e.g. Breeding, Foraging, Migration, Aggregation, Other) for species that have not been reviewed.BIA data are available under CC BY licence.
Service Item Id: 593155b7325b4486837efc3ddad9dc7a
Copyright Text: Biologically Important Areas of protected marine species. COPYRIGHT Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, 2025.
Description: NOTE: A review is being undertaken of Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species (BIAs), previously known as Biologically Important Areas of regionally significant marine species. See the Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species web page for more information.Summary of Biologically Important Areas data:BIAs are designated for marine species protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This includes cetaceans – whales, dolphins and porpoises and also migratory marine species that are listed as threatened. BIAs are areas used by protected marine species for carrying out critical life functions. This includes:reproductionfeedingmigrationrestingBIAs are:used to inform decision making about actions which may impact protected marine speciesdescribed in conservation plans for protected marine species including statutory recovery plans, wildlife conservation plans, and conservation advice documents.BIAs may also be used for:defining ‘habitat critical to the survival of the species’ required in recovery plans made under the EPBC Actidentifying information gaps and prioritising future research.When using BIA spatial data, consider that BIAs do not represent full species range. BIAs provide spatial information about species behaviour.BIAs are not designated for all protected species or all biologically important areas of the marine environment. Areas without BIAs may support species and biologically important behaviours.All BIA data can be viewed via the Australian Marine Spatial Information System (AMSIS).Background:BIAs were originally created through the Marine Bioregional Planning program. The purpose was to identify, describe and map biologically important areas (BIAs) for protected species under the EPBC Act. This work resulted in the publication of this BIA dataset in 2011. BIAs spatially and temporally define areas where protected species display biologically important behaviours (including reproduction, foraging, resting or migration), based on the best available scientific information. These areas are those parts of a marine region that are particularly important for the conservation of protected species. In collecting information on BIAs, the Department has explicitly aimed to collect information about known important areas and about areas that are likely to be or may be important for a protected species. This approach was taken to ensure that the BIAs identified did not simply represent survey effort but identified areas that scientists consider are likely to be biologically important for a protected species. BIAs are accompanied by comprehensive data attributes which enable decision-makers and people proposing to undertake actions that may have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance to assess the relevance of the information to their specific circumstances. BIAs were initially captured on a regional basis and each region has a different list of regionally significant species. For more information about the original BIAs and their capture please refer to the Marine Bioregional plans http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-bioregional-plans and the associated report cards for each region. Locations:BIAs may be located anywhere within the Australian marine environment including state, Commonwealth, and adjacent waters. They are based on reliable information about behaviour and regular or repeated use of areas. They can also be designated over terrestrial areas used by protected marine species. For example, nesting habitats for marine turtles and seabirds which are found on land. BIAs are not formally protected areas, although they may be designated within protected areas, parks, reserves, or sanctuaries. BIAs may be used to inform the designation of protected areas.BIAs have been identified for the following species:Dolphins:Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) Indo-Pacific/Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) Dugong:Dugong (Dugong dugon) Marine Turtles:Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus) Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) Sawfish (Rays):Dwarf Sawfish (Pristis clavata) Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis). Also known as Freshwater SawfishGreen Sawfish (Pristis zijsron) Seabirds: Antipodean Albatross (Diomedea exulans antipodensis) Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator) Australian Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirorstris melanops) Black Noddy (Anous minutus) Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) Black-winged Petrel (Pterodroma nigripennis) Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) Buller's Albatross (Thalassarche bulleri) Campbell Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris impavida) Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Common Diving-petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix) Common Noddy (Anous stolidus) Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) Fairy Tern (Sternula nereis) Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) Greater Frigatebird (Fregata minor) Great-winged Petrel (macroptera race) (Pterodroma macroptera macroptera) Great-winged Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera) Grey Ternlet (Procelsterna cerulea) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos bassi) Kermadec Petrel (Pterodroma neglecta neglecta) Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis)Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis tunneyi) Little Tern (Sternula albifrons sinensis) Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) Northern Giant Petrel (Macronectes halli) Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)Providence Petrel (Pterodroma solandri) Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta cauta) Soft-plumaged Petrel (Pterodroma mollis) Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscata) Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans (sensu lato)) Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica)White Tern (Gygis alba) White-bellied Storm Petrel (Fregetta grallaria grallaria) White-faced Storm Petrel (Pelagodroma marina) White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) White-necked Petrel (Pterodroma cervicalis) White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) Wilsons Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanites) Seals:Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) Sharks: Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) Whale Shark (Rhinocodon typus) White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Whales:Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Pygmy Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Species that have been updated so far as part of the BIA review process:Southern Right Whale - (Eubalaena australis) (2023)Note: A few BIAs extend into neighbouring marine regions including the Great Barrier Reef. Polygons are attributed with the region where most of the polygon occurs. Regional attribution is not necessarily noted for updated species because they are reviewed at a national level.Updates to this dataset: This dataset was originally published in 2011, and was updated in 2015. Some further minor updates and corrections were made to the dataset in June 2024, January 2025 and November 2025.The dataset underwent a more significant update in December 2025 in which original BIAs and reviewed BIAs were consolidated into this single dataset, and the field schema was changed. As part of this schema change a new field 'BEHAVIOUR_CAT' was added. This field is used for the new simplified BIA categorisation (Foraging, Reproduction, Migration, Resting) developed as part of the BIA review process. For original BIAs where species that have not been reviewed, the field has been attributed with one of these four broad behaviour categories based on values in the 'DOMINANT_BEHAVIOUR' field, formerly known as the ‘LEGEND’ field. If multiple behaviours are displayed in an area these continue to be listed under the other behaviours fields (e.g. Breeding, Foraging, Migration, Aggregation, Other) for species that have not been reviewed.BIA data are available under CC BY licence.
Service Item Id: 593155b7325b4486837efc3ddad9dc7a
Copyright Text: Biologically Important Areas of protected marine species. COPYRIGHT Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, 2025.
Description: NOTE: A review is being undertaken of Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species (BIAs), previously known as Biologically Important Areas of regionally significant marine species. See the Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species web page for more information.Summary of Biologically Important Areas data:BIAs are designated for marine species protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This includes cetaceans – whales, dolphins and porpoises and also migratory marine species that are listed as threatened. BIAs are areas used by protected marine species for carrying out critical life functions. This includes:reproductionfeedingmigrationrestingBIAs are:used to inform decision making about actions which may impact protected marine speciesdescribed in conservation plans for protected marine species including statutory recovery plans, wildlife conservation plans, and conservation advice documents.BIAs may also be used for:defining ‘habitat critical to the survival of the species’ required in recovery plans made under the EPBC Actidentifying information gaps and prioritising future research.When using BIA spatial data, consider that BIAs do not represent full species range. BIAs provide spatial information about species behaviour.BIAs are not designated for all protected species or all biologically important areas of the marine environment. Areas without BIAs may support species and biologically important behaviours.All BIA data can be viewed via the Australian Marine Spatial Information System (AMSIS).Background:BIAs were originally created through the Marine Bioregional Planning program. The purpose was to identify, describe and map biologically important areas (BIAs) for protected species under the EPBC Act. This work resulted in the publication of this BIA dataset in 2011. BIAs spatially and temporally define areas where protected species display biologically important behaviours (including reproduction, foraging, resting or migration), based on the best available scientific information. These areas are those parts of a marine region that are particularly important for the conservation of protected species. In collecting information on BIAs, the Department has explicitly aimed to collect information about known important areas and about areas that are likely to be or may be important for a protected species. This approach was taken to ensure that the BIAs identified did not simply represent survey effort but identified areas that scientists consider are likely to be biologically important for a protected species. BIAs are accompanied by comprehensive data attributes which enable decision-makers and people proposing to undertake actions that may have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance to assess the relevance of the information to their specific circumstances. BIAs were initially captured on a regional basis and each region has a different list of regionally significant species. For more information about the original BIAs and their capture please refer to the Marine Bioregional plans http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-bioregional-plans and the associated report cards for each region. Locations:BIAs may be located anywhere within the Australian marine environment including state, Commonwealth, and adjacent waters. They are based on reliable information about behaviour and regular or repeated use of areas. They can also be designated over terrestrial areas used by protected marine species. For example, nesting habitats for marine turtles and seabirds which are found on land. BIAs are not formally protected areas, although they may be designated within protected areas, parks, reserves, or sanctuaries. BIAs may be used to inform the designation of protected areas.BIAs have been identified for the following species:Dolphins:Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) Indo-Pacific/Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) Dugong:Dugong (Dugong dugon) Marine Turtles:Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus) Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) Sawfish (Rays):Dwarf Sawfish (Pristis clavata) Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis). Also known as Freshwater SawfishGreen Sawfish (Pristis zijsron) Seabirds: Antipodean Albatross (Diomedea exulans antipodensis) Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator) Australian Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirorstris melanops) Black Noddy (Anous minutus) Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) Black-winged Petrel (Pterodroma nigripennis) Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) Buller's Albatross (Thalassarche bulleri) Campbell Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris impavida) Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Common Diving-petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix) Common Noddy (Anous stolidus) Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) Fairy Tern (Sternula nereis) Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) Greater Frigatebird (Fregata minor) Great-winged Petrel (macroptera race) (Pterodroma macroptera macroptera) Great-winged Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera) Grey Ternlet (Procelsterna cerulea) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos bassi) Kermadec Petrel (Pterodroma neglecta neglecta) Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis)Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis tunneyi) Little Tern (Sternula albifrons sinensis) Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) Northern Giant Petrel (Macronectes halli) Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)Providence Petrel (Pterodroma solandri) Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta cauta) Soft-plumaged Petrel (Pterodroma mollis) Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscata) Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans (sensu lato)) Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica)White Tern (Gygis alba) White-bellied Storm Petrel (Fregetta grallaria grallaria) White-faced Storm Petrel (Pelagodroma marina) White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) White-necked Petrel (Pterodroma cervicalis) White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) Wilsons Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanites) Seals:Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) Sharks: Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) Whale Shark (Rhinocodon typus) White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Whales:Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Pygmy Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Species that have been updated so far as part of the BIA review process:Southern Right Whale - (Eubalaena australis) (2023)Note: A few BIAs extend into neighbouring marine regions including the Great Barrier Reef. Polygons are attributed with the region where most of the polygon occurs. Regional attribution is not necessarily noted for updated species because they are reviewed at a national level.Updates to this dataset: This dataset was originally published in 2011, and was updated in 2015. Some further minor updates and corrections were made to the dataset in June 2024, January 2025 and November 2025.The dataset underwent a more significant update in December 2025 in which original BIAs and reviewed BIAs were consolidated into this single dataset, and the field schema was changed. As part of this schema change a new field 'BEHAVIOUR_CAT' was added. This field is used for the new simplified BIA categorisation (Foraging, Reproduction, Migration, Resting) developed as part of the BIA review process. For original BIAs where species that have not been reviewed, the field has been attributed with one of these four broad behaviour categories based on values in the 'DOMINANT_BEHAVIOUR' field, formerly known as the ‘LEGEND’ field. If multiple behaviours are displayed in an area these continue to be listed under the other behaviours fields (e.g. Breeding, Foraging, Migration, Aggregation, Other) for species that have not been reviewed.BIA data are available under CC BY licence.
Service Item Id: 593155b7325b4486837efc3ddad9dc7a
Copyright Text: Biologically Important Areas of protected marine species. COPYRIGHT Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, 2025.
Description: NOTE: A review is being undertaken of Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species (BIAs), previously known as Biologically Important Areas of regionally significant marine species. See the Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species web page for more information.Summary of Biologically Important Areas data:BIAs are designated for marine species protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This includes cetaceans – whales, dolphins and porpoises and also migratory marine species that are listed as threatened. BIAs are areas used by protected marine species for carrying out critical life functions. This includes:reproductionfeedingmigrationrestingBIAs are:used to inform decision making about actions which may impact protected marine speciesdescribed in conservation plans for protected marine species including statutory recovery plans, wildlife conservation plans, and conservation advice documents.BIAs may also be used for:defining ‘habitat critical to the survival of the species’ required in recovery plans made under the EPBC Actidentifying information gaps and prioritising future research.When using BIA spatial data, consider that BIAs do not represent full species range. BIAs provide spatial information about species behaviour.BIAs are not designated for all protected species or all biologically important areas of the marine environment. Areas without BIAs may support species and biologically important behaviours.All BIA data can be viewed via the Australian Marine Spatial Information System (AMSIS).Background:BIAs were originally created through the Marine Bioregional Planning program. The purpose was to identify, describe and map biologically important areas (BIAs) for protected species under the EPBC Act. This work resulted in the publication of this BIA dataset in 2011. BIAs spatially and temporally define areas where protected species display biologically important behaviours (including reproduction, foraging, resting or migration), based on the best available scientific information. These areas are those parts of a marine region that are particularly important for the conservation of protected species. In collecting information on BIAs, the Department has explicitly aimed to collect information about known important areas and about areas that are likely to be or may be important for a protected species. This approach was taken to ensure that the BIAs identified did not simply represent survey effort but identified areas that scientists consider are likely to be biologically important for a protected species. BIAs are accompanied by comprehensive data attributes which enable decision-makers and people proposing to undertake actions that may have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance to assess the relevance of the information to their specific circumstances. BIAs were initially captured on a regional basis and each region has a different list of regionally significant species. For more information about the original BIAs and their capture please refer to the Marine Bioregional plans http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-bioregional-plans and the associated report cards for each region. Locations:BIAs may be located anywhere within the Australian marine environment including state, Commonwealth, and adjacent waters. They are based on reliable information about behaviour and regular or repeated use of areas. They can also be designated over terrestrial areas used by protected marine species. For example, nesting habitats for marine turtles and seabirds which are found on land. BIAs are not formally protected areas, although they may be designated within protected areas, parks, reserves, or sanctuaries. BIAs may be used to inform the designation of protected areas.BIAs have been identified for the following species:Dolphins:Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) Indo-Pacific/Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) Dugong:Dugong (Dugong dugon) Marine Turtles:Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus) Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) Sawfish (Rays):Dwarf Sawfish (Pristis clavata) Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis). Also known as Freshwater SawfishGreen Sawfish (Pristis zijsron) Seabirds: Antipodean Albatross (Diomedea exulans antipodensis) Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator) Australian Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirorstris melanops) Black Noddy (Anous minutus) Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) Black-winged Petrel (Pterodroma nigripennis) Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) Buller's Albatross (Thalassarche bulleri) Campbell Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris impavida) Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Common Diving-petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix) Common Noddy (Anous stolidus) Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) Fairy Tern (Sternula nereis) Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) Greater Frigatebird (Fregata minor) Great-winged Petrel (macroptera race) (Pterodroma macroptera macroptera) Great-winged Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera) Grey Ternlet (Procelsterna cerulea) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos bassi) Kermadec Petrel (Pterodroma neglecta neglecta) Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis)Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis tunneyi) Little Tern (Sternula albifrons sinensis) Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) Northern Giant Petrel (Macronectes halli) Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)Providence Petrel (Pterodroma solandri) Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta cauta) Soft-plumaged Petrel (Pterodroma mollis) Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscata) Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans (sensu lato)) Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica)White Tern (Gygis alba) White-bellied Storm Petrel (Fregetta grallaria grallaria) White-faced Storm Petrel (Pelagodroma marina) White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) White-necked Petrel (Pterodroma cervicalis) White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) Wilsons Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanites) Seals:Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) Sharks: Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) Whale Shark (Rhinocodon typus) White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Whales:Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Pygmy Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Species that have been updated so far as part of the BIA review process:Southern Right Whale - (Eubalaena australis) (2023)Note: A few BIAs extend into neighbouring marine regions including the Great Barrier Reef. Polygons are attributed with the region where most of the polygon occurs. Regional attribution is not necessarily noted for updated species because they are reviewed at a national level.Updates to this dataset: This dataset was originally published in 2011, and was updated in 2015. Some further minor updates and corrections were made to the dataset in June 2024, January 2025 and November 2025.The dataset underwent a more significant update in December 2025 in which original BIAs and reviewed BIAs were consolidated into this single dataset, and the field schema was changed. As part of this schema change a new field 'BEHAVIOUR_CAT' was added. This field is used for the new simplified BIA categorisation (Foraging, Reproduction, Migration, Resting) developed as part of the BIA review process. For original BIAs where species that have not been reviewed, the field has been attributed with one of these four broad behaviour categories based on values in the 'DOMINANT_BEHAVIOUR' field, formerly known as the ‘LEGEND’ field. If multiple behaviours are displayed in an area these continue to be listed under the other behaviours fields (e.g. Breeding, Foraging, Migration, Aggregation, Other) for species that have not been reviewed.BIA data are available under CC BY licence.
Service Item Id: 593155b7325b4486837efc3ddad9dc7a
Copyright Text: Biologically Important Areas of protected marine species. COPYRIGHT Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, 2025.
Description: NOTE: A review is being undertaken of Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species (BIAs), previously known as Biologically Important Areas of regionally significant marine species. See the Biologically Important Areas for protected marine species web page for more information.Summary of Biologically Important Areas data:BIAs are designated for marine species protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This includes cetaceans – whales, dolphins and porpoises and also migratory marine species that are listed as threatened. BIAs are areas used by protected marine species for carrying out critical life functions. This includes:reproductionfeedingmigrationrestingBIAs are:used to inform decision making about actions which may impact protected marine speciesdescribed in conservation plans for protected marine species including statutory recovery plans, wildlife conservation plans, and conservation advice documents.BIAs may also be used for:defining ‘habitat critical to the survival of the species’ required in recovery plans made under the EPBC Actidentifying information gaps and prioritising future research.When using BIA spatial data, consider that BIAs do not represent full species range. BIAs provide spatial information about species behaviour.BIAs are not designated for all protected species or all biologically important areas of the marine environment. Areas without BIAs may support species and biologically important behaviours.All BIA data can be viewed via the Australian Marine Spatial Information System (AMSIS).Background:BIAs were originally created through the Marine Bioregional Planning program. The purpose was to identify, describe and map biologically important areas (BIAs) for protected species under the EPBC Act. This work resulted in the publication of this BIA dataset in 2011. BIAs spatially and temporally define areas where protected species display biologically important behaviours (including reproduction, foraging, resting or migration), based on the best available scientific information. These areas are those parts of a marine region that are particularly important for the conservation of protected species. In collecting information on BIAs, the Department has explicitly aimed to collect information about known important areas and about areas that are likely to be or may be important for a protected species. This approach was taken to ensure that the BIAs identified did not simply represent survey effort but identified areas that scientists consider are likely to be biologically important for a protected species. BIAs are accompanied by comprehensive data attributes which enable decision-makers and people proposing to undertake actions that may have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance to assess the relevance of the information to their specific circumstances. BIAs were initially captured on a regional basis and each region has a different list of regionally significant species. For more information about the original BIAs and their capture please refer to the Marine Bioregional plans http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-bioregional-plans and the associated report cards for each region. Locations:BIAs may be located anywhere within the Australian marine environment including state, Commonwealth, and adjacent waters. They are based on reliable information about behaviour and regular or repeated use of areas. They can also be designated over terrestrial areas used by protected marine species. For example, nesting habitats for marine turtles and seabirds which are found on land. BIAs are not formally protected areas, although they may be designated within protected areas, parks, reserves, or sanctuaries. BIAs may be used to inform the designation of protected areas.BIAs have been identified for the following species:Dolphins:Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) Indo-Pacific/Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) Dugong:Dugong (Dugong dugon) Marine Turtles:Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus) Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) Sawfish (Rays):Dwarf Sawfish (Pristis clavata) Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis). Also known as Freshwater SawfishGreen Sawfish (Pristis zijsron) Seabirds: Antipodean Albatross (Diomedea exulans antipodensis) Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator) Australian Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirorstris melanops) Black Noddy (Anous minutus) Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni) Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) Black-winged Petrel (Pterodroma nigripennis) Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) Buller's Albatross (Thalassarche bulleri) Campbell Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris impavida) Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Common Diving-petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix) Common Noddy (Anous stolidus) Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) Fairy Tern (Sternula nereis) Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) Greater Frigatebird (Fregata minor) Great-winged Petrel (macroptera race) (Pterodroma macroptera macroptera) Great-winged Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera) Grey Ternlet (Procelsterna cerulea) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos bassi) Kermadec Petrel (Pterodroma neglecta neglecta) Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis)Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis tunneyi) Little Tern (Sternula albifrons sinensis) Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) Northern Giant Petrel (Macronectes halli) Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)Providence Petrel (Pterodroma solandri) Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta cauta) Soft-plumaged Petrel (Pterodroma mollis) Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscata) Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans (sensu lato)) Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica)White Tern (Gygis alba) White-bellied Storm Petrel (Fregetta grallaria grallaria) White-faced Storm Petrel (Pelagodroma marina) White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) White-necked Petrel (Pterodroma cervicalis) White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) Wilsons Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanites) Seals:Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) Sharks: Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) Whale Shark (Rhinocodon typus) White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Whales:Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Pygmy Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Species that have been updated so far as part of the BIA review process:Southern Right Whale - (Eubalaena australis) (2023)Note: A few BIAs extend into neighbouring marine regions including the Great Barrier Reef. Polygons are attributed with the region where most of the polygon occurs. Regional attribution is not necessarily noted for updated species because they are reviewed at a national level.Updates to this dataset: This dataset was originally published in 2011, and was updated in 2015. Some further minor updates and corrections were made to the dataset in June 2024, January 2025 and November 2025.The dataset underwent a more significant update in December 2025 in which original BIAs and reviewed BIAs were consolidated into this single dataset, and the field schema was changed. As part of this schema change a new field 'BEHAVIOUR_CAT' was added. This field is used for the new simplified BIA categorisation (Foraging, Reproduction, Migration, Resting) developed as part of the BIA review process. For original BIAs where species that have not been reviewed, the field has been attributed with one of these four broad behaviour categories based on values in the 'DOMINANT_BEHAVIOUR' field, formerly known as the ‘LEGEND’ field. If multiple behaviours are displayed in an area these continue to be listed under the other behaviours fields (e.g. Breeding, Foraging, Migration, Aggregation, Other) for species that have not been reviewed.BIA data are available under CC BY licence.
Service Item Id: 593155b7325b4486837efc3ddad9dc7a
Copyright Text: Biologically Important Areas of protected marine species. COPYRIGHT Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, 2025.