Australian iPCoD for measuring baleen whale population consequence of disturbance from offshore energy developments (NESP MaC 4.9)

This project developed an interim Population Consequence of Disturbance (iPCoD) model for blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) and southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) to document a methodology for assessing population-level impacts of one, or multiple, wind farm developments off the southern Australian coast. The iPCoD model was developed in Europe to quantify how disturbances of individuals caused by physiological injury or changes in behaviour can have population-level consequences in data poor marine mammal populations. This model was adapted to suit Australian marine mammal species, highlighting key data gaps for locally threatened populations that overlap in range with the declared offshore wind areas in Australia. Due to the lack of baseline data currently available, this study documented a framework that can be updated as more information becomes available. We outlined how to leverage simulation-based population modelling as a tool for policymakers, industry and management authorities, to aid in environmental impact assessments, with a specific focus on data poor marine mammal populations.

本项目针对蓝鲸（Balaenoptera musculus）和南露脊鲸（Eubalaena australis）开发了临时种群扰动后果（interim Population Consequence of Disturbance, iPCoD）模型，旨在建立一套评估澳大利亚南部沿海单个或多个风电场开发对种群水平影响的方法体系。iPCoD模型起源于欧洲，用于量化在数据匮乏的海洋哺乳动物种群中，个体因生理损伤或行为改变受到的扰动如何产生种群层面的后果。本研究对该模型进行了适应性调整，以适用于澳大利亚海洋哺乳动物物种，并明确了与澳大利亚已划定的海上风电场区域范围重叠的本地受威胁种群的关键数据缺口。鉴于目前缺乏可用的基线数据，本研究建立了一个可随更多信息获取而更新的框架。我们还阐述了如何将基于模拟的种群建模作为政策制定者、行业及管理机构的工具，以辅助环境影响评估，尤其聚焦于数据匮乏的海洋哺乳动物种群。