Ichthys Gas Field Development - Cetacean Studies.

The aims of the cetacean studies are to assess the importance of the sheltered waters surrounding the Maret Islands and the deeper offshore waters to regional cetacean populations.The objectives of the cetacean studies are to:- Determine the distribution and abundance of cetaceans and other marine megafauna in areas potentially affected by the proposed development;- Assess the importance of the development areas in regional terms to cetaceans and other marine megafauna; and - Identify any critical habitats for protected marine fauna in areas potentially affected by the proposed development. Studies have included aerial and boat based surveys over two years (2006 and 2007) and the deployment of acoustic loggers near Maret and Browse islands.

本鲸类研究的目标为评估马雷群岛周边遮蔽水域与离岸深水区域对区域鲸类种群的重要性。本研究的具体目标包括：
1. 明确潜在受拟建开发项目影响的海域内，鲸类（cetaceans）及其他海洋大型生物（marine megafauna）的分布与丰度；
2. 从区域尺度评估开发区域对鲸类及其他海洋大型生物的重要性；
3. 识别拟建开发项目潜在影响海域内受保护海洋动物的关键栖息地。本研究已在2006年与2007年这两年间开展航空与船舶调查，并在马雷群岛与布劳尔群岛附近部署了声学记录仪。