Overview
We are seeking your feedback on draft information on marine benthic characterisation.
Benthic characterisation describes marine habitats on, beneath, and near the seafloor. These benthic habitats support a wide variety of marine life. They include environments such as:
reefs
seagrass beds
sponge gardens.
The information document sets clear survey methods and data standards for studying seabed habitats.
The document also provides information on approaches to describing and monitoring benthic habitats. This will support more consistent and comprehensive benthic data collection.
The document is structured in three parts.
Part A – General information
An overview of:
the benthic environment
benthic characterisation in the context of offshore renewable energy developments.
Part B – Information for practitioners
Detail on the benthic information required for environmental impact assessments, including criteria for:
collecting, analysing and interpreting data
producing benthic habitat maps and other derived products.
Part B is aimed at practitioners of benthic surveys. This may include consultants, proponents, and developers.
Part C – Information for regulators
Detail on how to apply information to a formal assessment, sourced from:
an environmental impact assessment; or
a post-approval compliance document.
Part C is aimed at assessment officers and technical reviewers.
Purpose
The document will support efficient and effective assessments of offshore wind developments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
This was informed by:
a desktop review
a gap analysis
national and international consultations.
A report detailing these activities is available as a supporting document below.
