PART A : MANAGEMENT CONTEXT

1 Introduction

2. Description of the Nature Reserves
2.1 Low Islets Nature Reserve
2.2 Moriarty Rocks Nature Reserve
2.3 Foster Islands Nature Reserve
2.4 Tenth Island Nature Reserve
2.5 Judgement Rocks Nature Reserve
2.6 West Moncoeur Nature Reserve
2.7 Rodondo Island Nature Reserve
2.8 Reid Rocks Nature Reserve
2.9 Black Pyramid Rock Nature Reserve
2.10 Albatross Island Nature Reserve
2.11 Penguin Islet Nature Reserve
2.12 Cat Island Wildlife Sanctuary

3. Threats to the Values of the Reserves
3.1 General
3.2 Specific - Island by Island

PART B : MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

4. Management Goals

5. Management Objectives

PART C : STRATEGIES FOR ACHIEVING MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

6. Declaration of Restricted Areas

7. Other Strategies (Low Islets, Moriarty Rocks, Foster Islands, Tenth Island, Judgement Rocks, West Moncoeur Island, Rodondo Island, Reid Rocks, Black Pyramid Rock, Albatross Island, Penguin Islet, Cat Island)

MANAGEMENT CONTEXT

Introduction

Under the Regional Forest Agreement (Land Classification Act) 1998 a Nature Reserve is defined as an area of land that contains natural values that:
a) contribute to the natural biological diversity or geological diversity of the area of land, or both: and
b) are unique, important or have representative value.

This management plan was developed on the basis that although the islands included are reserved for their environmental value as important seal or seabird breeding colonies or in the case of Rodondo Island because it is a particularly good example of an undisturbed ecosystem, they are all particularly susceptible to current or potential human disturbance which could destroy their significant values. They are all unencumbered Crown land, administered by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service under the National Parks and Wildlife Act (1970).

Regionally, the islands are diverse. Penguin Islet, Albatross Island, Reid Rocks and Black Pyramid Rock are located in western Bass Strait between King Island and the north-west coast of Tasmania. Tenth Island is 6 kilometres from mainland Tasmania and is accessible from the northern coastal towns of Low Head, George Town, Lulworth and Weymouth. The Foster Islands Nature Reserve is three kilometres from Cape Portland in north-east Tasmania and forms part of the Dorset municipality. Low Islets, Moriarty Rocks and Cat Island are off-shore islands of the Furneaux group off the north east coast of Tasmania and form part of the Flinders Municipality. Judgement Rocks Nature Reserve is most closely associated with the Kent group of islands in north eastern Bass Strait, and is part of the Flinders municipality. Rodondo and West Moncoeur Nature Reserves are less than 10 kilometres south of Wilsons Promontory, the southernmost point of the Victorian mainland, and are less than a kilometre south of the Victorian-Tasmanian official border. Regionally, the latter two nature reserves could be more logically be considered as part of Victoria.

Description of the Nature Reserves

Low Islets Nature Reserve
Area and Boundaries
The Low Islets Nature Reserve is comprised of two small islets situated to the east of Clarke Island in Bass Strait. The Nature Reserve includes all adjacent rocks extending to low water mark. The west island at 40⁰ 34'S, 147⁰ 43'E comprises 8 hectares and is about 200m in length, 100 metres in width and about 10m in height. The east island at 40⁰ 34'S, 148⁰ 14'E is a similar size.
Reservation History
Low Islets were proclaimed a Nature Reserve on October 30, 1979. In eastern Bass Strait Australian pelicans breed only on Little Swan Island, Foster Islands and Low Islets. From anecdotal evidence, their rookeries have moved between the three islands. depending on the level of disturbance, particularly by fishers. According to a National Parks and Wildlife Service report in 1979, continual disturbance on Little Swan Island caused the pelicans' relocation to the more remote and inaccessible Low Islets from the early 1970s.
Geology
Granite
Significant values
The islets are reserved as the site of a significant Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus) rookery with approximately 29 pairs breeding there (1986). They are one of only four breeding areas in Tasmania, all of which are in Bass Strait. They harbour a diversity of other breeding seabirds with a 1986 study identifying Little penguins, Sooty oystercatchers, Black-faced cormorants, Silver gulls, Pacific gulls, Caspian terns, Crested tern's and White-fronted terns.
Access
The easiest access is by boat from Clarke Island or Cape Barren Island.
Issues and Implications
Low Islets harbour a wide variety of important seabirds, of which the Caspian Tern, the White-fronted Tern and the Australian Pelican are listed as rare in Tasmania under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Act, 1995. Australian Pelicans are nervous breeders who breed throughout the year. They react to disturbance by leaving their nests. Because of their remoteness and relative inaccessibility, Low islets have been sought as a refuge by pelicans who were disturbed on Little Swan Island or Foster Islands.

Moriarty Rocks Nature Reserve
Area and Boundaries
Moriarty Rocks Nature Reserve is situated approximately 7 kilometres east of Clarke Island. It is comprised of two major rocks and several smaller ones in a reef formation. The more northerly rock is about l.23ha in area and its southerly neighbour about 1.22ha. They are reserved to low water mark.
Reservation History
Moriarty Rocks were proclaimed a Nature Reserve on March 29, 1978 due to their significance as an Australian Fur Seal breeding colony.
Geology ?
Significant values Moriarty Rocks Nature Reserve is the only Australian Fur Seal breeding colony in eastern Bass Strait. The two rocks which make up the reserve are constantly wave-washed which accounts for the large variation in the numbers of seal pups counted annually. A 1997 ground count estimated that there were 397 seal pups on the rocks, a decrease of 785 since 1994.¹
[¹ Pemberton et al (unpublished), 1997]
Access
It is difficult to access Moriarty Rocks due to rough seas caused by the interchange of currents, tides and winds. It is however relatively easily accessed from Clarke Island.
Issues and Implications
Moriarty Rocks are vulnerable because they are wave-washed and susceptible to storms which may impact adversely on the seals' breeding habits. They are particularly important as they are the only Australian Fur Seal breeding colony in eastern Bass Strait.

Foster Islands Nature Reserve
Area and Boundaries
Foster Islands Nature Reserve is comprised of two Islets referred to as Northern Fosters Islet and West Fosters Islet and a small offshore rock, all of which are connected at low tide. It is a land mass totalling 48 hectares situated at 40⁰ 44'S, 147⁰ 58'E, approximately 3 kilometres off Cape Portland in north east Tasmania and 10 kilometres west of Swan Island in Banks Strait. Its length is ~ 370 metres, its width ~ 250 metres and its height ~ 10m. They are reserved to low water mark. Reservation History
Foster Islands were proclaimed a Nature Reserve on July 22, 1975. They are reserved as one of only three important breeding grounds for Australian Pelicans in Tasmania. Foster islands have quite a chequered history. On May 24, 1910 they were proclaimed a sanctuary for seabirds by the then Governor, Sir Harry Barron, under the Crown Lands Act 1903. This was revoked on April 30 1968 so that it could be proclaimed a sanctuary under the Animal and Birds Protection Act 1928. There is no evidence that the new proclamation actually happened. A grazing lease was operated by J. Smithen from June 8, 1953 until it was cancelled on January 7, 1959 for non-payment of rent.
Geology ?
Significant Values
The Australian Pelican is considered rare under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Act 1995 Other seabird species breeding on the Foster Islands Nature Reserve are the Little penguin, the Short-tailed shearwater, the White-faced storm petrel, the Pacific gull and the Sooty oystercatcher. A 1985 census estimated that there are 1835 Short-tailed shearwater burrows on the Islands. (Phone Dennis Clayton/Rob Cooper for more information)
Access
The primary access to Foster Islands is by boat from Petal Point, Cape Portland and Little Musselroe Bay in the north east of Tasmania. Because of its closeness to mainland Tasmania it is easily accessed.
Issues and Implications
The major issue is the accessibility of Foster Islands to mainland Tasmania. Day trippers like to visit the islands from camping sites around Cape Portland. Any disturbance of pelicans puts their breeding behaviour at risk and because they do not have a specific breeding period, they are vulnerable to disturbance at any time throughout the year.

Tenth Island Nature Reserve
Area and Boundaries
Tenth Island Nature Reserve is situated in Bass Strait at 40⁰ 57'S, l46⁰ 59'E approximately 6 kilometres off Stony Head. It is 1.2 hectares in area and approximately 150 metres long, 75 metres wide and 10 metres high and is reserved to low water mark.
Reservation History
Tenth Island was proclaimed a Nature Reserve on March 29, 1978. Concerns have since been raised about the lack of restrictions on landing on the island, particularly by nature-based tourist operators, and their adverse impact of the seals. In 1996 a Marine Park was mooted for the island. There is currently at least one nature-based tourist operator who regularly takes seal watching trips to Tenth Island.
Geology ?
Significant values
Tenth Island is reserved as an important Australian Fur seal breeding colony with 408 pups being counted in the 1998 census. It is also the breeding ground for 15-20 pairs of Black-faced cormorants. (1985)
Access
Tenth Island is easily accessed from Low Head, Georgetown, Weymouth and Lulworth. Issues and Implications Its accessibility makes Tenth Island prey for "ecotourist "operators, who wish to make money from people wanting to experience a seal breeding colony. With voluntary guidelines only {see appendix ?), inappropriate tourist operations could destroy the colony.

Judgement Rocks Nature Reserve
Area and Boundaries
Judgement Rocks Nature Reserve is situated approximately 20 kilometres west of Deal Island in the Kent Group in northern Bass Strait. (lat/long?)
Reservation History
It was proclaimed a Nature Reserve on March 29, 1978 due to its significance as an Australian Fur Seal breeding colony. Geology ?
Significant values
It is reserved as an important Australian Fur Seal breeding colony with 2932 pups being counted in the 1998 census.
Access
Access is difficult due to the fact that the rocks are constantly wave-washed and are relatively isolated. Boats may visit Judgement Rocks either from Flinders Island via the Kent Group or from Wilsons Promontory, Victoria.
Issues and Implications
Judgement Rocks is by far the largest seal breeding colony in Bass Strait.

West Moncoeur Island Nature Reserve
Area and Boundaries
West Moncoeur Island Nature Reserve is a 10 hectare land mass situated approximately 10 kilometres south of Wilsons Promontory in northern Bass Strait.
Reservation History
It was proclaimed a Nature Reserve on November 28, 1978.
Geology ?
Significant values
It is reserved as an important Australian Fur Seal breeding colony with approximately 178 seals pups⁴. It also harbours 100 Short-tailed shearwater burrows.
[⁴ Ibid]
Access
West Moncoeur is generally accessed by boat from either Wilsons Promontory or from the Kent, Hogan or Curtis groups of islands in northern Bass Strait.
Issues and Implications
West Moncoeur is the most northerly of the seal breeding colonies in Bass Strait. Its closeness to the official Victorian/Tasmanian border makes management by a single State agency a difficult task.

Rodondo Island Nature Reserve
Area and Boundaries
Rodondo Island Nature Reserve is a land mass of 114 hectares situated approximately 10 kilometres south of Wilsons Promontory. Its height is 350 metres and it has steep coastal cliffs varying from 70m to 200m (lat/long?) It is reserved to low water mark.
Reservation History
It was proclaimed a Nature Reserve on September 28, 1976. Due to its steep sided coasts, it has not suffered from human interference and was reserved on the basis that it serves as an outstanding example of a natural ecosystem.
Geology
Rodondo Island is composed of granite bedrock. (more info see RSPs)
Significant values
There is no evidence of fire and the Eucalyptus globulus forest is probably an ecological climax community. There are also significant communities of Melaleuca armillaris (low closed forest), Poa poiformis (tussock grassland) and disphyma blackii (herbfield). It also harbours an estimated 77,000 Short-tailed shearwater burrows.
Access
Rodondo Island is most easily accessed from Wilsons Promontory, but is difficult to land on due to its steep cliffs.
Issues and Implications
Rodondo Island, being an ecological curiosity, is susceptible to being visited by well-meaning naturalists and researchers who could unwittingly destroy the very values they seek to study. Its closeness to Victoria also makes single state management ineffective.

Reid Rocks Nature Reserve
Area and Boundaries
Reid Rocks are situated approximately 20 kilometres south-east of King Island in western Bass Strait. They are reserved to low water mark.
Reservation History
Reid Rocks were proclaimed a Nature Reserve on March 29, 1978 due to their importance as an Australian Fur Seal breeding colony.
Geology ?
Significant values
Reid Rocks is the only breeding site for Australian Fur Seals in western Bass Strait.
Access
Reid Rocks are mainly accessed by boat from Grassy, King Island.
Issues and implications
Over the past four years there has been a marked decline in the number of seal pups recorded on Reid Rocks from 2891 in 1995 to only 244 in 1998. This is possibly attributable to the intense storms in western Bass Strait during the breeding season, causing the pups to be washed from the rocks. The lack of success in breeding has serious implications given that Reid Rocks is the only Australian Fur Seal breeding colony in western Bass Strait. Reid Rocks were identified by consultants as being a potential site for ecotourist operations from King Island. The current lack of control over ecotourism is a cause of concern in the protection of the colony from disturbance.

Black Pyramid Rock Nature Reserve
Area and Boundaries
Black Pyramid Rock Nature Reserve situated at 40⁰ 28'S, 144⁰ 21'E west of Hunter Island has a land mass of approximately 40 hectares. It is reserved to low water mark.
Reservation History
Black Pyramid Rocks was proclaimed a Wildlife Sanctuary on 30/6/64 due to it being the largest known breeding ground for Australasian Gannets in Australia. A 1963 survey of the rock revealed that there were approximately 400 gannet nests occupied by breeding pairs. On December 3, 1981, it was proclaimed a Nature Reserve. Geology (check with mike/John Pemberton)
Significant values
It is now reserved as the second largest breeding ground for Australasian Gannets (Morus serrator) in Australia, with a population of between 250 and 400 birds (1974) second only to Pedra Branca. Although the number of gannets is increasing (1998 figures?) in this Nature Reserve, it is nationally important as one of only?? Breeding sites for the Australasian Gannet in Australia
Access
Black Pyramid Rock is relatively isolated, but can be accessed by boat from either King Island, Hunter Island or the north west coast of Tasmania.
Issues and Implications
Black Pyramid Rock is by far the most important gannet breeding colony in Bass Strait, since the virtual destruction of Cat Island. It is the only breeding colony in western Bass Strait and one of only?? gannet breeding colonies nationally.

Albatross Island Nature Reserve
Area and Boundaries
Albatross Island Nature Reserve is a land mass of approximately 40 hectares situated in western Bass Strait 12 kilometres west of Hunter Island at 40⁰ 23'S, l44⁰ 39'E. It is reserved to low water mark.
Reservation History
The first recorded landing on Albatross Island was by George Bass and Matthew Flinders in 1798. who recorded that "the island seemed to be almost covered with birds, for there were white patches which we took to be of them some acres in extent" (Flinders 1798). In the ensuing 30 years, sealers were responsible for exterminating the island's large population of Australian Fur seals and severely depleting the albatross colony. Records from George Robinson's visit in October 1832 indicate that at that stage very few seals remained and the "destruction of albatrosses has been very great (Plomley 1966). Between 1832 and 1973 there were 4 recorded visits to the island by naturalists who recorded the numbers of albatross nests they sighted. In 1894 some 400 nests were recorded, in 1909 between 250 and 300 nests, in 1960, between 680 and 700 and in 1973. 1460 nestlings were counted. It was proclaimed a Nature Reserve....(more recent history?)
Geology ?
Significant values
It is reserved as Australia's second largest breeding colony of the Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta) after Mewstone Rock in the World Heritage Area off the south coast of Tasmania. There are an estimated 5000 pairs breeding on the island. It is one of only three islands in Tasmania and several subantarctic islands in New Zealand on which the Shy Albatross breeds, thus having global significance. Albatross Island is also a breeding site for Short-tailed shearwaters, Little Penguins, Fairy Prions, Silver Gulls Pacific Gulls and White-breasted Sea Eagles.
Access
Albatross Island can be accessed relatively easily from either King Island or mainland Tasmania by fishing boat or recreational craft including sea kayaks. It has also been accessed by helicopter.
Issues and Implications
The Shy Albatross is listed as vulnerable under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Act 1995. Under IUCN criteria, the Shy Albatross is considered vulnerable because the “population is characterised by an acute restriction in its area of occupancy (typically less than 100km2) or in the number of locations (typically less than 5) ...making it prone to the effects of human activities (or stochastic events whose impact is increased by human activities) within a very short period of time in an unforeseeable future, and is thus capable of becoming Critically Endangered or even Extinct in a very short period." Albatross Island is a relatively popular destination for bird watchers, researchers and curious fishermen.

Penguin Islet Nature Reserve
Area and Boundaries
Penguin Islet is situated 40⁰ 34'S. 144⁰ 49'E, about 3 kilometres east of Renard Point on Hunter Island. It is 4 hectares, about 350m long, 200 metres wide and 65 metres high. It is an elongate island running from a low rocky point at the southern end to a rocky knoll at the northern end and is surrounded by beaches. It is reserved to low water mark.
Reservation History
Records indicate that the colony of pelicans (Pelecanus conspicillatus) has existed for at least 80 years. (Le Souef, 1920) It was proclaimed a Nature Reserve on June 9, 1981.
Geology
The soil is sandy.
Significant values
It has reservation status as one of only three Australian Pelican breeding grounds in Tasmania and is the only one situated in western Bass Strait. It is also significant for the diversity of other seabirds breeding on it. These include Little penguins, Fairy prions, Short-tailed shearwaters, White-faced storm petrels, Common diving petrels, Black-faced cormorants, Silver gulls, Pacific gulls, Caspian terns and Sooty oystercatchers
Access
Penguin Islet is relatively easily accessed by boat from King island, the Hunter group or mainland Tasmania. Issues and Implications Penguin Islet is the only Australian Pelican breeding colony in western Bass Strait. Unlike some of the breeding sites in eastern Bass Strait, the pelicans always use this island, which makes it even more vulnerable to disturbance.

Cat Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Area and Boundaries
Located at 39057'S, 148021'E, Cat Island Wildlife Sanctuary comprises 49 hectares with a length of 1km, width of 0.8km and height of about 32 metres.
History
Cat island was possibly the most important Australian gannet breeding ground with an estimated 10,000 birds, when first described in 1908. Over the past 70 years, the gannetries have been systematically destroyed by fire, by fishers taking the birds as crayfish bait and by continual disturbance. It is now the site of a gannet reintroduction trial using decoys. There is currently one resident pair breeding on the island. It was proclaimed a wildlife sanctuary..?.
Geology
Granite
Significant values
Apart from its significance as a potential renewed breeding site for Australasian gannets, Cat Island is also the breeding ground for the Little penguin, the Short-tailed shearwater, the Pacific gull, the Silver gull, the Crested tern, the Pied oystercatcher, the Sooty oystercatcher and the Black-faced cormorant. Cat Island is important as it was the largest colony of this species of Australasian gannet and one of four colonies in Tasmanian waters and only nine in Australian waters. There are approximately 128,000 Short-tailed shearwater burrows recorded on the island.
Access
Cat Island can be relatively easily accessed by boat from Sellars Point on Flinders Island. Issues and Implications Cat Island has the potential to become the only breeding colony for Australasian gannets in eastern Bass Strait, as it was prior to the 1984 fire which destroyed it.

Threats to the Values of the Reserves
General
The eleven Bass Strait Nature Reserves and one Wildlife Sanctuary included in this management plan have similar threats, which if not urgently addressed, could diminish their reserved values and character. Because all but Rodondo Island are reserved on the basis that they are important seabird or seal breeding colonies, the limited extent of reservation is a major threat. These breeding colonies are reserved to low water mark only, which excludes the entire feeding habitat, upon which the health and sustainability of the reserved species are dependent. Thus although the land sites, where the seals and birds mate, give birth and nurture their young are protected, their feeding grounds are not. This is a gross anomaly in ensuring their protection. The management of fisheries in Bass Strait currently does not proactively take into account the feeding requirements of these protected species. Uncontrolled visitation to these Nature Reserves, which includes access to breeding and foraging areas and disturbance by air and sea craft particularly in vulnerable times of the year, can severely disturb and impede the breeding and feeding behaviours of their wildlife inhabitants. Visitor access may also adversely impact on the fragile ecosystems which sustain the life forms for which these reserves have been granted their status. Uncontrolled access to these Nature Reserves can also lead to the introduction of weeds, feral pests, disease or fire which may degrade or weaken the natural ecosystems and damage the environmental values upon which reservation status was based. Uncontrolled fishing in the waters immediately around these Nature Reserves and in Bass Strait generally can severely disturb the feeding patterns and deplete the foodstocks of the reserved species. Netting around these reserves can directly endanger the lives of seabirds and seals diving for food. Of the species breeding on these nature reserves - the Shy Albatross is considered vulnerable and the Caspian Tern, White-fronted Tern and the Australian Pelican are considered rare under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Act 1995. Although they are wholly protected species, disturbance to their breeding and foraging habitats is continuing to threaten their existence. A lack of knowledge and public education about seals and more particularly seabirds hampers the change in attitudes necessary for their protection.

Specific Threats
Albatross Island
° Overfishing of the one of the major food sources of the Shy Albatross, the cephalopod (squid) Nototodarus gouldi in Bass Strait could severely impede the sustainability of the species.
° An avian pox virus transmitted by fleas (Parapsyllus australiacus) is a major cause of chick mortality and decline on Albatross Island. (N. Brothers pers comm).⁶
[⁶Gales R. Co-operative Mechanisms For the Conservation of Albatross, ANCA, Hobart. Tas 1993]
° A tick infestation of Albatross chicks is responsible for their health decline and possible death.
° The accessibility of Albatross Island for potential wildlife tourism ventures and to sea kayakers makes it particularly vulnerable, given the significance of the area as a breeding colony and the fragility of the Shy Albatross population.
° The noise caused by air traffic between mainland Tasmania and King Island over Albatross Island could be detrimental to the breeding habits of the birds.
° The lack of restrictions on gill netting around Albatross Island could cause the deaths of the birds when diving for food for their chicks.

Penguin Islet
° Because Australian Pelicans breed throughout the year and are particularly nervous when nesting, any human disturbance during any time of the year can cause panic-induced behaviour such as the abandonment of nests, the crushing of eggs or the drowning of chicks, putting pressure on the already rare species. Recreational boating and fishing particularly near the southern end of the island could cause breeding failure.
° Sea kayakers using the island is a potential problem for pelicans breeding.
° Illegal short-tailed shearwater harvesting may cause disturbances to breeding patterns.
° Lack of information on pelicans' breeding and foraging patterns may be contributing to inappropriate management of their breeding grounds and food sources.
° The woody weed Coprosma (check name) was reported to be "overrunning the island" in 1989.

Foster Islands
° Foster Islands act as a partner breeding colony for Australian Pelicans to Little Swan Island, which is the major breeding colony of the four in Tasmania. Their proximity (within 1 km) to Cape Portland and the boat ramps at Little Musselroe Bay and Petal Point means that they are becoming increasingly used as a destination for a day's boat trip. Continued unrestricted visitor access, fishing and boating and potential wildlife tourism activity will put pressure on the already nervous breeding behaviours of these rare seabirds in Tasmania.
° Illegal Short-tailed Shearwater harvesting on Foster Islands could cause potential damage to the breeding behaviours of the pelicans.
° Introduced plants such as Boxthorn on Foster Islands are in danger of changing the islands' ecology. A 1985 study identified hundreds of European Starlings breeding in the Boxthorn. Uncontrolled visitor access could lead to greater weed infestations.

Low Islets
° The vulnerability of the Australian Pelicans and Crested and White-fronted Tern colonies due to their small numbers and their limited number of breeding colonies means that any human disturbance on Low islets or in the surrounding sea can endanger their breeding behaviours and therefore further limit their population growth.

Tenth Island
° Its accessibility from George Town and Low Head and the nearby holiday villages of Lulworth and Weymouth makes Tenth Island a target for one day trippers and sightseers. who want to see a seal colony. Without a broad education campaign to teach day trippers and potential ecotourist operators the necessary protocol to protect seals and controls over access, the seal colony could be endangered by over-visitation.

Cat Island
° The accessibility of Cat Island from Flinders Island creates the problem of unrestricted visitor access causing disturbance to the breeding pair of gannets and the thousands of short-tailed shearwaters that inhabit the island.
° Illegal harvesting of Short-tailed Shearwaters also causes disturbance to the gannetry and may contribute to the reluctance of gannets to recolonise the island.
° Visits via helicopter by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to the island to maintain their navigation light also creates disturbance and the threat of introducing further weeds.

Moriarty Rocks
° Being the only Australian Fur Seal breeding colony in eastern Bass Strait and vulnerable to being wave-washed, any added disturbance to the seals such as nearby fishing activity could create a threat to the viability of the breeding colony.

Judgement Rocks
° Fishing activity near Judgement Rocks may threaten the sustainability of the seals’ breeding and feeding habitats.

West Moncoeur Island
° Uncontrolled visitation by fishers and tourists could harm the seal breeding colony.

Rodondo Island
° The curiosity factor (being an undisturbed ecological community) makes Rodondo vulnerable to visitation by well-meaning naturalists and researchers who may also transport weeds and fungal diseases and be potentially responsible for fire which would destroy the values for which the island is reserved.

Reid Rocks
° Potential uncontrolled ecotourism from King Island could threaten the seals’ breeding patterns on Reid Rocks.

Black Pyramid Rock
° Although the population of gannets on Black Pyramid Rock has increased over the past decade, the susceptibility of gannetries to human disturbance can be illustrated by the Cat Island fire of January 8, 1984 which completely destroyed the large gannet colony of that island.
° In the past Black Pyramid Rock has been the subject of geological studies. Future exploratory work by geologists could disturb the gannets during their breeding season.
° An increase in the jack mackerel and redbait fisheries, the major food source of the Australasian gannet, could threaten the sustainability of these seabirds.

MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE RESERVES

Management Goals
To protect and sustain the unique ecological characteristics of each of the reserves included in this management plan, the goals are:
° healthy and flourishing populations of the breeding seabirds and seals
° unfettered ecological processes
° undisturbed breeding and feeding grounds for the reserves' significant species
° unpolluted atmosphere, sea and land associated with the reserves
° greater understanding of and empathy with the significant values of the reserves

Management Objectives
Under the Regional Forest Agreement (Land Classification) Act 1998, a Nature Reserve’s management objectives are listed as:
a) to conserve natural biological diversity;
b) to conserve geological diversity;
c) to preserve the quality of water and protect catchments;
d) to conserve sites or areas of cultural significance;
e) to encourage education based on the purposes of reservation and the natural or cultural values of the nature reserve or both;
f) to encourage research, particularly that which furthers the purposes of reservation;
g) to protect the nature reserve against, and rehabilitate the nature reserve following adverse impacts such as those of fire, introduced species, diseases and soil erosion on the nature reserve's natural and cultural values and on assets within and adjacent to the nature reserve:
h) to encourage cooperative management programs with Aboriginal people in areas of significance to them in a manner consistent with the purposes of reservation and the other management objectives.

The following table sets out how the above objectives relate to the Nature Reserves included in this management plan:
 

Name of Nature Reserve	Significant Value	Management Objectives
Low Islets	Australian Pelican breeding colony	a),e),f),g)
Moriarty Rocks	Australian Fur Seal breeding colony	a),e),f),g)
Foster Islands	Australian Pelican breeding colony	a),e),f),g),h)
Tenth Island	Australian Fur Seal breeding colony	a),e),f),g)
Judgement Rocks	Australian Fur Seal breeding colony	a),e),f),g)
West Moncoeur Island	Australian Fur Seal breeding colony	a),e),f),g),h)
Rodondo Island	Unique natural ecosystem	a),e),f),g)
Reid Rocks	Australian Fur Seal breeding colony	a),e),f),g)
Black Pyramid Rock	Australian Gannet breeding colony	a),b),e),f),g)
Albatross Island	Shy Albatross breeding colony	a),e),f),g)
Penguin Islet	Australian Pelican breeding colony	a),e),f),g),h)

PART C : MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS
Declaration of Restricted Areas
Under Section 25 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970 an area of land which has been reserved under that Act can be declared a restricted area which means that it may be closed to public access in order to protect the fauna and flora and other important features of the Reserve. Restriction upon public access may also be imposed under Regulation 12 of the National Parks and Reserves Regulations 1971.

In accordance with Section 25 of the Act and by virtue of this management plan the following are declared Restricted Areas:
* The Australian Pelican colonies of Foster Islands, Low Islets and Penguin Islet all year to protect these seabirds which can breed at any time of the year and are particularly vulnerable to disturbance.
* Rodondo Island all year, as any human interference could damage the unique environmental values for which the island was reserved.
* The Shy Albatross colony of Albatross Island all year to protect the breeding environment of this vulnerable species.
* The Australian Fur Seal colonies of Moriarty Rocks, Tenth Island, Judgement Rocks. West Moncoeur Island and Reid Rocks from October 1 to January 31 to ensure an undisturbed breeding environment.
* The Australasian Gannet colonies of Black Pyramid Rocks and Cat Island between September 1 to April 30 to protect the rare breeding environments of these seabirds.
A member of the public may only enter a Restricted Area, or an area to which access has been prohibited under Regulation 12 of the National Parks and Reserves Regulations 1971, if that person has the permission of the Director to do so, or is accompanied by a Ranger or other person duly authorised by the Director.

Management Prescriptions for each Nature Reserve
Low Islets
° Access to be restricted all year apart from that which is granted at the PWS Director's discretion for genuine research and in circumstances where human safety may be at risk.
° Researchers must be briefed by PWS Marine Conservation branch and the Threatened Species Unit branch on how to minimise their impact on the fragile seabird colonies. (see Appendix ? for general guidelines)
° All netting to be restricted within a 500 metre perimeter around the islands. (back to strategies)
Moriarty Rocks
° Access to be restricted all year between October 1 and January 31, apart from that which is granted at the PWS Director's discretion for genuine research and in circumstances where human safety may be at risk.
° Seal watching guidelines (Appendix ?) must be followed at all times.
° All netting to be restricted within a 500 metre perimeter around the islands.
° Flyover’s for seal counts should be restricted to one per year. (back to strategies)
Foster Islands
° Access restricted all year apart from that which is granted at the PWS Director’s discretion for genuine research and in circumstances where human safety may be at risk.
° Researchers must be briefed by PWS Marine Conservation branch and the Threatened Species Unit branch on how to minimise impact on the fragile seabird colonies. (See Appendix ? for general guidelines)
° All netting to be restricted within a 500 metre perimeter around the islands. (back to strategies)
Tenth Island
° Access restricted between October 1 and January 31, apart from that which is granted at the PWS Director's discretion for genuine research and/or for educational purposes and in circumstances where human safety may be at risk.
° Researchers must be briefed by the PWS Marine Conservation branch on how to minimise their impact on the seals breeding on the island.
° Ecotourist operations, which demonstrate that education is their primary objective and which satisfy the criteria for sustainable seal watching as laid down in the guidelines (Appendix ?) may be granted access at the discretion of the Director of PWS.
° Flyover’s for seal counts should be restricted to one per year.
° All netting to be restricted within a 500 metre perimeter around the island. (back to strategies)
Judgement Rocks
° Access restricted between October I and January 31, apart from that which is granted at the PWS Director's discretion for genuine research and/or for educational purposes and in circumstances where human safety may be at risk.
° Researchers must be briefed by the PWS Marine Conservation branch on how to minimise their impact on the seals breeding on the island.
° Ecotourist operations, which demonstrate that education is their primary objective and which satisfy the criteria for sustainable seal watching as laid down in the guidelines (Appendix ?) may be granted access at the discretion of the Director of PWS.
° Flyover’s for seal counts should be restricted to one per year.
° All netting to be restricted within a 500 metre perimeter around the rocks. (back to strategies)
West Moncoeur Island
° Access restricted between October 1 and January 31, apart from that which is granted at the PWS Director's discretion for genuine research and/or for educational purposes and in circumstances where human safety may be at risk. (check with Vic Parks)
° Researchers must be briefed by the PWS Marine Conservation branch on how to minimise their impact on the seals breeding on the island.
° Ecotourist operations, which demonstrate that education is their primary objective and which satisfy the criteria for sustainable seal watching as laid down in the guidelines (Appendix ?) may be granted access at the discretion of the Director of PWS.
° Flyover’s for seal counts should be restricted to one per year.
° All netting to be restricted within a 500 metre perimeter around the island. (back to strategies)
Rodondo Island
° Access restricted all year apart from that which is granted at the PWS Director’s discretion for genuine research or in circumstances where human safety may be at risk.
° Researchers must be briefed by relevant staff within PWS on how to minimise their impact on the fragile plant communities and on the seabird breeding sites. (Check with Vic Parks) (back to strategies)
Reid Rocks
° Access to be restricted between October 1 and January 31, apart from that which is granted at the PWS Director's discretion for genuine research and/or for educational purposes or in circumstances where human safety may be at risk.(Check with Vic Parks)
° Researchers must be briefed by the PWS Marine Conservation branch on how to minimise their impact on the seals breeding on the island.
° Ecotourist operations, which demonstrate that education is their primary objective and which satisfy the criteria for sustainable seal watching as laid down in the guidelines (Appendix ?) may be granted access at the discretion of the Director of PWS.
° Flyover’s for seal counts should be restricted to one per year.
° All netting to be restricted within a 500 metre perimeter around the rocks. (back to strategies)
Black Pyramid Rock
° Access to be restricted between September 1 and April 30, apart from that which is granted at the PWS Director's discretion for genuine research and/or educational purposes or in circumstances where human safety may be at risk.
° Researchers must be briefed by staff within the Marine Conservation branch on how to minimise their impact on the island's gannet and other seabird breeding sites. (See Appendix ? for general guidelines)
° All netting to be restricted within a 500 metre perimeter around the rock. (back to strategies)
Albatross Island
° Access to be restricted all year apart from that which is granted at the PWS Director’s discretion for genuine research and/or educational purposes or in circumstances where human safety may be at risk.
° Researchers must be briefed by staff within the Marine Conservation branch on how to minimise their impact on the island's shy albatross and other seabird populations. (See Appendix ? for general guidelines)
° Access by helicopter should be restricted at all times apart from circumstances where human safety may be at risk. Then the helicopter should fly at a minimum altitude of 500 metres above the albatross colonies and land at least 500 metres from any seabird breeding site. All netting to be restricted within a 500 metre perimeter around the island. (back to strategies)
Penguin Islet
° Access to be restricted all year apart from that which is granted at the PWS Director’s discretion for genuine research and/or educational purposes or in circumstances where human safety may be at risk.
° Researchers must be briefed by staff within the Marine Conservation branch on how to minimise their impact on the island's seabird populations.(See Appendix ? for general guidelines)
° All netting to be restricted within a 500 metre perimeter around the island. (back to strategies)
Cat Island
° Access to be restricted between September 1 and April 30, apart from that which is granted at the PWS Director's discretion for genuine research and/or educational purposes or in circumstances where human safety may be at risk.
° Researchers must be briefed by staff within the Marine Conservation branch on how to minimise their impact on the island's gannet and other seabird breeding sites. (See Appendix ? for general guidelines)
° All netting to be restricted within a 500 metre perimeter around the island.
° Access by helicopter to maintain the navigation light should be limited to nonbreeding periods (May 1 to August 31) apart from circumstances where human safety may be at risk. Then the helicopter should fly at a minimum altitude of 500 metres above the seabird colonies and should land at least 500 metres from any seabird breeding site. (back to strategies)