Shoalwater Bay military training area: a site of high dugong and turtle conservation importance

Potential impacts arising from Department of Defence-related activities include detonations of explosives, the use of live munitions and the use of active sonar and other acoustic devices. It is possible that shock waves from explosives may kill or injure dugongs or turtles, or cause displacement of animals from areas. However, there is comparatively little Defence activity on the Great Barrier Reef and Defence activities on their own will not threaten the survival of these species. Nevertheless, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority works with the Department of Defence to ensure their activities are conducted in a manner that minimises any environmental impacts.

Actions

• The Department of Defence has developed environmental management plans for Defence Training Areas in the Marine Park
• The Department of Defence instituted a moratorium in 1997 on the use of high explosives in Dugong Protection Areas except in the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area and in 2001 ceased the use of high explosives in the Halifax Bay Defence Practice Area, near Townsville.