Summary

The marine wildlife species (i.e. non-fish groups of marine animals including mammals, reptiles and birds) that commonly occur in the estuarine and marine waters of NSW are described in this report.  This technical information is compiled from published literature as an all-in-one readily available resource for management and educational purposes.  This report was prepared in conjunction with a study by NSW DPI that investigated the broad-scale interactions between the fisheries of NSW and marine wildlife species.

These descriptions, including five reptile species, 20 mammal species, and 122 bird species, cover a large proportion of the marine wildlife species that have been reported off NSW.  The descriptions include information about their distribution, habitat, seasonal movements, diet, social and feeding behaviour, identified threats to their survival and conservation status under the relevant threatened species legislation.