Biologically Important Areas (BIAs)
Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) are regions where aggregations of individuals of a particular species are known or likely to display important behaviors such as breeding, foraging, nesting or migration. They have been identified from the literature and using expert scientific knowledge about species' distribution, abundance and behavior. BIAs were created to inform decision-making under the EPBC Act, and have been defined for a selection of protected species only. These selected species where chosen based on their conservation status and the availability of reliable spatial and scientific information.
Click on the links in the tables below to see interactive maps showing where each of these species is known or likely to display important behaviours around Australia.
How to use these maps
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Click on this icon at the top left of the map to see a full screen version and to see the legend. |
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Click on this icon also at the top left of the map to zoom in closer to (+) or further from (-) the map. |
For more information on how BIAs are identified and managed see the Australian governement website at https://www.environment.gov.au/marine/marine-species/bias.