- Author assessment of available information to determine state grades and trends
- Assessments for all components are generally somewhat comparable to 2011, as they are based largely on the same monitoring data.

Fuel spill at main powerhouse (1999); contaminants reached the melt lake from which fresh water is obtained for the station
Fuel spill at main powerhouse (1999); contaminants reached the melt lake from which fresh water is obtained for the station
Recovering after non-native herbivores removed
Degraded through rabbit grazing
The humpback is the most-studied baleen whale in the Southern Ocean. Seven breeding stocks are recognised. Highly migratory, their distribution reasonably well understood, but population size and trends insufficiently known
Includes the Antarctic blue, sei, fin, minke and humpback whales; all but minke whale species are listed by the IUCN on the Red List of Threatened species
This group comprises Antarctic minke (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) and dwarf minke (B. acutorostrata). Dwarf minke was recognised as a separate species only recently. Some evidence of population structure is known based on DNA work. Population sizes and trends are unknown.
There is some evidence that tourism could negatively impact on feeding behaviour and breeding success
Includes the Antarctic blue, sei, fin, minke and humpback whales; all but minke whale species are listed by the IUCN on the Red List of Threatened species
Other baleen whales include the Antarctic blue, sei, fin and humpback whales; all species are listed by the IUCN on the Red List of Threatened Species. Some populations appear to be increasing, but the most recent estimates were made in the early 2000s
Includes the Antarctic blue, sei, fin, minke and humpback whales; all but minke whale species are listed by the IUCN on the Red List of Threatened species
Changes in wind forcing caused by human activities (ozone depletion and increased greenhouse gases) have driven a polewards shift of Southern Ocean currents, contributing to warming. Antarctic bottom water has warmed, freshened and decreased in volume, and this has likely influenced large-scale circulation. Changes in patterns in sea ice formation and melting may influence shallow overturning near the continent
Increase in wind strength is expected to affect the ACC and upwelling of circumpolar deep water, formation of different water masses and gyre activity
Global sea levels are rising because of uptake of heat by the oceans and run-off from ice caps and glaciers. The rate of sea level change shows regional and global variation with time because of particular aspects of climate variability
In December 2009, data were obtained from about 135 locations from 250 tide gauges, but large gaps still exist in datasets
Sea level changes are not expected to be uniform across Earth. Sea level rise in the Southern Ocean south of the ACC is predicted to be less than in the Arctic
Processes: Management systems in parks identify conservation needs and make well-informed decisions about impact assessment and resource allocation. However, formal monitoring and evaluation occurs in only some jurisdictions
The National Reserve System offers a coordinated response to the need for a nationwide reserve system. Listing processes for other aspects of natural heritage, such as geological heritage, are less well coordinated and transparent. National, state and territory, and local protective measures and controls are less well understood by the general community
Identification
Processes: The National Reserve System provides an overall framework for assessments, which generally take place at the state or local level
Management
Processes: Management systems in parks identify conservation needs and make well-informed decisions about impact assessment and resource allocation. However, formal monitoring and evaluation occurs in few jurisdictions
Protection
Processes: The National Reserve System offers a coordinated response to the need for a nationwide reserve system. Listing processes for other aspects of natural heritage are less well coordinated and transparent. Federal, state and local protective measures and controls are less well understood by the general community
Outcomes: Australia’s historic sites are listed and protected in an ad hoc, unrepresentative manner
Limited information is available about the effectiveness of historic heritage management, as there is only partial monitoring and evaluation of outcomes
Limited available data suggest that most historic heritage values are being retained. In some jurisdictions, the effectiveness of heritage legislation has been reduced through reliance on planning and other legislation, which affords greater priority to facilitating development
Many historic heritage places, especially those in public ownership, have management measures in place to address threats, but there is a trend by state governments to override such measures to facilitate major infrastructure and other public-sector projects
Identification
Outcomes: Australia’s listed historic sites are numerous, but are protected in an ad hoc manner that does not facilitate judgement of total adequacy or representativeness
Management
Outcomes: Limited information is available on the effectiveness of historic heritage management, as there is only partial monitoring and evaluation of outcomes
Available data suggest that heritage values are generally being retained
Protection
Outcomes: Many historic heritage places, especially those in public ownership, have management measures in place to address threats within the bounds of available resources. The values of listed historic heritage sites are generally being retained
Moderate changes to ecosystem functioning
Few ecological processes affected, apart from influences of introduced species and access of livestock to river pools
Widespread loss of ecosystem function. Species populations declining. Some point-scale success in ecosystem restoration.
Ecological processes and native fauna populations significantly impaired from reference condition, apart from north-western catchments
Some species populations declining. Many ecological functions affected.
Fish populations in decline; macroinvertebrate populations in some high-rainfall areas still in good condition, but seriously affected by low flows and salinity in drier areas
Observations generally consistent with sampling period and hydrological conditions
Very limited water quality data available; potential water quality issues around turbiditiy and nutrients arising from grazing and feral pests
Comments
Assessment remains the same as in 2011.