Biologically Important Areas (BIA) for Protected Marine Species are a mapping-based tool developed by the Australian Government to assist with conservation planning and regulatory decision-making in the marine environment. BIAs represent areas of the marine environment that support protected marine species critical life functions, including reproduction, feeding, migration and resting.
In 2022, the Australian Government Department Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) identified opportunities to strengthen the BIA designation process to include contemporary behavioural data and incorporate Indigenous Ecological Knowledge. In 2023, The Protocol for Designation of Biologically Important Areas for Protected Marine Species was published. The new BIA designation framework utilises four BIA categories; reproduction, feeding, migration and resting, and evidence-based, species-specific thresholds setting appropriate minimum levels of area usage.
The BIAs for cetaceans, marine turtles and dugong found in Australia are currently being updated, as well as for other protected marine species. The designation of BIAs involves input and advice from panels of independent subject matter experts including scientists and Indigenous Ecological Knowledge holders. BIA maps for each species are based on behavioural and location data and will be published on the Australian Marine Spatial Information System.