Lord Howe Island Group
Country
Australia
Inscribed in
1982
Criteria
(vii)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
A remarkable example of isolated oceanic islands, born of volcanic activity more than 2,000 m under the sea, these islands boast a spectacular topography and are home to numerous endemic species, especially birds. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good
Current state and trend of VALUES
Low Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Spectacular and scenic landscape
Criterion
(vii)
The Lord Howe Island Group is grandiose in its topographic relief and has an exceptional diversity of spectacular and scenic landscapes within a small area, including sheer mountain slopes, a broad arc of hills enclosing the lagoon and the stupendous Balls Pyramid rising abruptly from the ocean. It is considered to be an outstanding example of an island system developed from submarine volcanic activity and demonstrates the nearly complete stage in the destruction of a large shield volcano (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Outstanding underwater vistas
Criterion
(vii)
Having the most southerly coral reef in the world, the site demonstrates a rare example of a zone of transition between algal and coral reefs. Many species are at their ecological limits, endemism is high, and unique assemblages of temperate and tropical forms cohabit (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Outstanding example of the development of a characteristic insular biota
Criterion
(x)
The Lord Howe Island Group is an outstanding example of the development of a characteristic insular biota that has adapted to the island environment through speciation. A significant number of endemic species or subspecies of plants and animals have evolved in a very limited area. The diversity of landscapes and biota and the high number of threatened and endemic species make these islands and their surrounding marine environments an outstanding example of independent evolutionary processes (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Rare plants and threatened wildlife
Criterion
(x)
Lord Howe Island and neighbouring islets and rock stacks support a number of endangered and endemic species or subspecies of plants and animals. For example, the Lord Howe Woodhen (Hypotaenidia sylvestris), which at time of inscription was considered one of the world’s rarest birds (World Heritage Committee, 2012); it has since recovered following a successful captive breeding program and other conservation measures including the successful eradication of rodents (IUCN Consultation, 2020). While sadly a number of endemic species disappeared with the arrival of people and their accompanying species (well prior to inscription as World Heritage), the Lord Howe Island Phasmid (Drycocelus australis), the largest stick insect in the world, still exists on Balls Pyramid and is now also in captive management (IUCN Consultation, 2020). The islands are an outstanding example of an oceanic island group with a diverse range of ecosystems and species that have been subject to human influences for a relatively limited period (World Heritage Committee, 2012). Following record high water temperatures at the start of 2024, the Australian Government listed the McCulloch's Anemonefish as 'Critically Endangered' under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). In addition, the NSW Government listed the McCulloch’s Anemonefish and Lord Howe Abalone as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. Both species are found only in these waters.
Assessment information
The most significant current threats to the Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage Property fall into two primary categories: invasive species and the ecological impacts of climate change. A scientifically informed biosecurity strategy is in place to prevent the introduction of new invasive species and to eradicate or manage those already present. Programs targeting rats, mice, invasive weeds, and exotic invertebrates - such as the Rodent Eradication Project and the Weed Eradication Program - have achieved notable success and international recognition. However, the threat posed by invasive species remains persistent and demands ongoing surveillance, rapid response capacity, and community engagement. A recent and concerning development is the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. multivora at multiple locations across the island, including within the Permanent Park Preserve. These soil-borne plant pathogens are known to cause dieback in a range of native species and could have devastating effects on the island’s unique and endemic flora if not contained. In contrast, the impacts of climate change are more diffuse and difficult to manage. Coral bleaching events in the Lord Howe Island lagoon and reef systems are increasing in frequency, linked to elevated sea surface temperatures. On land, the island’s rare Gnarled Mossy Cloud Forest, a Critically Endangered Ecological Community, is increasingly threatened by reduced rainfall and declining cloud cover—both linked to regional climate shifts. These changes reduce moisture availability and compromise the resilience of high-altitude vegetation communities that depend on persistent cloud interception.
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Invasive species generally)
Invasive/problematic species
Pheidole megacephala
Litoria dentata
Lampropholis delicata
Tyto novaehollandiae
Phytophthora cinnamomi
Psidium cattleyanum
Other invasive species names
Phytophthora multivora
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
The ecology of Lord Howe Island has been impacted by invasive species ever since the island was settled in the 19th century; since inscription in 1982, the State Party and site managers have put in place a biosecurity regime and taken other actions to minimise the advent of new invasive species and to remove legacy ones. Invasive species from a diverse array of taxa including African big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala), bleating tree frog (Litoria dentata), garden skink (Lampropholis delicata), masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae), phytophthora (Phytophthora cinnamomi) and myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) pose a high threat to the property. Significant threats are being managed with the aim of eradicating key species through implementation of a comprehensive Biodiversity Management Plan (2007), Weed Management Strategy (2016) and Lord Howe Island Biosecurity Strategy (2016). African big-headed ants (Pheidole megacephala) were declared eradicated from Lord Howe Island in April 2018. A single infestation was subsequently found in October 2018, with another discovered in May 2019 - Both were immediately delimited and treated. The species was detected again in May 2023 and delimiting surveys will need to be carried out when temperatures are consistently above 24 degrees Celsius (IUCN Consultation, 2024). A comprehensive strategy and intensive efforts since 2004 have seen an 80% reduction in target weeds of all life-stages and a 90% reduction in numbers of mature weeds across the island (LHI Board, 2016), with over 68 species identified for eradication over a projected 30 year period (Bower, 2016). To date six weeds have been declared eradicated with a further 20 remaining at zero density and are on the cusp of being declared with nil detection for at least two years (Board Business Paper, September 2020). The weed eradication program requires ongoing secure funding up to $500K per year to achieve eradication targets. According to recent information, funding has been secured for the next five years (IUCN Consultations, 2020a and 2024). Baker et al. (2018) estimated that for cherry guava - one of the most widespread invasive weeds, it will take approximately 25 years to remove the remaining plants at current eradication levels; however, the eradication time could be reduced through application of different approaches and increased resourcing.
Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. multivora have been detected in multiple sites across the Island, including in the Permanent Park Preserve.
The management authority is working with the Royal Botanic Gardens (PlantClinic) to determine the extent of infection and develop an appropriate management plan across the island and with nursery practices to prevent further spread, and protect the environment and world heritage values (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. multivora have been detected in multiple sites across the Island, including in the Permanent Park Preserve.
The management authority is working with the Royal Botanic Gardens (PlantClinic) to determine the extent of infection and develop an appropriate management plan across the island and with nursery practices to prevent further spread, and protect the environment and world heritage values (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Introduced rodents)
Invasive/problematic species
Rattus rattus
Mus musculus
Outside site
The introduction of rodents, including the ship rat (Rattus rattus) and house mouse (Mus musculus) to Lord Howe Island occurred well before inscription of the property on the World Heritage List. The mice probably arrived in the 1800s and the rats from a shipwreck in 1918 (Hair, 2019). Introduced rodents have negatively impacted endemic species, which are attributes that contribute to the property's OUV. For example, a species of stick insect (Dryococelus australis) was presumed to be extinct on Lord Howe Island by the mid-1930s because of predation by rats but the species was subsequently rediscovered on Ball's Pyramid - a spectacular offshore rock stack (Cassis, 2017). The 2019 Rodent Eradication Project (REP) was comprehensive and innovative, requiring extensive community engagement, novel means of baiting, and measures to protect non-target native species, and is regarded as having been very successful, though not without disruption for local people (O'Dwyer et al, 2024; Harper et al, 2020). A live rodent was spotted in April 2021, activating a comprehensive response (LHI Board, 2024g). An ongoing and robust biosecurity program works to protect the island from reinvasion of rodents and there has been no rodent detections since 2021 despite intensive surveillance and monitoring (LHIB, 2023; LHI Board, 2024f). Masked Owls were introduced to Lord Howe Island in the 1920s to help control introduced rats. With the implementation of the REP, masked owls (Tyto novaehollandiae) became a threat to native birds, their main prey (this included threatened species such as the Lord Howe woodhen) and numerous species of seabird. Up to 20 introduced masked owls succumbed to secondary poisoning from consuming poisoned rats during the REP, with 6 females shot since the REP. Ongoing monitoring has not detected any signs of owls for approximately 2 years (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Ecological impacts of climate change)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
This threat was referred to in earlier assessments as 'reduced rainfall' but has been subsumed into the more general 'ecological impacts of climate change' because climate change may manifest in several different ways. Climate change appears to be causing reduced rainfall on Lord Howe Island, with 2018 and 2019 the driest years since records began. This is leading to the loss of large trees, the opening up of canopy gaps, and fern die-off on Mt Gower Gnarled Mossy Cloud Forest (IUCN Consultation, 2020a). It is possibly leading to the cloud base lifting in the southern mountains which will reduce the capacity for the endangered Gnarled Mossy Cloud Forest to strip moisture from the clouds (IUCN Consultation, 2020b). Climate change has also been identified as a threat to the property's marine ecosystems, bringing coral bleaching (see below), potential changes in ocean currents and associated impacts on fish populations, and the viability of individual species (Harasti et al, 2022).
Climate change is already impacting, and will continue to impact, the marine and terrestrial attributes of the Lord Howe Island Group (CSIRO et al, 2022). CSIRO et al (2022) particularly notes increased temperatures, drought and changes in cloud cover will affect forest environments, and particularly the island’s gnarled mossy cloud forest, which may also be sensitive to increased storm damage in the future. This will affect birds and invertebrates that use these habitats. Climate change will result in a greater impact of wave action on shorelines, and coastal cliffs and rocky shore platforms may undergo extensive erosion from sea level rise and severe storm events. Reef environments and diversity will be negatively impacted by increasing ocean temperatures and ocean acidification. Increases in the frequency and duration of marine heatwaves are likely to lead to increasing frequency and severity of coral bleaching events and potential species loss.
Climate change is already impacting, and will continue to impact, the marine and terrestrial attributes of the Lord Howe Island Group (CSIRO et al, 2022). CSIRO et al (2022) particularly notes increased temperatures, drought and changes in cloud cover will affect forest environments, and particularly the island’s gnarled mossy cloud forest, which may also be sensitive to increased storm damage in the future. This will affect birds and invertebrates that use these habitats. Climate change will result in a greater impact of wave action on shorelines, and coastal cliffs and rocky shore platforms may undergo extensive erosion from sea level rise and severe storm events. Reef environments and diversity will be negatively impacted by increasing ocean temperatures and ocean acidification. Increases in the frequency and duration of marine heatwaves are likely to lead to increasing frequency and severity of coral bleaching events and potential species loss.
Shipping Lanes
(New wharf facilities and shipping route)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Impacts from commercial shipping activities represent one of the most significant threats to the biodiversity of the Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage Property (Harasti et al., 2022; IUCN Consultation, 2024). The Australian and NSW governments are currently evaluating options for a new shipping vessel and associated marine infrastructure to service the property via the Lord Howe Island lagoon. Two options have been considered: continuing to use the existing shipping route and landing area in the northern part of the lagoon, or establishing a new route and landing site in the more remote southern section. The southern option has been rejected on economic, environmental and social grounds. It may have more than doubled the existing infrastructure footprint and potentially extended impacts into the Lord Howe Island Lagoon Sanctuary Zone—a zone within the LHI Marine Park that offers the highest level of protection by prohibiting activities such as fishing, collecting, and anchoring (LHI Board, 2022; NSW Department of Primary Industries, 2022). In contrast, retaining the northern route and infrastructure will avoid disturbing the largely pristine southern lagoon habitats that play a vital role in supporting marine biodiversity and ecological processes (IUCN Consultation, 2024). Although shipping-related impacts in the north have been cumulative and, in some cases, irreversible, these impacts are confined to a single, already modified area. Expanding into the southern lagoon would risk compounding the broader cumulative threats facing marine ecosystems, including those from climate change and ongoing human activities, making recovery even less likely.
Changes in Physical & Chemical Regimes, Changes in Temperature Regimes
(Ocean warming and coral bleaching)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Coral-bleaching events have occurred in the marine waters of the Lord Howe Island Group in 1998, 2010, 2011, 2019 and 2024 (with the highest-ever seawater temperatures recorded in the LHI Lagoon in 2024), with the frequency and severity of these events predicted to increase (Moriarty et al, 2023; Harrison et al., 2011; Dalton et al., 2011; IUCN Consultation 2024). Studies have shown that dominant coral taxa at subtropical reefs are highly susceptible to thermal stress (Dalton et al., 2011). Between January and May 2024, the extent and severity of the coral bleaching at dispersed sites were measured as part of a collaboration between the Lord Howe Island Marine Park, University of Newcastle, the University of New South Wales, Southern Cross University, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Coral Reef Watch (IUCN Consultation, 2024). Further analysis of this work is occurring. The popular and accessible Neds Beach was recorded as having the highest level of bleached coral (30%) and the highest coral mortality (13%) (IUCN Consultation 2024), with Sylphs Hole the next highest. This is significant to ‘outstanding underwater vistas’ as these sites are popular with shore-based snorkelers. Anemones bleached during the 2010, 2019 and 2024 bleaching events, negatively impacting resident anemonefish populations (Harrison et al. 2010, Saenz-Agudelo et al. 2011, Thomas et al. 2015; Quigley and Baird, 2024). Recent modelling of impacts of ocean warming on World Heritage coral reefs predicted significant adverse consequences for the reefs within the LHIG property (Quigley and Baird, 2024). If any marine species are extirpated from the island due to bleaching or other disturbances, prognosis for unaided recovery is poor due to the property’s great isolation from other coral reefs. A more positive factor arises from the elimination of rodents on LH Island, which has resulted in beneficial nutrient flows from native fauna into the marine environment (Thomas et al, 2018). CSIRO et al (2022) notes coral reefs are likely to be affected by bleaching and ocean acidification.
Garbage & Solid Waste
(Marine debris (particularly plastic))
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Seabirds are commonly impacted by both entanglement and ingestion of marine debris, particularly plastic. On LHI, marine debris is commonly seen in the nests of some terns, found in the regurgitated boluses of shearwaters, and flushed from the stomachs of other species (IUCN Consultation, 2024). Studies have found plastics in the stomachs of seabirds at LHI (Lavers et al, 2018). All solid waste is repurposed or shipped off Lord Howe Island, and a community-driven Plastic Action Group works to raise awareness and implement local actions to address this threat. However, most marine debris does not originate from LHI itself, but enters the high seas from other highly dispersed locations globally and therefore is impossible for local authorities to control.
The property faces several significant emerging threats, notably from myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii), nutrient pollution, and high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). Myrtle rust threatens endemic Myrtaceae species, which are dominant in many native plant communities, including the Critically Endangered Gnarled Mossy Cloud Forest. Although incursions in 2016 and 2023 were swiftly contained, the risk remains high and requires ongoing surveillance. Nutrient pollution from human and agricultural inputs, particularly within the lagoon, may be degrading marine ecosystem health. The full extent of impact is under investigation, but the threat is persistent. HPAI (H5N1) represents a high-risk biosecurity threat. It has caused widespread seabird mortality globally and could severely impact Lord Howe’s dense seabird colonies, compromising nutrient cycling and ecosystem resilience. Given its increasing global spread, the risk of incursion is growing and warrants urgent mitigation planning. While management responses to date have been strong, particularly in biosecurity, continued proactive measures are essential to safeguard the property’s Outstanding Universal Value. In relation to infrastructure development, the potential impacts of new shipping infrastructure have been evaluated through recent processes. A proposal to develop a new landing site in the southern part of the Lord Howe Island Lagoon – an area characterised by relatively undisturbed habitats and high conservation value – was rejected on economic, social and environmental grounds. This decision avoided the expansion of human activity into the Sanctuary Zone of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park, which provides the highest level of protection for marine biodiversity. Instead, the decision was made to retain the existing northern route and landing infrastructure, thereby limiting further disturbance to already modified areas of the lagoon. While the northern area has experienced cumulative impacts from past shipping activity, concentrating use in this zone avoids the broader fragmentation and degradation that would likely result from developing new infrastructure in previously undisturbed areas. This outcome reflects a precautionary and strategic approach to minimising additional threats to one of the property’s most ecologically significant features.
Pathogens
(Risk of Myrtle Rust incursion)
Invasive/problematic species
Austropuccinia psidii
Inside site
, Not applicable
The potential impact of the plant pathogen myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) on the islands’ terrestrial ecosystems is of concern. This pathogen has been identified by the Australian Government as a threat to several key species in the Lord Howe Island Group (DCCEEW, 2024). All endemic Myrtaceae plant species have tested susceptible to this pathogen in the laboratory. Endemic Myrtaceae species are dominant in many of the plant communities on Lord Howe Island, including the Critically Endangered Ecological Community – Gnarled Mossy Cloud Forest. Additionally, one of these species, the Lord Howe melaleuca (Melaleuca howeana) is the primary food plant for the wild population of the Lord Howe Island phasmid (Dryococelus australis) on Balls Pyramid. An incursion of myrtle rust was detected in the settlement area in October 2016 and again in 2023. In both cases, the infestations were immediately delimited and treated with fungicides and removing all infected hosts plants. These were primarily introduced species such as Pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) and Bottlebrush (Callistemon sp.) within the settlement area. Myrtle rust has not been detected within the Island since, except for in October 2023 on two cultivated seedlings that were immediately destroyed.
Surveys completed in October 2023 found no myrtle rust (LHI Board and NSW Govt, 2023). The LHI Board has distributed a guide to susceptible species and how to identify myrtle rust (LHIB 2023).
Surveys completed in October 2023 found no myrtle rust (LHI Board and NSW Govt, 2023). The LHI Board has distributed a guide to susceptible species and how to identify myrtle rust (LHIB 2023).
Water-borne & other effluent Pollution
(Nutrient pollution of marine waters)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Nutrient pollution of marine waters, especially within the lagoon, from human and agricultural inputs is also likely to impact health and resilience of marine communities. Research is currently underway to identify the sources and ecological consequences of these different nutrient inputs (Lord Howe Island Marine Park News June 2024).
Utility & Service Lines, Atmospheric & Space Activities
(Runway extension and maintenance)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
In the past, authorities explored options for extending the Lord Howe Island runway into the lagoon (AECOM, 2018), due to concerns about long-term availability of suitably sized aircraft. However, given the significant environmental impacts and costs such a project would entail, all runway extension proposals have been placed on indefinite hold. As of 2025, Skytrans Airlines services Lord Howe Island using Dash 8-100 aircraft, suitable for operations on the current runway. Airport infrastructure works are focused on maintaining the existing airstrip and associated facilities, with no runway expansion planned. While there is no immediate threat to Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), ongoing monitoring is required to ensure sustainable air access continues without the need for environmentally damaging infrastructure expansion.
Pathogens
(High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza)
Outside site
The emergence and global spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), particularly the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain, poses a serious and escalating threat to seabird populations worldwide. Since 2021, this strain has caused mass mortality events in a wide range of avian taxa, including previously unaffected groups such as seabirds and raptors, with devastating impacts on breeding colonies and migratory populations (Bevins et al., 2022; Wille & Barr, 2022). Lord Howe Island, recognised for its exceptional biodiversity and seabird diversity, is particularly vulnerable. The island supports at least 14 breeding seabird species, many of which occur in large, dense colonies that could facilitate rapid viral transmission if HPAI were introduced (Gibbs, 2001; DAWE, 2023). Given the island’s isolation and the importance of its avifauna to global conservation efforts, an incursion of HPAI could result in significant mortality within key populations, undermining the island’s World Heritage values. The emergence and global spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), particularly the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain, poses a serious and escalating threat to seabird populations worldwide. Since 2021, this strain has caused mass mortality events in a wide range of avian taxa, including previously unaffected groups such as seabirds and raptors, with devastating impacts on breeding colonies and migratory populations (Bevins et al., 2022; Wille & Barr, 2022). Lord Howe Island, recognised for its exceptional biodiversity and seabird diversity, is particularly vulnerable. The island supports at least 14 breeding seabird species, many of which occur in large, dense colonies that could facilitate rapid viral transmission if HPAI were introduced (Gibbs, 2001; DAWE, 2023). Given the island’s isolation and the importance of its avifauna to global conservation efforts, an incursion of HPAI could result in significant mortality within key populations, undermining the island’s World Heritage values.
In addition to direct impacts on avian populations, the introduction of HPAI could trigger cascading ecological effects that alter key ecosystem processes and reduce the resilience of the island’s natural systems. Species such as the flesh-footed shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) and sooty tern (Onychoprion fuscatus), both of which breed in large numbers on the island, play vital roles in nutrient cycling between marine and terrestrial environments (Young et al., 2010). Their decline due to disease-related mortality could disrupt these processes and diminish the ecological integrity of the Lord Howe Island Group. Moreover, the risk of HPAI entering the island via migratory or vagrant birds, or human-assisted pathways, is increasing in parallel with its global spread (Australian Government, 2024). The loss or degradation of Lord Howe Island’s unique avifauna could erode the island’s ecological character, for which it is internationally recognised.
In addition to direct impacts on avian populations, the introduction of HPAI could trigger cascading ecological effects that alter key ecosystem processes and reduce the resilience of the island’s natural systems. Species such as the flesh-footed shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) and sooty tern (Onychoprion fuscatus), both of which breed in large numbers on the island, play vital roles in nutrient cycling between marine and terrestrial environments (Young et al., 2010). Their decline due to disease-related mortality could disrupt these processes and diminish the ecological integrity of the Lord Howe Island Group. Moreover, the risk of HPAI entering the island via migratory or vagrant birds, or human-assisted pathways, is increasing in parallel with its global spread (Australian Government, 2024). The loss or degradation of Lord Howe Island’s unique avifauna could erode the island’s ecological character, for which it is internationally recognised.
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
There is strong local input into decision-making through a majority of islander members on the Lord Howe Island Board and through the 'community engagement' program of the Board (LHI Board, 2024c). The relationship between the Board and local community was strained in the lead up to and implementation of the Rodent Eradication Project (REP) of 2019. Regular communications, rostering of suitable staff for access to leases during the implementation of the REP, and completion of the implementation phase of the REP reduced that tension (IUCN Consultation, 2020a). Strong local involvement and leadership of environmental stewardship also continue through community members, the LHI Museum and other groups (Hutton, 2008).
Legal framework
The legal framework pertaining to World Heritage properties in Australia is set out by the Australian Government (State Party of Australia, 2024) and presents a worthy set of management objectives. These are backed up by the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which has a section devoted to protecting Australia's World Heritage properties. Any new development proposals within the World Heritage site will be subject to assessment and approval under the EPBC Act if they are considered likely to have significant impacts on World Heritage values and other protected matters, such as threatened species. For the Lord Howe Island Group in particular, the strong legal framework at the national level is backed up at the state and local levels. Much of the terrestrial component of the property is in a Permanent Park Preserve, with the fundamental purpose of preserving the Island's native flora and fauna in accordance with the New South Wales Lord Howe Island Act 1953 and the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. The Lord Howe Island Local Environmental Plan 2010 is made under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and, in conjunction with the EPBC, controls planning and development on the Island. The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 is also relevant. A comprehensive set of relevant legislation and legislative obligations is provided in the Strategic Plan (LHI Board, 2010).
Governance arrangements
Management of the property occurs under the umbrella of Australia's national environment legislation (EPBC Act, 1999) and is carried out by NSW authorities under NSW state laws as advised by the Lord Howe Island Board. A comprehensive set of relevant legislation and legislative obligations is provided in the Strategic Plan for the Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage Property (LHI Board, 2010).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
Planning for Lord Howe Island is well integrated into state and national planning systems (World Heritage Committee, 2012). The LHI Biodiversity Management Plan 2007 is a multi-agency approved, threat-based recovery plan and is currently being updated (IUCN Consultation, 2024). Local, state and national legislation complement each other to help protect World Heritage values by carrying out programs such as weed management, revegetation, rodent eradication and biosecurity. A comprehensive set of legislative obligations for all relevant management bodies is provided in the Strategic Plan (LHI Board, 2010) and subsequent collaborations on ambitious projects such as the Rodent Eradication Project have been very effective (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Boundaries
The boundaries of the LHIG World Heritage property do not fully align with the boundary of the NSW Lord Howe Island Marine Park (World Heritage Committee, 2012). This anomaly probably has little practical effect but should be dealt with by way of a minor boundary modification. The NSW Lord Howe Island Marine Park lies within the World Heritage site and covers approximately 460 km2, encompassing Lord Howe Island, the Admiralty Islands, Balls Pyramid and South East Rock. It extends from the mean high water mark to the three nautical mile limit of NSW waters. The Australian Lord Howe Marine Park surrounds the NSW Lord Howe Island Marine Park and extends further seaward to 12 nautical miles. The NSW Government manages this reserve on behalf of the Australian Government. It covers 110,126 square kilometres, with depths from less than 15 metres to 6000 metres and has five zone types: National Park, Habitat Protection, Habitat Protection (Lord Howe), Recreational Use and Multiple Use. The Commonwealth marine area (from 3 to 200 nautical miles from the coast of Lord Howe Island) is a matter of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act.
Overlapping international designations
There is a Ramsar-listed wetland at Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs within the Lord Howe Marine Park but there is no overlap with the World Heritage property.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
The only decisions since the property’s inscription in 1982 were to adopt a retrospective Statement of Outstanding Universal Value in 2012 (Decision 36COM.8E) and to adopt a ‘clarification’ of the boundaries (WH Comm, 2012). While management of the property has been very good, and in many cases exemplary, it does appear as if scrutiny of the property by the Committee would be enhanced if the State Party were to submit a state-of-conservation report on the Lord Howe Island Group to the Committee.
Climate action
A hybrid renewable-energy project, including more than 1.0 MW solar PV array, an integrated control system, and over 3.6 MWh of battery storage, was completed in April 2021. It supplies at least two-thirds of the electricity needs of the Lord Howe Island community each year. This equates to at least a 67% reduction in diesel-fuel consumption – a saving of around 360,000 litres of diesel a year. The system has significantly reduced the Island’s reliance on shipped-in diesel, resulting in improved energy security, insulation from global oil price shocks, and a less carbon-intensive method of electricity generation (LHI Board, 2024e).
Management plan and overall management system
A wide range of planning and management documents apply to the Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage Property. These include the management plan for the Commonwealth waters that form part of the marine reserve overlapping the property (Director of National Parks, 2018), and the Plan of Management for the Permanent Park Preserve, which covers approximately 70% of Lord Howe Island (NSW Government & Lord Howe Island Board, 2010). The NSW Government is also in the process of developing a dedicated management plan for the state-managed marine park within the World Heritage area and has released surveys and supporting documentation to inform its preparation (NSW Government, 2024). Additional frameworks include biosecurity plans and targeted environmental programs such as the weed eradication program (Lord Howe Island Board, 2016). The 2010–2020 Strategic Plan for the World Heritage Property aimed to provide “consistent and coordinated management of the LHIG World Heritage Property by the various NSW and Commonwealth agencies with responsibilities in the area” (Lord Howe Island Board, 2010). Although this strategic plan has not yet been updated, current management remains effective, supported by strong policy, planning, and accountability mechanisms. The system is far from passive—exemplified by the ambitious and successful rodent eradication project undertaken in 2019, which reflects a proactive and collaborative conservation approach.
Law enforcement
Enforcement and compliance activities on Lord Howe Island are undertaken by the Lord Howe Island Board and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, including regular biosecurity inspections and site monitoring (IUCN Consultation, 2024). The island is also serviced by a local NSW Police station, contributing to general law enforcement (NSW Police, 2024). Due to its geographic isolation, strong community cohesion, sustainability focus, and visitor controls, the island experiences very low levels of criminal activity. However, a key challenge in enforcement relates to the capacity to detect and prevent illegal fishing in the vast areas of offshore waters that form part of the World Heritage Property. These remote marine zones are largely unpatrolled, raising concerns about the adequacy of surveillance and enforcement beyond the immediate vicinity of the island.
Sustainable finance
All visitors (approximately 16,000 people a year) are charged an environment levy, the funds from which are spent on programs such as the 2019 Rodent Eradication Project and on waste management (LHI Board, 2024b). The levy is charged as part of visitors' commercial air fares or through other fees that apply to visitors arriving to this very remote location using other means. There are some concerns about the stability of recurrent funding for routine management tasks. Key conservation activities have either uncertain funding or are subject to approval and community acceptance. On 27 September 2017 the Australian Government announced funding of AUD $177,000 per annum for five years from July 2018 to assist with supporting a World Heritage Executive Officer for the Lord Howe Island Group. This contribution remains the same to date (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Staff capacity, training and development
The Lord Howe Island Board is supported by a team of well-trained and professional staff, with additional technical and operational backing from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (IUCN Consultation, 2024). Strong partnerships are maintained with organisations including North Coast Local Land Services, Taronga Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, the Lord Howe Island Museum, and the Australian Museum, all of which provide scientific, logistical, or educational support. The LHIB also maintains service agreements with NSW mainland councils to assist with governance and service delivery.
Education and interpretation programmes
A range of high-quality environmental education and interpretation programs are delivered on Lord Howe Island, supported by commercial tourism operators, community volunteers, and government agencies. Visitors are provided with maps, brochures, and orientation materials, which offer guidance on the island’s natural and cultural values, walking tracks, and responsible visitor behaviour (LHIB, 2022). Additional information is available online, including the Lord Howe Island User Guide and resources detailing how the public can participate in conservation programs, such as weed removal or citizen science initiatives.
The volunteer-run Lord Howe Island Museum plays a central role in visitor education and community engagement. It offers curated exhibits, artefacts, a reference library, and a well-stocked bookshop, along with free informational brochures that enhance understanding of the island’s World Heritage values. The museum serves as a hub for historical, scientific, and cultural interpretation, enriching the visitor experience and fostering support for conservation. Collectively, these programs reflect a strong commitment to public awareness, stewardship, and the ongoing protection of the island’s unique environment.
The volunteer-run Lord Howe Island Museum plays a central role in visitor education and community engagement. It offers curated exhibits, artefacts, a reference library, and a well-stocked bookshop, along with free informational brochures that enhance understanding of the island’s World Heritage values. The museum serves as a hub for historical, scientific, and cultural interpretation, enriching the visitor experience and fostering support for conservation. Collectively, these programs reflect a strong commitment to public awareness, stewardship, and the ongoing protection of the island’s unique environment.
Tourism and visitation management
Tourism on Lord Howe Island is carefully managed through a visitor cap of 400 people at any one time, a long-standing Lord Howe Island Board policy promoted by the Lord Howe Island Tourism Association and clearly communicated on tourism websites and visitor materials (LHI Tourism Association, 2024). This cap not only helps to minimise environmental pressures on the island’s fragile ecosystems but also preserves its unique character – a relaxed, quiet, and uncrowded experience that is central to its appeal. In addition to visitor limits, access to highly sensitive sites such as Balls Pyramid is strictly regulated. Climbing activities require a permit from the NSW Government and are generally restricted to issue for scientific and management purposes only, a precautionary measure that remains in place despite periodic calls for increased access (Munro, 2017). These policies reflect a strong commitment to balancing nature-based tourism with the protection of World Heritage values.
Sustainable use
The Lord Howe Island Board implements a strict cap of 400 visitors on the island at any one time, a key measure that supports the sustainable use of the World Heritage property. When combined with the resident population, this keeps the total number of people on the island to fewer than 1,000 at any given time. This limit is critical for maintaining the island’s ecological integrity, protecting sensitive habitats, and ensuring that infrastructure and services are not overstretched. However, growing local demand for housing presents a complex planning challenge. Future development will require careful assessment and regulation to avoid compromising environmental values or exceeding the island’s carrying capacity. In addition, pressures on freshwater resources and waste management systems must be addressed. Concerns have been raised regarding unregulated groundwater extraction and the discharge of hyper-saline brine from desalination processes, which could pose risks to marine water quality and reef health if not properly managed (IUCN Consultation, 2024). Sustainable water use and improved waste treatment infrastructure will be essential to minimise environmental impacts and support long-term ecological resilience on the island.
Monitoring
A comprehensive suite of environmental monitoring programs underpins conservation management of the Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage Property. These programs are primarily coordinated by the Lord Howe Island Board and relevant NSW agencies, and are designed to track key ecological indicators, assess the effectiveness of management actions, and provide early warning of emerging threats. Notable examples include the long-running annual census of the endangered Lord Howe Woodhen (Gallirallus sylvestris), post-eradication monitoring of bird populations and vegetation communities, and surveillance for plant pathogens including myrtle rust and Phytophthora (LHIB, 2022a; LHIB, 2023a).
In the marine environment, the NSW Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development leads monitoring within the Lord Howe Island Marine Park, including assessments of water quality and coral health (NSW DPI, 2022). The Board also maintains biosecurity surveillance programs, including camera traps, remote sensors, and environmental DNA sampling to detect any incursion of vertebrate pests or exotic pathogens (DAWE, 2022; LHIB, 2023b). These efforts support adaptive management and have been critical to post-rodent eradication recovery assessments and early detection of new threats.
In the marine environment, the NSW Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development leads monitoring within the Lord Howe Island Marine Park, including assessments of water quality and coral health (NSW DPI, 2022). The Board also maintains biosecurity surveillance programs, including camera traps, remote sensors, and environmental DNA sampling to detect any incursion of vertebrate pests or exotic pathogens (DAWE, 2022; LHIB, 2023b). These efforts support adaptive management and have been critical to post-rodent eradication recovery assessments and early detection of new threats.
Research
In parallel with formal monitoring programs, a range of independent and collaborative scientific research contributes essential knowledge to guide conservation efforts on Lord Howe Island. These projects are often delivered through partnerships with universities, museums, and government research agencies. For example, population genetics research on the Lord Howe Island phasmid (Dryococelus australis) by the Australian National University and the Australian Museum has informed captive breeding and potential reintroduction strategies (Fulton et al., 2019). Studies on the spread and ecological impacts of myrtle rust have provided critical insights into the vulnerability of Lord Howe’s endemic Myrtaceae species and their associated communities (Carnegie et al., 2021). In the marine domain, researchers from the University of Sydney and CSIRO have investigated seabird foraging ecology, marine debris pathways, and the role of seabirds in nutrient transfer between marine and terrestrial ecosystems (Lawrence et al., 2021; Young et al., 2010). Ongoing ecological research also supports the design of climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable habitats, particularly cloud forests and coral reef systems. Collectively, these research programs complement government-led management and contribute to evidence-based decision-making for protecting the property’s values.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
The most significant threats to the Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage Property that originate beyond its boundaries include climate change and marine debris – both of which are global in scale and largely beyond the direct control of property-level managers. Nevertheless, the LHIB, along with NSW and Australian Government agencies, has demonstrated a proactive and adaptive governance approach aimed at understanding, mitigating, and responding to these external pressures. While the Board cannot influence global emissions, it has contributed to local resilience by supporting research, maintaining healthy ecosystems through pest and weed control, and managing visitor access and land use to reduce cumulative pressures. The Hybrid Renewable Energy Project, completed in 2021, replaced approximately 67% of the island’s diesel-powered electricity generation with a solar photovoltaic and battery storage system, significantly reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and the Island’s reliance on fossil fuels. Marine debris, particularly plastics, is transported via ocean currents and accumulates on the island’s beaches and nearshore waters. Although this issue cannot be addressed at its source by local managers, LHI museum and LHI marine park managers coordinate a marine debris removal program and collaborate with citizen science and research initiatives to monitor and document debris composition and impacts (LHIB, 2022; Smith & Edgar, 2014). These efforts contribute data to national marine litter datasets and raise awareness of the problem through community engagement and education.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
The management system for the Lord Howe Island Group and the people responsible have tackled the threats to the property that are within their control with great effectiveness. The biosecurity regime, the programs for rat eradication and tackling other invasive species, the restrictions on tourist numbers and off-track activities, the education programs and on-the-ground management are often exemplary by global standards.
The management system for the Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage property is composed of multiple, interlinked governance and planning components. Key elements include the Lord Howe Island Board, which is responsible for the day-to-day management of much of the island and surrounding terrestrial reserve; the Plan of Management for the Permanent Park Preserve, which covers approximately 70% of the island’s land area; the Management Plan for the Lord Howe Commonwealth Marine Reserve; and a forthcoming management plan for the NSW-jurisdiction Lord Howe Island Marine Park, currently under development. Complementary planning instruments address specific conservation domains such as biosecurity, weed eradication, and biodiversity management, each with their own strategies, protocols, and monitoring frameworks. These are all underpinned by national legislation, particularly the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), which provides the legal framework for protecting World Heritage properties in Australia and regulates actions that may impact their Outstanding Universal Value. While the governance framework may appear complex, it is generally well-coordinated and has proven effective in maintaining the ecological integrity and World Heritage values of the property. Visitor numbers are capped to reduce pressure on the island’s ecosystems, and an environmental management levy is applied to all visitors, providing a reliable funding stream for conservation activities. Biosecurity measures on the island are among the strictest globally for inhabited islands, with protocols in place for cargo inspection, pest surveillance, and early response. Community involvement plays a central role, with island residents, volunteers, NGOs, and institutions such as the Lord Howe Island Museum contributing actively to conservation and education efforts. Nonetheless, some challenges remain. There are concerns regarding the stability of recurrent funding for management programs, and certain conservation actions depend on ongoing community support and acceptance. In the marine context, questions persist about the extent of active management and enforcement in the offshore areas of the Commonwealth Marine Reserve, much of which is remote and rarely patrolled. Despite these issues, the overall management system is highly effective in protecting the attributes that underpin the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
Good practice examples
The Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage Property demonstrates several examples of innovative, high-standard environmental and sustainability practices that offer potential models for other remote and insular locations:
1. Sustainable Tourism Management: The property has strong potential to serve as a best-practice model for managing tourism in ecologically sensitive and remote settings. This is achieved through strict controls on visitor numbers, designed to remain within the island’s carrying capacity, and the application of an environmental management levy, which supports conservation and infrastructure projects (LHIB, 2023). This model balances the need for visitor access with long-term ecological sustainability and community wellbeing (Commonwealth of Australia, 2021).
2. Rodent Eradication: The 2019 Rodent Eradication Project (REP) is internationally recognised as a landmark in island conservation, setting a new benchmark for complex eradication programs on inhabited islands. Despite inevitable community tensions – common in invasive species programs of this scale – the Lord Howe Island Board and project partners actively addressed concerns through transparent communication, mitigation strategies, and post-eradication monitoring (Priddel et al., 2023; DIISE, 2020). The program’s success has implications for eradication feasibility on other permanently inhabited World Heritage or high-conservation-value islands.
3. Weed and Invasive Species Eradication: The island’s Weed Eradication Program is globally significant, representing one of the most ambitious island-wide weed control efforts in a subtropical oceanic context (LHIB, 2020). Additionally, containment and eradication actions against myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) and the African big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) are on track to deliver eradications of these invasive species from a remote island ecosystem (Carnegie et al., 2021; DAWE, 2022). These efforts demonstrate leadership in early detection and rapid response approaches to emerging biosecurity threats.
4. Renewable Energy Transition: The Hybrid Renewable Energy Project, completed in 2021, replaced approximately 67% of the island’s diesel-powered electricity generation with a solar photovoltaic and battery storage system, significantly reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and the risks associated with transporting and storing fossil fuels on a remote island (ARENA, 2021). The project serves as an exemplary case of deploying micro-grid renewable energy solutions in World Heritage contexts, contributing to climate mitigation and operational sustainability.
1. Sustainable Tourism Management: The property has strong potential to serve as a best-practice model for managing tourism in ecologically sensitive and remote settings. This is achieved through strict controls on visitor numbers, designed to remain within the island’s carrying capacity, and the application of an environmental management levy, which supports conservation and infrastructure projects (LHIB, 2023). This model balances the need for visitor access with long-term ecological sustainability and community wellbeing (Commonwealth of Australia, 2021).
2. Rodent Eradication: The 2019 Rodent Eradication Project (REP) is internationally recognised as a landmark in island conservation, setting a new benchmark for complex eradication programs on inhabited islands. Despite inevitable community tensions – common in invasive species programs of this scale – the Lord Howe Island Board and project partners actively addressed concerns through transparent communication, mitigation strategies, and post-eradication monitoring (Priddel et al., 2023; DIISE, 2020). The program’s success has implications for eradication feasibility on other permanently inhabited World Heritage or high-conservation-value islands.
3. Weed and Invasive Species Eradication: The island’s Weed Eradication Program is globally significant, representing one of the most ambitious island-wide weed control efforts in a subtropical oceanic context (LHIB, 2020). Additionally, containment and eradication actions against myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) and the African big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) are on track to deliver eradications of these invasive species from a remote island ecosystem (Carnegie et al., 2021; DAWE, 2022). These efforts demonstrate leadership in early detection and rapid response approaches to emerging biosecurity threats.
4. Renewable Energy Transition: The Hybrid Renewable Energy Project, completed in 2021, replaced approximately 67% of the island’s diesel-powered electricity generation with a solar photovoltaic and battery storage system, significantly reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and the risks associated with transporting and storing fossil fuels on a remote island (ARENA, 2021). The project serves as an exemplary case of deploying micro-grid renewable energy solutions in World Heritage contexts, contributing to climate mitigation and operational sustainability.
Spectacular and scenic landscape
Good
Trend
Stable
The spectacular landforms of the property, such as Balls Pyramid, the southern mountains, and the many coastal cliffs and islets, remain intact.
Outstanding underwater vistas
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
Threats to the marine environment from marine debris but particularly from coral bleaching associated with rising sea-temperatures are having an impact and can't be controlled by site managers. Unregulated groundwater extraction and pollution of the water table by recharge with hyper-saline desalinated water further affects these values. Nutrient pollution of marine waters, especially within the lagoon, from human and agricultural inputs is also likely to impact health and resilience of marine communities. Research is currently underway to identify the sources and ecological consequences of these different nutrient inputs (Lord Howe Island Marine Park News June 2024). In contrast, the eradication of rodents and resultant increases in seabirds and corresponding lagoon alkalinity (from deposition of seabird guano) are likely to benefit lagoon and coral reef ecosystem health.
Outstanding example of the development of a characteristic insular biota
Good
Trend
Improving
These values suffered significant impacts from pests and weeds introduced to the island well prior to World Heritage inscription. Comprehensive and ambitious programs such as the Rodent Eradication Project, the continuing management of weeds, and monitoring for myrtle rust as well the diligent application of a strict biosecurity regime, have brought positive outcomes for native biota.
Rare plants and threatened wildlife
High Concern
Trend
Improving
Introduced pests, pathogens, and invasive weeds present ongoing challenges to some of the island’s rare and endangered plants and animals. However, significant progress has been made through comprehensive and science-based management programs, including the Rodent Eradication Project, Weed Eradication Program and captive breeding efforts for the Lord Howe woodhen (Hypotaenidia sylvestris) and Lord Howe Island phasmid (Dryococelus australis) which is the subject of reintroduction planning. The island’s robust biosecurity regime continues to play a critical role in preventing new incursions and managing existing threats. Encouragingly, several native species are showing strong signs of recovery, including the woodhen, various threatened land snails, the wood-feeding cockroach, and the little mountain palm, reflecting the effectiveness of conservation efforts (IUCN Consultation, 2024). While much has been achieved locally, climate change remains a global threat beyond the direct control of site managers. Its long-term impacts on the island’s terrestrial ecosystems are still unfolding, but particular concern has been raised for moisture-dependent communities such as the Gnarled Mossy Cloud Forest. In the marine environment, rising sea temperatures are contributing to increased coral bleaching, with potential implications for the island’s rich marine biodiversity. Despite these challenges, the proactive and adaptive management framework in place provides a strong foundation for responding to emerging climate-related pressures.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Stable
The monumental landforms that contribute to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the Lord Howe Island Group remain intact and enduring, providing a dramatic geological backdrop to the property’s ecological richness. The island’s unique and highly endemic biota is being actively conserved, with measurable improvements in some areas. This success is largely attributable to the dedicated efforts of site managers and the local community, who have implemented world-leading conservation practices. These include the eradication of invasive species, the enforcement of a strict biosecurity regime, and the long-standing cap on visitor numbers, all of which help safeguard the island’s ecological integrity and natural character. While these local management efforts are highly effective, the broader impacts of climate change present a more complex and less controllable challenge. Coral bleaching events, driven by rising sea surface temperatures, are increasingly affecting the property’s shallow marine environments, with implications for reef health and associated biodiversity. On land, projected reductions in cloud cover and moisture availability pose risks to sensitive vegetation communities, particularly the Gnarled Mossy Cloud Forest, and to the specialised species that depend on high-humidity conditions. Continued adaptive management and climate resilience planning will be essential to maintain the property's World Heritage values into the future.
Additional information
Outdoor recreation and tourism,
Natural beauty and scenery
Tourism is the main industry on the island, accounting for some 90% of total visitation.The property offers different marine (beach and reef walking, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, fish
feeding, surfing, underwater photography, windsurfing, sea-kayaking, fishing, sightseeing cruises) and terrestrial activities (hiking, bird watching, bike riding, sightseeing) (Gillespie Economics, 2016).
feeding, surfing, underwater photography, windsurfing, sea-kayaking, fishing, sightseeing cruises) and terrestrial activities (hiking, bird watching, bike riding, sightseeing) (Gillespie Economics, 2016).
Importance for research
The World Heritage site provides opportunities for scientific research. Implementation of the REP and other invasive species control programmes is likely to benefit research, inform international island eradication projects and provide research opportunity as a result of improved abundance of endemic species.
Soil stabilisation,
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality)
The site is important for water quality and soil stability
Collection of wild plants and mushrooms,
Fishing areas and conservation of fish stocks,
Livestock grazing areas
Local communities benefit from the above mentioned benefits on the site.
The site provides many local benefits from careful stewardship.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LHI Board | The Lord Howe Island Weed Management Strategy 2016 to 2025 aims to reduce threats posed by invasive weeds to the Island’s natural environment, human health and agricultural capacity. Approaches to weed management on Lord Howe Island include prevention, early detection, monitoring, control and eradication. The Lord Howe Island Board has implemented an ambitious program to eradicate at least 25 priority invasive weeds. The LHI Weed Eradication Program Results show that within a short ten-year period between 2004 and 2014, the impact of dense and widespread weed infestations was significantly reduced by 80% across 1,164 hectares of the Island. This has been achieved through the investment of $6.4 million dollars and over 129,000 hours of grid search. Helicopter winch and helicopter lance spray programs have been successfully trialled to access weeds on cliffs and rugged terrain. |
https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/environment/weed-eradication-program
|
| 2 | LHI Board | African Big Headed Ant eradication |
https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/environment/environmental-programs/african-big-headed-ant-eradication
|
| 3 | Marine Parks Authority, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Environmental Protection Authority, LHI Board, Australian Museum and others | Various projects including: Monitoring water quality in the LHI lagoon; Supporting Reef Life Survey in an ongoing long-term marine biodiversity monitoring program using underwater visual census to compare changes over time; Surveying deepwater fish and seabed fauna using baited remote underwater video stations; Researching movements of Galapagos Whaler interactions with fishing activity and efficacy of commercial deterrents in collaboration with Parks Australia and the University of Western Australia; Researching movements and habitat use of Yellowtail Kingfish in the marine park in collaboration with Sydney Institute of Marine Science and NSW Recreational Fishing Trust; Installation and maintenance of data loggers at key locations to monitor ocean temperatures, a measure of climate change; Assisting with a range of projects researching coral health (including bleaching and disease), resilience and taxonomy in collaboration with several institutions; Ongoing monitoring of McCulloch Anemonefish and host anemone populations; Facilitate species identification and updates to biodiversity databases in collaboration with Australian Museum and other researchers; Seafloor mapping to identify, in detail, different types of habitats and their locations in the marine park; Monitoring of charter fishing catches and responses to fishing pressure; Ongoing surveys of Black Rockcod populations in the marine park using Underwater Visual Census techniques | |
| 4 | LHI Board | Phytophthora control and Myrtle Rust eradication | |
| 5 | LHI Board | Revegetation projects | |
| 6 | LHI Board | Biodiversity Management Plan review | |
| 7 | LHI Board | Permanent Park Preserve Plan of Management review | |
| 8 | LHI Board | Saving Native Species – Little Mountain Palm | |
| 9 | LHI Board | Back from the Brink – Saving the Lord Howe Island Phasmid | |
| 10 | LHI Board | Biodiversity Benefits – post-REP monitoring (various species/communities) | |
| 11 | LHI Board | LoRaWAN climate modelling network |
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
AECOM (2018). Lord Howe Island Biosecurity Strategy 2016. Prepared for the Lord Howe Island Board. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-09/Lor…
|
| 2 |
ARENA (2021). Lord Howe Island Hybrid Renewable Energy Project. Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
|
| 3 |
Australian Government (2024). National Avian Influenza Surveillance Plan. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
|
| 4 |
Baker, C.M., Bower, S., Tartaglia, E., Bode, M., Bower, H. and Pressey, R.L. (2018). Modelling the spread and control of cherry guava on Lord Howe Island. Biological Conservation, 227, pp.252-258.
|
| 5 |
Bevins, S.N., Shriner, S.A., Cumbee Jr., J.C., et al. (2022). Intercontinental movement of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus to the United States. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 28(5), 1006–1011.
|
| 6 |
Bower, S. (2016). Breaking Bad – 10 years into a Projected 30 Year Weed Eradication Program on World Heritage Listed Lord Howe Island. Pp 201-208 in Proceedings of the 20th Australasian Weeds Conference, 11-15 September, Perth Western Australia. Edited by R. Randall, S. Lloyd and C. Borger. Published by Weeds Society of Western Australia. ISBN 978-0-646-96031-9. Available at: http://caws.org.au/awc contents.php?yr=2016
|
| 7 |
CSIRO, Managers of World Heritage Properties in Australia, and Indigenous Reference Group. (2022) The implications of climate change for World Heritage properties in Australia: assessment of impacts and vulnerabilities. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Canberra. CC BY 4.0. Available at: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/imp…
|
| 8 |
Carnegie, A.J., Pegg, G.S. & Entwistle, P. (2021). Myrtle rust in Australia: A new threat to native ecosystems. Australasian Plant Pathology, 50, 1–16.
|
| 9 |
Commonwealth of Australia (2021). State Party Report on the State of Conservation of the Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage Property. Canberra, Australia.
|
| 10 |
DAWE (2022). National Biosecurity Strategy. Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
|
| 11 |
DIISE (2020). Rodent Eradication Project Community Engagement Review. Department of Industry, Innovation and Science Evaluation.
|
| 12 |
Dalton, S., Carroll, A.G. (2011). Monitoring coral health to determine coral bleaching response at high latitude Eastern Australian reefs: an applied model for a changing climate. Diversity 2011, 4.
|
| 13 |
Director of National Parks (2018). North Marine Reserves Network Management Plan 2018. Australian Government, Canberra.
|
| 14 |
Fulton, T.L., et al. (2019). Phylogeography and conservation genetics of the Lord Howe Island stick insect. Molecular Ecology, 28(12), 3055–3071.
|
| 15 |
Gibbs, G. (2001). Ghosts of Gondwana: The History of Life in New Zealand and Lord Howe Island. Craig Potton Publishing.
|
| 16 |
Gillespie Economics (2016). Economic Evaluation of the Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication Project. Final Report. Accessed 10 October 2017.
|
| 17 |
Hair, J. (2019). A plague in paradise. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Published online 10 June 2019. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-11/rat-infestation-on-l…
|
| 18 |
Harasti D., Przeslawski R., Carlile N., Carroll A., Davis T., Hughes M., Linklater M., Peddemors V., Rees M. and West G. (2022). Environmental values of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park. NSW Government
|
| 19 |
Harasti, D., Malcolm, H. & Lawrence, E. (2022). Review of Lord Howe Island Lagoon marine ecology and threats. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 699, 1–15.
|
| 20 |
Harper, G.A., Pahor, S. and Birch, D., (2020). The Lord Howe Island rodent eradication: lessons learnt from an inhabited island. In Proceedings of the vertebrate pest conference (Vol. 29, No. 29).
|
| 21 |
Harrison, P.L., Dalton, S.J., Carroll, A.G. (2011). Extensive coral bleaching on the world's southernmost coral reef at Lord Howe Island, Australia. Coral Reefs (2011) 30:775.
|
| 22 |
Hughes, T.P., Kerry, J.T. & Simpson, T. (2021). Global warming and recurrent mass bleaching of corals. Nature, 543(7645), 373–377.
|
| 23 |
Hutton, I. (2008). A Guide to World Heritage, Lord Howe Island. Book published by Ian Hutton, Lord Howe Island.
|
| 24 |
IUCN Consultation (2024). 2020 IUCN World Heritage Outlook site assessment, Lord Howe Island Group, with comments.
|
| 25 |
LHI Board (2023). Spring myrtle rust inspections complete. NSW Government. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/news/householder-spring-myrtle-…
|
| 26 |
LHI Board (2024f). Island-wide rodent inspections commence 20 September 2024. NSW Government. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/news/householder-island-wide-ro…
|
| 27 |
LHI Board (2024g). Rodent Eradication Project. NSW Government. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/environment/rodent-eradication-…
|
| 28 |
LHIB (n.d.) Rodent Eradication Project. [online] Lord Howe Island Board. Available at: http://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/environment/environmental-progra…
|
| 29 |
Lawrence, E., et al. (2021). Foraging ecology of seabirds on Lord Howe Island. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 660, 1–15.
|
| 30 |
Lord Howe Island Board (2010). Strategic Plan for the Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage Property. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-09/lhi…
|
| 31 |
Lord Howe Island Board (2010). Strategic Plan for the Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage Property. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-09/lhi…
|
| 32 |
Lord Howe Island Board (2022). Exploring Lord Howe Island (map). Hard copy obtained December 2023.
|
| 33 |
Lord Howe Island Board (2023). Checkpoint Program 2023. Lord Howe Island Board. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/environment/rodent-eradication-…
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| 34 |
Lord Howe Island Board (2024a). A World Heritage island ecosystem. NSW Government. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/environment/world-heritage
|
| 35 |
Lord Howe Island Board (2024b). Environment Levy. NSW Government. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/visitors/environment-and-passen…
|
| 36 |
Lord Howe Island Board (2024c). Community Engagement. NSW Government. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/about/community-engagement
|
| 37 |
Lord Howe Island Board (2024d). Biodiversity Research. NSW Government. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/biodiv…
|
| 38 |
Lord Howe Island Board (2024e). Electricity. NSW Government. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/infrastructure/electricity
|
| 39 |
Lord Howe Island Board. (2016). Lord Howe Island Weed Management Strategy 2016 – 2025. Lord Howe Island Board, Lord Howe Island, NSW. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-09/LHI…
|
| 40 |
Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication Project (2018): REP Project Updates – Weekly Newsletter 5. Available at: https://lhirodenteradicationproject.org/rep-project-updates…
|
| 41 |
Lord Howe Island Tourism Association (2024). Lord Howe Island – Just Paradise. Lord Howe Island Tourism Association. Available at: https://lordhoweisland.info/
|
| 42 |
Moriarty, T., Leggat, W., Heron, S.F., Steinberg, R. and Ainsworth, T.D., (2023). Bleaching, mortality and lengthy recovery on the coral reefs of Lord Howe Island. The 2019 marine heatwave suggests an uncertain future for high-latitude ecosystems. PloS Climate, 2(4), p.e0000080.
|
| 43 |
Munro, J. (2017). Balls Pyramid climbing debate reignited. Australian Geographic. [Online] Available at: https://www.australiangeographic.com.au
|
| 44 |
Munro, P. (2017). Australian Museum's journey of discovery to Lord Howe Island and Ball's Pyramid. Sydney Morning Herald. Published online 4 May 2017. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/australian-museums-journey-…
|
| 45 |
NSW DPIE (2022). Lord Howe Island Marine Park – Coral Bleaching Summary Report. NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
|
| 46 |
NSW Department of Primary Industries (2022). Lord Howe Island Marine Park Monitoring Program Summary. NSW Government.
|
| 47 |
NSW Department of Primary Industries (2022). Lord Howe Island Marine Park Zoning Map. https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/6563…
|
| 48 |
NSW Department of Primary Industries (2023). Detection of Phytophthora species on Lord Howe Island. NSW Department of Primary Industries – Biosecurity Division.
|
| 49 |
NSW Government (2024). Draft Marine Park Management Planning Framework. NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
|
| 50 |
NSW Government (2024). NSW Marine Estate – Marine park management planning. NSW Government. Available at: https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/marine-estate-programs/marine…
|
| 51 |
NSW Government and Lord Howe Island Board (2010). Lord Howe Island Permanent Park Preserve Plan of Management. NSW Government. Available at: https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/environment/environment-protect…
|
| 52 |
NSW Police (2024). Lord Howe Island Police Station. NSW Government. Available at: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/regions_commands_dis…
|
| 53 |
O’Dwyer, T.W., Carlile, N., O’Neill, L., Fairlamb, H. and Bower, H., (2024). Protection and mortality of non-target terrestrial bird species during the eradication of rodents on Lord Howe Island. Biological Invasions, 26(1), pp.151-167.
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