VIC Branch of AMSA provided a submission in response to the Invasive Marine Pest module of the Invasive Plants and Animals Policy Framework on 6 December 2021.
Two recommendations were provided which will optimize the framework:
- We recommend research priorities include cultural values and genuine partnership with Traditional Owners. Pathways of communication and information sharing between DJPR and Traditional Owners should be developed and included in the Victorian Marine Pest Response Plan.
- We recommending including population modelling as a surveillance and monitoring tool in additional to eDNA and Remote Operated Vehicles. This is a cost-effective, risk-based approach to tracking existing pest species and can be used to trigger management responses