Abstract
Managing pest vertebrate species in Australia is a significant challenge for government, industry, research sectors and land-managers. Innovative tools such as genetic biocontrol offers decision-makers a potentially effective means of reducing the impact of pest species incursions. To determine the conditions for investment in genetic biocontrol, we applied qualitative engagement methodologies to identify and integrate existing knowledge of pest species research and management in Australia. Two facilitated workshops were held to determine key topics related to genetic biocontrol technologies for selected pest species. The topics explored during workshop discussions included: identifying existing knowledge gaps; risk perceptions; social and ethical considerations and; industry and business considerations. The workshops' aim was to assess the potential, the priorities and the risk parameters among expert stakeholders and decision-makers for using genetic biocontrol approaches to reduce the impacts of key pest species in Australia. This paper reports on the design, process and outcomes of each workshop to inform the creation of a decision framework. Stakeholders were cautiously optimistic of pursuing continued research and development for vertebrate pest management in Australia. However, employing an appropriate, transparent process for incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives on genetic biocontrol technologies is essential to ensure their development and use remains supported. This outcome will require meaningful investment in both social science investigations and well-considered engagement processes concurrent with biotechnology development globally.
Highlights
Established vertebrate pests are a significant social, economic and environmental burden for Australia (Pimentel, 2002; Bradshaw et al, 2021)
We report on the outcomes of two research workshops which brought together mostly Australian1 industry, civil society, government and research stakeholders to discuss the conditions under which decisions about investment in GBTs could be made
Participant responses to the pre-workshop survey revealed the top three priority pests requiring management in Australia to be rabbits, cats and foxes, respectively
Summary
Established vertebrate pests are a significant social, economic and environmental burden for Australia (Pimentel, 2002; Bradshaw et al, 2021). Incursions cost Australia’s primary producers in excess of AUD$700 million per annum and are the primary force driving the decimation of Australia’s unique fauna and flora (Kearney et al, 2019) These cumulative effects can lead to Conditions for Investment in Genetic Biocontrol increased production costs, loss or restrictions to export trade, reduced tourism, loss of biodiversity, greater public health costs and reduced public amenity (McLeod, 2016). Funding for control efforts primarily comes from private landholders (e.g., farmers), state and federal governments, and non-government organizations (NGOs) Much of this effort is considered reactive to existing pest problems and does not necessarily prevent or manage new incursions (Doherty et al, 2016; Epanchill-Niell, 2017). Developing control tools and methods that deliver improved welfare outcomes for both target and non-target animals is an important consideration in pest management (Littin et al, 2014; Mankad et al, 2019; Hampton et al, 2020)
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