Establishing the future NESP CoTS research framework including an ecologically based approach to the management of CoTS at multiple scales [ 2015-07-01 - 2015-12-31 ]

Research Grant

Researchers David Westcott , Cameron Fletcher

Brief description

This project will lay the foundations for the development of a reliable CoTS surveillance and control program based on detailed understanding of i) CoTS ecology, population dynamics and movement, ii) the CoTS control program’s capabilities and constraints, and, iii) IPM principles. In the project’s initial phase a COTS Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Workshop will be conducted. This workshop will bring together managers and researchers with purpose of defining a tactical approach to current COTS management and a strategic approach for the management of future outbreaks.

This will be achieved through the development of management-focused qualitative models of the CoTS/control system. These models will be used to identify key system components and associated knowledge gaps and will provide the logical structure of a future quantitative simulation model to test and compare alternative management scenarios. These two frameworks, and the data needs identified to operationalise them, will form the basis for the development of a COTS Strategic Research plan. It is envisaged this Project will lead into the COTS IPM Program and provide the direction for COTS research under future NESP investment.

Notes In addition to the NESP funding, this project is matched by an equivalent amount of in-kind support and co-investment from project partners and collaborators.