Research and Technology Goals: 1) Encourage researchers to address the problems created by invasive species. 2) Encourage the development and implementation of new technology to prevent or control the establishment of invasive species. 3) Develop effective, science-based management approaches to control invasive species. 4) Effectively communicate and apply the results of research to the field. 5) Promote interagency collaboration and stimulate new partnerships.
This working group is chaired by the University of Hawaii. For more information contact Christopher Dunn, director of Lyon Arboretum. The Research and Technology part of the strategic plan is currently under review.
If funds are available the working group will oversee a request for proposals (RFP) process to achieve the goals outlined in this document. This strategic plan indicates the types of research that are likely to be supported. The working group may make recommendations about specific projects that may be implemented by member agencies or outside providers, as well as provide scientific advice to the Council to address current issues.
The Research and Applied Technology Working Group will work with HISC support staff to oversee the RFP process and ensure that research and technology development will contribute to the effective management of invasive species in Hawaii . Support will be given to:
- The development and implementation of new and transferable technology (chemical, mechanical, biological) for large-scale treatment of priority invasive species (e.g. marine invasive algae, coqui frogs, ants etc).
- Expanding off-site exploration and screening for high impact biocontrol agents targeting established invasive species (e.g. Miconia) already present in the State
- Projects containing plans to effectively share with stakeholders any useful information, methods and practical tools that would assist in the management of invasive species in Hawaii.
- Increasing the knowledge base of target organisms and gaining an understanding of the economic impacts of invasive species, as well as the effectiveness of geographical information system tools and associated database management.
- Developing new tools for effective early detection and monitoring of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species populations.
- Providing taxonomic services for identification of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species in a timely manner.
- The implementation of assessment protocols not only for determining risks of introduction via various pathways but also for determining the invasiveness of taxa (screening) in conjunction with supporting and encouraging efforts to enforce or obtain voluntary compliance from local industry groups, government agencies and the public where necessary.
- Developing technology with the shipping industry for on-board treatment of ballast water and surface treatment to minimize hull fouling.
- Determination of the ecosystem impacts of invaders and restoration following removal of invaders.
- Addressing emerging and current issues (e.g. biofuels, outbreaks of new species, coqui frog management).
- Innovative projects unlikely to get funds from other sources.
- Projects that emphasize open interaction and communication with stakeholders throughout implementation.
- Projects that effectively leverage other non-HISC resources.
Research and Applied Technology - Measures of Effectiveness:
It is important that proposals include measures of effectiveness so that the reviewers can judge the likelihood of project success. Outcomes or anticipated impacts of the research must be addressed. Some examples of measures of effectiveness are suggested:
- Number of new technologies developed and adopted for invasive species management.
- Number of biological control agents tested and introduced, as well as the effectiveness of control they provide.
- New technology developed for prevention and control of invasive marine species
- Number of taxa screened using standardized science based risk assessment systems.
Invasive species research grants
Hawaii Invasive Species Council has given grants in FY 2005, 2006, 2008 and now in 2009 to do research and develop technology that improve invasive species management in Hawaii. Funding from the Hawaii State Legislature has been variable and in 2007 there were not enough funds to sustain a research program. Between 2005 and 2008 $2.1 million dollars have been allocated to research and technology providers. In every case a 1:1 match between HISC funds and non-state funds has been required. In 2008 more than $2.8 million of proposals were received and 15 proposals were selected for funding totaling $780,000.
Grants are competitive and available to anyone through a public request for proposal process managed by the HISC administering agency Department of Land and Natural Resources. The best proposals are selected after review by staff from all HISC member agencies and selected experts.
|
 |
