Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

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CairnsGladstoneBurnettLocal Marine Advisory CommitteeLocal Marine AdvisoryCommittee Meetings August 2022Summary of advice provided tothe Reef Authority onthe COTS Control ProgramCape YorkTownsvilleWhitsundayMackayCapricorn CoastDouglas Hinchinbrook -Cassowary CoastBowen -Burdekinproviding data/stats/figures and a bit of a story to schools,community groups, fishers and tourism industry through media andsocial platforms.increasing media coverage – using social medial, TV, radio.capitalise on the LMAC network to spread key messages.utilise Master Reef Guides.In your community, what's the awareness of the COTSControl program's objectives and outcomes?The majority of LMACs reported that community awareness was low.However, they suggested awareness could be increased by thefollowing:Communicating the science – such as the successes of the program,the scale of the impact that COTS has on the marine environmentand its cost effectiveness.Explaining the acronym.Promoting the use of Eye on the Reef App and the importance ofreporting sightings and what the data is used for.Understanding that COTs are a native species and when in outbreakproportions, what impact they have in the Marine Park.Importance to minimise interaction with this animal.Acknowledging the various partners that work in this program.COTs are being culled with the environmentally healthy options ofbile salts or vinegar.It was noted that when communicating; use pictures, the LMACsnetwork, key influencers, local MPs, councils, schools and the tourismindustry to help spread the message and make sure it is easy tounderstand.In your opinion, what are the most important messages tocommunicate about the COTS Control program?The following LMAC advice points are a summary ofkey themes identified from extensive advice pointsprovided through the Reef-wide LMAC network.Have information/signage at boat ramps and tourist destination.Use of QR Codes.Provide information to tourism industry, Master Reef Guides,fishing clubs, schools and councils for them to be able to share.Use TV and radio and social media platforms with slogans.Increase use/information through Eye on the Reef App.Promote the Reef Knowledge Management System (onlinevisualization tool).Presentations at various events and targeted workshops.Presentations through the Reef in Focus webinars and Reef Widepresentations.Train Indigenous Rangers in monitoring.How could people learn more about / get involved in theCOTS Control Program? (apart from using the website)Suggest that aquariums display COTS and have interpretive signageto explain about the animal.Design a one-page resource with COTs information for thecommunity to share through their networks.Showcase the story by providing the link between water quality,disturbances on the land and the effects it is having on this nativespecies.What the average person can do to reduce the impacts of COTsoutbreaks.Is there anything else you would like to share about COTSand / or the COTS Control program?

Local Marine Advisory Committee Meetings August 2022

https://elibrary.gbrmpa.gov.au/jspui/retrieve/87825973-2201-47cd-89ac-46a20ea237f3/August%202022%20Reef-wide%20LMAC%20report.pdf

Local Marine Advisory Committee Meetings August 2022

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