Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency deals with the capability of a resource management group member or committee participant to support the achievement of ecologically sustainable development (ESD) strategies for their sector's resources. In analysing information, the resource management group member or committee participant is expected to take into account the legitimate interests of other stakeholders, and to recognise any limitations in scientific data or other information relating to changes or risk to ecosystems.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Application of the unit 

This unit has application for seafood industry stakeholders who represent their industry sector in natural resource management groups, and other public and industry forums. This unit is one of six sector leadership units at Certificate IV level. The leadership units are undertaken as a group and are listed as a Skill Set in the SFI10 Seafood Industry Training Package.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Analyse meeting papers and other information prior to meetings

1.1. Available information  is assessed for key points, assumptions and recommendations.

1.2. Questions to clarify critical information and advice are developed in readiness for meetings.

1.3. Additional specialist advice is sought, where necessary.

1.4. Viewpoints expressed by all stakeholders and other organisations  are interpreted from a broad industry perspective.

2. Prepare realistic positions and supporting arguments in advance

2.1. The implications of the available information and any proposed strategies for the participant's sector are assessed.

2.2. The likely expectations and points of negotiation of other participants  are determined.

2.3. Logical and balanced conclusions  are drawn from the available information.

2.4. Practical and sustainable resource management options  are planned from a broad industry perspective.

3. Propose strategic approaches to resource management

3.1. Input to management plans is constructive and sympathetic to the interests of all stakeholders.

3.2. The uncertainty and lack of precision of scientific and other information are appreciated and reflected in the selection of management strategies.

3.3. Performance indicators are proposed for preferred options that are consistent with the interest of the broad range of ecosystem users.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• applying adaptive management strategies to reflect the uncertainty of scientific data
• assessing a range of alternatives rather than choosing the easiest option
• communicating industry visions and directions to other stakeholders
• critically analysing information, summarising the key issues and making sense of them
• developing solutions and practical strategies that are innovative
• explaining ideas and concepts to a range of audiences
• identifying changing circumstances and the need to challenge current industry positions
• interpreting complex information, including legislation, regulations, business plans, budgets, fisheries and other scientific research data
• negotiating for consensus or compromise.

Required knowledge 

• adaptive management strategies
• relevant government policies
• impact of change on individuals, groups, organisations and industry
• policy development and budget processes at commonwealth, state or territory and local level
• political parties, platforms and processes
• relevant developments in other industries and sectors
• relevant legislation, regulations and international treaties and agreements
• resource management options
• strategies for consulting and gaining support for industry positions.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit 

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• analyse long-term trends to identify the need to change current industry policies and procedures
• assess the implications of a particular course of action for other stakeholders and interest groups
• canvass management strategies that reflect risk and the uncertainty of impacts on the ecosystem
• challenge traditional thinking and solutions and seek proactive and adaptive approaches
• develop and promote practical action plans and strategies to achieve the industry's vision and goals
• evaluate the potential outcomes of strategies in respect to achieving industry goals
• identify current best practice in other industries and organisations (both within Australia and internationally)
• identify opportunities for beneficial change
• take a broad industry view that goes beyond sectors, organisations and individuals.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment is to be conducted in the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are suggested:

• feedback from stakeholders about the candidate's contribution to seafood management planning in the sector
• interview and oral questioning
• review of articles, reports, advice and other industry information written by the candidate
• role-plays and responses to scenarios.

Guidance information for assessment 

This unit may be assessed holistically with other SFILEAD (leadership) units within a Skill Set or qualification.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Information  may include:

• discussion of issues:

• at port, sector, cooperative and community meetings
• with industry groups and government representatives

• verbal information (e.g. face to face and telephone)
• websites, Facebook, Twitter and other online networks
• written information (electronic, SMS, memos, reports, newsletters, surveys, media releases, posters and brochures).

Stakeholder and other organisations  may include:

• Austrade and Department of Foreign Affairs
• certification or accreditation bodies and third-party auditors
• commercial fishing or aquatic groups
• community representatives, local land holders and residents
• conservation and environmental organisations, such as the Nature Conservation Council and the World Wide Fund for Nature
• cooperatives, marketing bodies and associations
• current and potential customers, clients and suppliers
• ecosystem or resource management committees or advisory groups, including Management Advisory Committees (MACs), catchment management groups, Landcare, Bushcare, Coastcare and Seacare
• employer, company directors and other professional associations
• export promotion agencies, such as the Exporters Club
• government funding providers
• Indigenous seafood or resource management groups and traditional fishing groups/cooperatives
• media
• ornamental, aquarium and other hobby groups
• political organisations, politicians and ministerial advisors
• professional, industry and state or territory representative bodies, including Seafood Experience Australia, National Aquaculture Council, Commonwealth Fisheries Association and Seafood Services Australia
• relevant ministries, government departments (federal, state or territory and local) and other regulation authorities, such as Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Australian Fisheries Management Authority and Australian Aquaculture Inspection Service
• research organisations, such as Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics and the Bureau of Rural Sciences
• schools, registered training organisations (RTOs) and industry training centres, AgriFood Skills Australia Standing Committee and industry training advisory bodies (ITABs)
• statutory authorities, such as the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
• surfing, recreational fishing and boating groups
• unions.

Participants  may include:

• chairperson, who may be independent
• commercial fisher seafood sector members
• environment and conservation members
• government or agency members, such as Australian Fisheries Management Authority representatives
• other community or stakeholder members
• recreational fisher or resource user members
• research members
• traditional fisher or resource user members.

Balanced conclusions  may include:

• achievement of ESD of the species
• achievement of the commercial viability of fishing operators
• conservation of the species
• implementation of adaptive management strategies that reflect the uncertainty of scientific and other data
• maintenance of the ecosystem
• recognition of the interests of other users of the ecosystem.

Resource management options  may include:

• combination of input and output controls and other sector-specific options
• input controls for aquaculture, ornamental or holding enterprises:

• licences or permits for operation
• open and closed seasons
• restrictions on intensity of operations, and numbers of culture or holding units within specific area
• restrictions on translocations of live stock
• specifications or minimal requirements on equipment

• input controls for fishing:

• area closures
• limited entry
• open and closed seasons
• restriction on boat numbers
• restrictions on gear

• output controls for aquaculture, ornamental or holding enterprises:

• information on production returns
• treatment and disposal of effluents and wastes

• output controls for fishing:

• individual transferable quotas
• total allowable catches.

Unit sector 

Leadership

Co-requisite units 

Competency field