Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and implement strategies to prevent or minimise the impact of interactions with protected species, ensure the wellbeing of the species when an interaction occurs, and monitor and report interactions. It does not address the requirements of protecting species that are inherently dangerous, including sharks and crocodiles.
The unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction carrying out work activities in aquaculture, holding facilities or commercial fishing operations where they come into contact with protected species.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety, food safety, biosecurity and environmental regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
1. Determine strategies for preventing or minimising the impact of interactions | 1.1 Obtain information relevant to threatened, endangered and protected species that may be encountered during the operation 1.2 Obtain information about strategies that prevent or minimise the impact of interaction with protected species 1.3 Obtain information about biosecurity regulations and interventions that may restore the wellbeing of an animal during or after interaction 1.4 Select strategies for preventing or minimising the impact of interactions during the operation in consultation with or by management |
2. Implement strategies | 2.1 Identify legislative requirements, health and safety and workplace procedures relevant to determined strategies 2.2 Identify and acquire resources and equipment required to implement strategies 2.3 Develop and document workplace procedures for implementing strategies 2.4 Train personnel in the implementation of strategies 2.5 Apply strategies according to agreed procedures |
3. Intervene to restore the wellbeing of an animal | 3.1 Identify the species accurately 3.2 Evaluate options for intervention against criteria for a successful outcome 3.3 Select the preferred option for intervention based on agreed procedures and the outcomes of the evaluation 3.4 Take or refer the decision to intervene to management where there is a workplace health and safety risk to personnel 3.5 Undertake the intervention according to agreed procedures 3.6 Monitor the wellbeing of the animal before, during and after the intervention |
4. Monitor and report on interactions | 4.1 Monitor, record and report interactions to management and refer notifiable interactions, potential interactions and interventions to relevant authorities according to legislative requirements 4.2 Collect, record and relay data required by authorities according to regulatory requirements 4.3 Communicate to management recommendations for improvement to strategies and interventions 4.4 Recognise and refer opportunities to take a regional or whole of industry approach to preventing or minimising the impact of interactions 4.5 Manage publicity associated with an interaction or intervention event |
Evidence of Performance
An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.
There must be evidence that the individual has identified and implemented procedures to prevent or minimise the impact of interaction on protected species on at least one occasion, including:
developing a strategic plan to prevent the impact of interactions based on:
research and consultation on protected species that may be encountered as part of operations
relevant legislative and workplace requirements and resources required to implement the strategies
documenting and informing personnel of procedures to implement the strategies
identifying and applying intervention procedures to restore the wellbeing of an animal appropriate to the species and according to legislative requirements
following appropriate intervention recording and reporting requirements.
Evidence of Knowledge
An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:
biological and behavioural characteristics of protected species likely to be found in the local area of operation
consequences of non-compliance with fisheries and environment legislation
workplace procedures relating to the implementation of strategies and interventions with protected species
hazards and risks associated with interaction and interventions with protected species
key features of legislation under which a species is afforded protection
regulations relevant to the responsibility of aquaculture and commercial fishing operations to:
intervene to restore the wellbeing of an animal
prevent or minimise the impact of interactions with endangered, threatened or protected species
report interactions.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment of skills must take place under the following conditions:
physical conditions:
skills must be demonstrated in an aquaculture or fishing operations workplace or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions
resources, equipment and materials:
appropriate workplace procedures and templates or forms
personal protective equipment and other required equipment for interventions
specifications:
relevant legislation, standards and guidelines associated with the interaction and interventions with protected species
relationships:
evidence of interactions with personnel to train and report to.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interprets text from a range of sources, including workplace policies and procedures and complex legislative or regulatory requirements |
Writing | Prepares reports and workplace procedures relating to interactions with protected species using agreed formats and accurate technical terminology |
Oral communication | Participates in verbal exchanges to convey and clarify information about interactions with protected species using language appropriate for audience |
Interact with others | Collaborates with others contributing knowledge and skills to prevent impact of interaction with protected species |
Get the work done | Uses the main features and functions of digital tools to record and present data and access information |
Sectors
Aquaculture (AQU)