Didymo Stakeholder Update - 3 September 2007
3 September 2007
The purpose of this update is to keep you all informed about the work underway around both the long-term management partnership and the wider didymo response.
Long-term management programme
North and South Island LTM Operations Managers
Jeff Donaldson and Steve Smith have been carrying out South Island and North Island LTM Operations Manager roles since July and are confirmed through to the end of September. Jeff and Steve are available to support didymo regional group planning and operations, including summer programmes. They each work part-time only in these roles. Jeff also continues in his previous role as national operations manager for the didymo response. These roles have been tendered going forward and will be confirmed by the end of September.
LTM Steering Group
In accordance with the requirements of the LTM programme the LTM steering group is now being formed. A group of partners has been invited to attend the first meeting in late September: The group will consider and confirm ongoing membership at that meeting. John Sanson, National Coordination Manager for the Pest Management Group, will chair the meeting.
LTM seed funding
Partners working through didymo regional groups have been invited to apply for seed funding to support their didymo-related work during the 2007-8 fiscal year. Initial applications are called for by the end of September.
LTM monthly coordination teleconference
Thanks to all those who have taken the time to phone in to the monthly LTM coordination teleconferences. The third teleconference was held on Tuesday 21 August. The meeting is proving to be a useful forum for discussion and information sharing among partners and regional groups. Those invited to participate are regional group coordinators, regional council biosecurity managers and the original group of partner representatives.
Regional groups
Many regional groups are now in full swing drafting their regional didymo action plans and/or planning their summer social marketing activities. Jeff Donaldson (South Island) and Steve Smith (North Island) are available to assist with action plans if groups would like additional input (contact details above).
Publication of the LTM programme document
The LTM programme document has been finalised and will be formally published and placed on the MAFBNZ website shortly.
Science Update
Science seminar
The didymo science seminar on 24 July was attended by almost 100 people (including presenters and MAFBNZ staff), and feedback indicates that participants found it a useful and informative day.
Didymo technical advisory group
The didymo technical advisory group (TAG) met with the MAFBNZ didymo team the day after the science seminar in July. The TAG considered the research findings to date and made recommendations to MAFBNZ about future research. MAFBNZ is currently considering the TAG's recommendations.
Research reports
The final version of the Spring-Fed Creek Control Study and the Trout Impact Study are now on the website. All other reports are close to being finalised and should be on the web site by mid September. Visit 'didymo research reports' to find the reports.
Technical team lead
Christina Vieglais will be finishing with MAFBNZ on the 14th of September so Frances Velvin will be taking over duties as the Response team's technical advisor.
Operations update
LTM national delimiting survey
Planning is underway for the next national delimitation survey in November. This survey will differ in structure from previous surveys as MAFBNZ is proposing that regional partners will be involved in sampling. In the North Island DNA methodology only will be used, and the standard microscopic method will be used in the South Island. Detailed information will be sent to all regional groups in early September, including information about training requirements and supplies. Partners will also be asked to assist with site selection.
Didymo samples database
The didymo samples database is now live and organisations have been provided with training and login details. All organisations involved in the long-term management and monitoring of didymo should use this database to record their sampling results. Organisations have been asked to review the sample data that is already in the database for their region. During September users will have full access to edit any of the data in the database. From October, users will be restricted to editing only data that has been entered using their organisation's login details. The database will be central to the data collection and reporting processes for the long-term management national delimiting survey, which is occurring in November this year. From October onwards a read-only login will be available to allow others to view the information in the database. Requests for read-only access should be sent to didymo@maf.govt.nz.
Second North Island response simulation exercise
Planning has started for the second North Island response simulation exercise which is likely to be held on 7 November in the Hawkes Bay area. MAFBNZ is preparing an operations manual which will outline information and personnel requirements, coordination, structure, communication, and team roles and responsibilities for the exercise.
Freshwater events
We are working with the MAF communications team as they prepare for upcoming freshwater events. Regional groups are also identifying and targeting events and MAFBNZ will assist with collateral and attend selected events as required.
Suspect didymo finds
As we move into Spring, calls are increasing from members of the public who think they have found didymo in the North Island. Six reports have been received in the last couple of weeks. It's good to know that people remain aware and concerned. Any calls about suspect finds should be referred to the didymo hotline 0800 80 99 66. Staff will provide the information to MAFBNZ to investigate as necessary.
Picton ferry staffing
Staff of the new contractor for the Picton ferry social marketing effort seem to be working well. We have received good feedback from the public which indicates that the operators are really making an effort to reach people.
Communications Update
'Check, Clean, Dry' summer campaign
The 'check, clean, dry' social marketing programme will move into high gear over summer. Building on the work done last year, the summer campaign aims to increase the number of freshwater river users undertaking the appropriate behaviours when moving items between waterways. The programme for this summer's campaign is currently being developed with input from stakeholders and industry partners.
Regional group visits
Jeremy Lambert, Acting Director Communications recently attended meetings with the Southland and Marlborough/Tasman regional groups to discuss the didymo social marketing programme. Jeremy's next regional meeting is scheduled in Canterbury on the 6th September.
Regional social marketing funding
The invitation for regional councils to apply for funds to employ staff (didymo advocates) to promote the 'check, clean, dry' message over the summer period was sent out on 17 August. Councils intending to apply for funding need to confirm their intention by 30 September and submit their plans to MAFBNZ by 10 October.
Didymo advocates proved very successful last summer and we are hoping to see them out in force throughout the country again this summer.
Didymo promotional material
MAFBNZ is continuing to provide promotional material such as information packs, brochures, posters, spray bottles and other didymo-branded material to support partners' programmes. New material is being developed for this summer. Display equipment (banners, tent), and also large spray units, which can be used at events are available for loan. Please contact Matthew Thorpe on 04 894 0276 for more information.
Regards
Chris Bicknell
Didymo Response Manager
04 894 0521