Editorial - Science: the foundation of biosecurity
Naomi Parker
The research, risk assessment, standard-setting and decision making that feed into our biosecurity and animal welfare systems are built on a foundation of rigorous science. Not surprisingly, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) employs a great many scientists throughout the organisation: at our investigation and diagnostic centres, at the border and in head office. And beyond our own organisation, we work closely with a wide community of scientists. In fact, you can read about the work of some of our science colleagues in the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and Fish and Game New Zealand in our feature on the recent didymo science seminar on pages 10–12.
In the context of biosecurity, the first branch of science that springs to mind is biology – which is essential in helping us to understand the pests and diseases we're trying to keep out or manage; but biology is just one of a very wide range of scientific disciplines that make up our biosecurity system.
In dealing with a potential new marine incursion – let's take, for example, the highly invasive Caulerpa taxifolia discussed by Dr Daniel Simberloff on page 6 of this issue – you might draw on the expertise of a very large science team indeed: incursion investigators and incursion response and surveillance teams; marine biologists, taxonomists and molecular biologists to identify the species and understand its ecology; epidemiologists and oceanographic modellers to work out how it might spread; risk analysts, economists, fisheries scientists and Ma¯tauranga Maori experts to assess the environmental, economic, social and cultural impacts and help us to decide how to respond; and social scientists and market researchers to target and communicate our approach.
All of these scientific disciplines need to cooperate to identify the best biosecurity solutions. Biosecurity science, like biosecurity itself, is complex, and a coordinated and collaborative approach is essential for innovative and effective outcomes. Those solutions may be complex – for example, the development of new technologies for detecting biosecurity risks in containers or multispecies molecular tools for marine surveillance. Conversely, it may be a simple but effective practical measure for containing or eradicating a pest, such as the plastic wrapping technique demonstrated at the recent National Education and Training Seminar (NETS – see page 25).
MAFBNZ's Strategic Science Team
In recognition of the importance of science to biosecurity, when MAFBNZ was set up in 2004 (then as Biosecurity New Zealand), a new team was established to focus on a strategic approach to science. The five-member team has a mix of sectoral (marine, plant and animal) and more general expertise. The Strategic Science Team's role is to provide oversight, focus and coordination for biosecurity and animal welfare science. Our work includes: coordination of MAFBNZ engagement in Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) research programmes; administration of the MAFBNZ operational research programme; provision of scientific advice; and the development of science policy. Another major focus of the team has been working with the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology to develop a Biosecurity Science Strategy for New Zealand.
A Biosecurity Science Strategy for New Zealand
In November last year, a draft Biosecurity Science Strategy, developed in consultation with science providers, funders and users, was released for public consultation. We received many valuable submissions and have been incorporating comments into the final version which is planned for release later this year. The science strategy focuses on three key areas:
- direction for science – making sure we identify and communicate our research needs
- delivery of science – making sure our science delivery is as efficient and effective as possible
- uptake of science – making sure we are using science outputs to improve our biosecurity systems.
As well as identifying current science needs and priorities, the science strategy outlines a fundamental change in the way that biosecurity science is prioritised and directed. It describes a biosecurity science system that will ensure that clear advice on priorities is provided to all those involved in biosecurity science. This system will be used to regularly review and identify research priorities as well as advising on the implementation of research outputs.
This edition of Biosecurity includes good examples of the way science is supporting biosecurity. The great science capability that we have in New Zealand, thinking strategically about what we need, and working together will ensure that science continues to underpin and transform New Zealand's biosecurity systems to handle the constantly evolving challenges we face.
- Dr Naomi Parker, Strategic Science Team Leader, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
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Page last updated: 30 April 2008