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> Status Report
> Chapter 8 - Conclusions & Recommendations
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Chapter 8 - Further Work and Future DirectionsM Roche (BHP Billiton) and C Anderson (formerly Townsville Port Authority; currently Technical Adviser, The International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited) In response to a general perception of a lack of baseline data on the status of Cleveland Bay, the Cleveland Bay Consortium has sought to compile a report of existing data and research initiatives. The contents of this report represent voluntary contributions from researchers in the region and, whilst every effort has been made to compile a comprehensive account of existing research initiatives, it is recognised that some work or studies may not have been included within this report. In light of the above, the Cleveland Bay Status report should be viewed as an evolving framework through which to encourage improved communications between research organisations, industry and government. This chapter attempts to summarise the current state of research initiatives in Cleveland Bay and, to identify, based on available information, any potential gaps in the knowledge base. However, it should be recognised that the primary objective for future initiatives in this field should be the development of multi-disciplinary communications amongst research organisations and individuals, industry and government. In an effort to better facilitate achievement of objectives of the Cleveland Bay Consortium, this Chapter has been divided into two components. The first addresses management and administrative opportunities that exist to improve the interaction and communication between individuals and organisations. The second component addresses potential opportunities for future research. These opportunities have been identified on the basis of the contributions received and a basic working knowledge of the natural environment in Townsville and Cleveland Bay. Finally, a number of aims and objectives have been identified for the future direction of the Cleveland Bay Consortium and its constituent individuals and organisations. Management & Administration One of the fundamental issues to emerge from the production of this report is the wealth of information that currently exists on isolated aspects of the Cleveland Bay environment. However, it has also been acknowledged by several of the contributing authors that existing data is often difficult to access in any useful means. Whilst access to information may be available through reference to published reports summarising the collected data, such reports are often limited in their scope and coverage of the wealth of information that has been considered and collected. It appears that whilst there is a lot of information in published form, a significant amount of information appears to be in what has been termed “grey literature” such as unpublished reports and articles. This has often lead to duplication of effort and the collection of data that may potentially add value to existing knowledge but that can not be used to its full potentially due to variations in methodology. There is an urgent need to promote a more integrated and collaborative approach to the collection and dissemination of research and monitoring data if the conclusions and objectives outlined in this chapter are to be fully realised. Potentially, this may require the development of data management protocols and intellectual property rights agreements in an effort to promote data and resource sharing amongst individuals and funding organisations. Overall it appears that there is a significant amount of research on various aspects of Cleveland Bay, there is a need to develop a more integrated and consistent approach to research and monitoring. There is a need to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that already exists by building on existing research and adopting consistent methodologies in an effort to allow existing data to be used comparatively and in an ongoing manner. It is also necessary at this stage to emphasise the need for improved communications between researchers and funding organisations to minimise duplication of effort to ensure that future research adds value to the existing knowledge base by focusing on areas where further research is required. |
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This page was last updated on Tuesday 30 April 2002 |
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