2.3 Information, Research and Monitoring Context Collecting information, undertaking research and monitoring coastal, estuarine and marine environments is fundamental to understanding and identifying current and emerging issues. It also helps us to assess how effective our planning and management strategies are in achieving their objectives. Collecting data and information, and conducting research and monitoring require an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. Knowledge must be gathered across a wide range of areas, not just science. Using a variety of sources of information enhances decision-making and planning frameworks by being more representative, less biased, and more holistic. This involves input from a range of experts (such as scientists, social scientists, engineers, lawyers, economists) as well as local and Aboriginal people. Scientific and technical information can determine the potential environmental and economic impacts of a proposed use or development. However, this information alone cannot determine the appropriateness of the use or development. Social and cultural impacts must also been considered. Therefore, it is important to involve the wider community in the decision-making process. Public participation allows community values, including local and Aboriginal knowledge to be considered when making decisions about use and development along Victoria's coast. We also need to improve access and sharing of knowledge and information, so that planning and management decisions make use of the best available information. A major central point for coastal, estuarine, marine, and climate education and research would benefit information exchange and sharing of knowledge. Effectively bringing all research entities together is a worthy pursuit and will improve our knowledge and capacity to address the challenges ahead. This information and research must then be applied to day-to-day decision-making. Policy 1. Develop a robust scientific and technical base to assist informing coastal, estuarine and marine planning and management in Victoria. 2. Ensure the consideration of local and Aboriginal knowledge when assessing a proposed use or development along the coast. 3. Ensure sharing of information and research between governments, coastal, estuarine and marine agencies, research institutions and the wider community. Actions SeaSearch seagrass monitoring – Corner Inlet Marine National Park R. Koss , Sea Search. a Broker independent scientific advice from a network of experts to monitor emerging scientific issues and assist with effective coastal, estuarine and marine management in Victoria (VCC). b Develop a central scientific information data base for access by all (VCC, RCB, DSE). c Provide local government with sufficient information and build capacity to ensure that planning schemes are effectively used to identify, protect, and address threats to significant coastal environments on private land abutting coastal Crown land (DSE, DPCD). d Identify the monitoring needs for Victoria's coast (VCC).

10 December 2008