Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

SFIEMS302B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Act to prevent interaction with protected species

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SFIEMS302B - Act to prevent interaction with protected species
Description This unit of competency involves implementing strategies that prevent or minimise the impact of interaction with protected species resulting from aquaculture, ornamental or holding facilities or commercial fishing operations. In the event of interaction, the unit extends to interventions that aim to restore the wellbeing of the animal. It also relates to intervention for animals that may be injured through means unrelated to these operations.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit addresses the knowledge, practices and interventions necessary to prevent or minimise the impact of interaction with protected species. It has application for skippers, leading hands and experienced staff.An individual working at this level will be following the organisation's policies and procedures and acting on the advice of state, territory and federal environment agencies and in response to legislated and regulatory requirements under federal, state and territory fisheries and environment Acts.This unit does not address the requirements of protecting species that are inherently dangerous, such as sharks and crocodiles. Note: Any interventions must comply with legislation, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and state and territory fisheries and environment Acts, and any subsequent regulations. In some states and territories, it is illegal to kill protected species, even when injured, without the approval of appropriate authorities.A current licence is required for anyone using a firearm. Refer to the relevant state and territory authority for conditions of use.All enterprise or workplace procedures and activities are carried out according to relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements. Equipment operation, maintenance, repairs and calibrations are undertaken in a safe manner that conforms to manufacturer instructions. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected, checked, used and maintained.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Determine strategies for preventing or minimising the impact of interactions
  • Information relevant to threatened, endangered and protected species which may be encountered during the operation is obtained.
  • Information about strategies that prevent or minimise the impact of interaction with protected species is obtained.
  • Information about interventions that may restore the wellbeing of an animal during or after interaction is obtained.
  • Strategies for preventing or minimising the impact of interactions during the operation are selected in consultation with or by management.
       
Element: Implement strategies
  • Occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards are identified and risk control procedures are selected using the hierarchy of control model, legislative requirements, and enterprise and workplace procedures.
  • Resources and equipment required to implement strategies are identified and acquired.
  • Enterprise procedures for implementing strategies are developed and documented.
  • Appropriate PPE is provided, used and maintained according to OHS requirements.
  • Personnel are trained in the implementation of strategies.
  • Strategies are applied according to agreed procedures.
       
Element: Intervene to restore the wellbeing of an animal
  • The species is accurately identified.
  • Options for intervention are evaluated against criteria for a successful outcome.
  • The preferred option for intervention is selected based on agreed procedures and the outcomes of the evaluation.
  • The decision to intervene is taken or referred to management where there is an OHS risk to personnel.
  • The intervention is carried out according to agreed procedures.
  • The wellbeing of the animal is monitored before, during and after the intervention.
       
Element: Monitor and report on interactions
  • Interactions, potential interactions and interventions are monitored, recorded, reported to management and referred, as required, to legislative authorities.
  • Data required by authorities is collected, recorded and relayed, as required.
  • Recommendations for improvement to strategies and interventions are communicated to management.
  • Opportunities to take a regional or whole of industry approach to preventing or minimising the impact of interactions are recognised and referred to relevant organisations for consideration.
  • Publicity associated with an interaction or intervention event is handled.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

apply strategies to prevent or minimise the impact of interactions

evaluate and select intervention options to restore the wellbeing of an animal.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

legislation that affords protection to a species

requirement to intervene to restore the wellbeing of an animal, and to prevent or minimise the impact of interactions with endangered, threatened or protected species.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Resources may include:

appropriate enterprise procedures and workplace personnel

operational environment or simulation that closely resembles an actual workplace

relevant legislation, standards and guidelines.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

work diary

photographs and journal

enterprise records and referrals to fisheries and environment agencies

case studies, simulation or drill.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

carrying out interventions

communicating both in writing and orally

evaluating information against criteria for a successful outcome

identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying the hierarchy of risk control measures

identifying species

researching information on protected species, including strategies to prevent and minimise the impact of interaction, and interventions to restore the wellbeing of an animal

training personnel in relevant enterprise procedures.

Literacy skills used for:

filling out enterprise records

providing required data

reading and interpreting procedures

researching information.

Required knowledge

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

enterprise procedures relating to the implementation of strategies and interventions

hazards and risks associated with interaction and interventions with protected species

hierarchy of risk control measures in ensuring a safe work environment

legislation under which a species is afforded protection

regulations pertaining 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.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:

biodiversity and genetically modified organisms

biosecurity, translocation and quarantine

Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) and other import requirements

business or workplace operations, policies and practices

correct marketing names and labelling

ecologically sustainable development (ESD) principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

fisheries or aquaculture regulations, permits and licences

food safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), hygiene and temperature control along chain of custody

health and welfare of aquatic animals

Indigenous land rights and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods

maritime and occupational diving operations, safety at sea and pollution control

OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.

PPE may include

buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)

gloves, mitts or gauntlets, and protective hand and arm covering

hard hat or protective head covering

hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)

non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear

personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

protective eyewear, glasses and face mask

protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions

respirator or face mask

safety harness

sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)

uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)

waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear and waders).

Information may include:

afforded protection to a species

behavioural characteristics

breeding habits

define circumstances under which an animal may be euthanised

defined reportable incidents

describe of allowable interventions

ecological threats

feeding habits

habitat

legislation, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and state and territory fisheries and environment Acts, and any subsequent regulations

life cycle

mobility and range or migration movements

position in food chain

sources of food

vulnerability to interaction.

Protected species is considered to be:

any vertebrate species that has some level of protection afforded through state, territory, commonwealth or international law, including finfish and sharks, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, marine birds, listed migratory birds and species listed by the Commonwealth government through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

threatened and endangered species.

Operation refers to:

aquaculture either on land or in water

commercial fishing

ornamental, display or live holding operations.

Information may be obtained from:

AquaFin Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) and Australian Seafood CRC

Catchment Management Boards

fisheries compliance agencies

Fisheries Research and Development Corporation

Marine Stewardship Council

Oceanwatch, Landcare and related organisations

Seafood Services Australia

specialists, such as fauna ecologists and marine ecologists

state and territory seafood industry councils

state, territory and federal environment and wildlife agencies.

Strategies may include:

alternative barrier techniques or materials

alternative fishing gear technology

alternative fishing techniques

avoiding known habitats

considering the characteristics of the identified species (e.g. breeding period, life cycle, feeding habits and habitat) when scheduling fishing or aquaculture operations

using by-catch reduction devices.

Interventions may include:

assisting animals that may have been injured through means unrelated to professional fishing

euthanasia where an animal is not recovering as expected

first aid, including resuscitation

release from device or entanglement

relocation of animal

removal of material, such as fish hook, netting or plastic, which may entangle species

rescue and rehabilitation.

Note: Any interventions must comply with legislation, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and state and territory fisheries and environment Acts, and any subsequent regulations. In some states and territories it is illegal to kill threatened, endangered and protected species, even when injured, without the approval of appropriate authorities.

OHS hazards relating to personnel may include:

entanglement with nets or other fishing gear

manual handling of large, moving animals

other potentially dangerous animals in local area

vessels or vehicles moving through the area

uncontrolled movement and defensive action of trapped or restrained animals

use of firearms

vessel propeller and any other appendages or attachment

water, including depth, temperature, current, tide and wave actions.

Resources and equipment may include:

first aid materials

fishing technology gear, including by-catch reduction devices

gear for retrieving and removing an animal, such as rods, snips, nets and baskets

means for euthanising or sedating an animal.

Note: Use of immobilising or anaesthetic agents is controlled under state and territory legislation. Refer to relevant authorities for registration requirements.

Enterprise procedures may address:

decision-making process for determining appropriate intervention for a range of interaction events anticipated in the location of the operation

fishing techniques that minimise interactions

handling negative and positive media publicity associated with an interaction or intervention event

humane euthanising of injured animals and disposal of carcasses

process of continuous improvement for strategies, interventions and enterprise procedures

recording, reporting and referring information about interactions and interventions.

Agreed procedures may include:

by-laws and statutory rules

company procedures

federal, state and territory Acts

publications and guides on interaction with protected species, for example, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 'A guide for commercial fishers - Looking after Protected Species in Queensland'.

Criteria for a successful outcome may include:

compliance with catchment and/or whole of industry codes of conduct or limitations, and state and territory fisheries and environment Acts

potential for success in restoring the animal's wellbeing

safety and security of crew

security and safety of equipment

security and wellbeing of aquacultured stock.

Legislative authorities may include:

state and territory fisheries and environment agencies.

Data may include:

numbers in the range statement

sex

size.

Relevant organisations may include:

industry associations and state government agencies

legislative authorities under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

management committees responsible for industry-based management plans, such as environmental management systems.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Information relevant to threatened, endangered and protected species which may be encountered during the operation is obtained. 
Information about strategies that prevent or minimise the impact of interaction with protected species is obtained. 
Information about interventions that may restore the wellbeing of an animal during or after interaction is obtained. 
Strategies for preventing or minimising the impact of interactions during the operation are selected in consultation with or by management. 
Occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards are identified and risk control procedures are selected using the hierarchy of control model, legislative requirements, and enterprise and workplace procedures. 
Resources and equipment required to implement strategies are identified and acquired. 
Enterprise procedures for implementing strategies are developed and documented. 
Appropriate PPE is provided, used and maintained according to OHS requirements. 
Personnel are trained in the implementation of strategies. 
Strategies are applied according to agreed procedures. 
The species is accurately identified. 
Options for intervention are evaluated against criteria for a successful outcome. 
The preferred option for intervention is selected based on agreed procedures and the outcomes of the evaluation. 
The decision to intervene is taken or referred to management where there is an OHS risk to personnel. 
The intervention is carried out according to agreed procedures. 
The wellbeing of the animal is monitored before, during and after the intervention. 
Interactions, potential interactions and interventions are monitored, recorded, reported to management and referred, as required, to legislative authorities. 
Data required by authorities is collected, recorded and relayed, as required. 
Recommendations for improvement to strategies and interventions are communicated to management. 
Opportunities to take a regional or whole of industry approach to preventing or minimising the impact of interactions are recognised and referred to relevant organisations for consideration. 
Publicity associated with an interaction or intervention event is handled. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SFIEMS302B - Act to prevent interaction with protected species
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

SFIEMS302B - Act to prevent interaction with protected species

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: