Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818:front:0:p78
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818
Segment Type: other
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Character Range: 224331–227309

or a pristine control for comparative experimentation. Integrated terrestrial/marine research is possible.

A number of research and monitoring programs are conducted in the park. Monitoring programs are in place for freshwater quality, abundance and distribution of species of conservation significance, abundance of indicator species, and feral species, and distribution and changes in vegetation following fire or over time. In 2008 the Australian National University agreed to a second five-year partnership, funded by the Australian Research Council, examining in detail the effects of fire and weeds on the park and recommending changes to their management (see Section 6.7, Fire).

The Lease requires the Director to make research reports in relation to the park available to the Council.

Under the EPBC Regulations research may not be undertaken in the park unless it is provided for by, and carried out in accordance with, a management plan in force for the park or is authorised by a permit, or under certain other conditions. Research which involves killing, injuring, taking, trading, keeping or moving native species or is undertaken for commercial purposes is prohibited by ss.354 and 354A of the EPBC Act except in accordance with this plan. Research which affects listed threatened species or ecological communities, listed migratory species, cetaceans or listed marine species must comply with Part 13 of the Act.

The Director has functions under s.514B of the EPBC Act to protect, conserve and manage biodiversity and heritage in Commonwealth reserves, and to carry out alone or in cooperation with other institutions and persons, and to arrange for any other institution or person to carry out, research and investigations relevant to the establishment and management of Commonwealth reserves. Research and monitoring programs assist in the development and adaptation of management programs for conservation of significant species.

Access to biological resources

Access to biological resources (also known as bioprospecting) is the taking of biological resources of native species for research and development on any genetic resources, or biochemical compounds, comprising or contained in samples or specimens of these species.

Access to biological resources in Commonwealth areas such as the park is regulated under the EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations. 'Biological resources' are defined as including genetic resources, organisms, parts of organisms, populations and any other biotic component of an ecosystem with actual or potential use or value for humanity. 'Genetic resources' are defined as any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin that contains functional units of heredity and that has actual or potential value for humanity.

Part 8A of the EPBC Regulations regulates access to biological resources. Key features of Part 8A in relation to Booderee are set out in Table 6.

Access to biological resources is also covered by ss.354