Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve

04 Feb, 10 AM - 06 Feb, 04 PM

TNC is proposing to host a Structured Decision Making (SDM) workshop to understand whether a conservation breeding program for sunflower sea stars that focuses on building resilience to SSWD could be developed in partnership with Dr. Hodin’s and other aquaria’s efforts with the goal of eventual reintroduction of disease resilient animals to kelp forests along the West Coast of North America. “SDM is a process of engagement designed to help groups with varied viewpoints and values, work together on complex decisions, allowing them to clarify objectives, identify alternatives, and evaluate the efficacy of alternatives in satisfying different objectives. By collaboratively exploring key uncertainties and trade-offs, SDM builds shared understanding of complex data and analysis and promotes respectful deliberation about difficult value-based trade-offs and choices. Rooted in best practices from the decision sciences, it responds to calls for greater inclusivity, transparency and accountability in decision making about natural resources and the environment.” Although not exhaustive, some potential questions to be addressed in the workshop include: What are the objectives of a selective breeding program? Are there alternatives to conservation breeding such as translocations? Do particular genotypes/phenotypes display increased resilience to the pathogen? Can a genetic marker be identified that confers resilience to the pathogen? How to balance disease resilience with the preservation of genetic diversity? Where to host a conservation breeding program - one facility or a distributed model? What are the risks and ethical considerations of a conservation breeding program and can they be mitigated effectively?What model species can serve to guide decisions of a conservation breeding program for Pycnopodia? What obstacles have other programs faced (e.g., coral heat tolerance)? Is there a role for gene editing and what are the risks? How to ensure that animals are prepared for release into the wild, ensuring their adaptability and survival? Over a two-day period in early 2025, we propose to convene academic experts, state, federal, and tribal partners, and non-governmental organizations to use a SDM process to identify objectives of a conservation breeding program, weigh alternative strategies external and internal to such a program, and develop an action plan for advancing the recovery of sunflower sea stars in the wild. A final workshop report will be generated that can be used to coordinate partners and key constituents around shared goals, generate material for fundraising and permitting, and serve as a blueprint for action.

Visit #95250 @Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 59401 | Public Use

Structured Decision Making Workshop

professional - The Nature Conservancy

Visitor List

Norah Eddy Feb 4 - 6, 2025 (3 days)
Group of 20 Professional Feb 4 - 6, 2025 (3 days)

Reserve Amenities | Create Invoice

Day visit to reserve 1 Feb 4 - 6, 2025
Nature Center Meeting Room 1 Feb 4 - 6, 2025
Nature Center Kitchen 1 Feb 4 - 6, 2025