acidification and leachate generation applicable and knowledge of ASS in coastal communities to Australian conditions. and among land managers are unknown. Similarly the economic impacts of ASS on land 7.7 Sustainable agriculture users, affected industries and local communities have not been studied in detail, despite their The effectiveness of best management practice probable significance. In particular, in agricultural production systems in ASS areas quantification of the full economic impact on the has yet to be strenuously tested and monitored fishing industry is needed. across a range of soils, climates and tidal 7.9 Funding regimes. Comparisons of yields, productivity, acid generation and export are needed for various drainage, liming and irrigation Since the research and development effort and strategies. Comprehensive work is needed on the cost to remedy current problems is substantial, a national implications of ASS for sustainable strategic approach is needed to set priorities for agricultural development within the Australian research and to indicate when issues can be coastal zone. addressed. It is essential that federal and state governments liaise and coordinate their funding 7.8 Social and economic research programs for the research and monitoring works being undertaken on ASS. Management The social and economic aspects of ASS advisory and technical support committees need disturbance need to be investigated so that the to establish effective communication networks, full range of impacts (both positive and share information and adapt findings from negative) can be assessed. This may be achieved Australian and overseas research where through selected case studies. The awareness applicable.
acidification and leachate generation applicable to Australian conditions. 7.7 Sustainable agriculture The effectiveness of best management practice in agricultural production systems in ASS areas has yet to be strenuously tested and monitored across a range of soils, climates and tidal regimes. Comparisons of yields, productivity, acid generation and export are needed for various drainage, liming and irrigation strategies. Comprehensive work is needed on the national implications of ASS for sustainable agricultural development within the Australian coastal zone. 7.8 Social and economic research The social and economic aspects of ASS disturbance need to be investigated so that the full range of impacts (both positive and negative) can be assessed. This may be achieved through selected case studies. The awareness and knowledge of ASS in coastal communities and among land managers are unknown. Similarly the economic impacts of ASS on land users, affected industries and local communities have not been studied in detail, despite their probable significance. In particular, quantification of the full economic impact on the fishing industry is needed. 7.9 Funding Since the research and development effort and cost to remedy current problems is substantial, a strategic approach is needed to set priorities for research and to indicate when issues can be addressed. It is essential that federal and state governments liaise and coordinate their funding programs for the research and monitoring works being undertaken on ASS. Management advisory and technical support committees need to establish effective communication networks, share information and adapt findings from Australian and overseas research where applicable.