U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Future Challenges The Initial Workshop on USGS/FWS Future Challenges Summary of Breakout Session - Biotechnology

2 What are the issues? WE ARE IN THIS ALREADY. – We need to further define our role and presence See biotech as a set of cross-cutting tools to address the missions of our organizations Expectations about its potential to help us. – Already being used. Further tools being developed, non-controversial to apply. – Interpretation challenges. Need to explore further. Concerns regarding its use - particularly introductions of GEOs

3 Develop a strategy Identify the priority directions to support agency missions How to keep up with the technology & build our capacity What’s the public face of biotech? Plan – Where we are now. – Where we want to go. – How to get there.

4 Assess how biotech can help us further our mission Explore the State of the Science & its potential Assessment of current authorities Assessment of current capabilities & how we’re using them

5 Priority Issues Invasive species Adaptation to climate change Endangered species Forensics Maintaining and restoring habitat Others…

6 Next Steps Communicate – Insert ourselves within the conversation – Feed and foster a community of practice Bring our identified expertise together with stakeholders – Develop partnerships Engage with USDA/FDA regulation? Link to broader research community

7 Next Steps Commitments – From bureaus and partners – Put in place appropriate risk assessment / risk management protocols – Funding Assess Capability

8 Recommendations Establish action team to develop plan or strategy – Put together strawman Hold a Symposium on Biotechnology – To build the community of practice Re-write framing document – Nancy & Tim