Media Release

For immediate use 16 April 2002

A DECADE OF ACHIEVEMENT IN FISHERIES R&D

The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) today celebrates 10 years of achievement in leadership, planning and innovation.

FRDC Executive Director, Mr Peter Dundas-Smith, said that the Corporation had made significant contributions to the development of the fishing industry and the sustainability of fisheries resources.

"Among our key achievements is FRDC's involvement in the development of Australia's Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) industry. This began in 1991 when FRDC collaborated with industry and government partners to fund the world's first research and development project associated with grow out of SBT.

"The result was an increase in the value of the SBT industry sector from $12 million in 1990 to $263 million in 2001. Fish previously headed for the canned tuna market now supply lucrative sashimi markets.

"Another key achievement has been the reduction of bycatch (unwanted catch) in prawn trawl fisheries through the development of practical bycatch reduction devices (BRD's). BRD's are now being used in fisheries around Australia, including 100% adoption in Northern Australian prawn trawl fisheries.

"FRDC funded research has also led to a quantum increase in the knowledge of ecosystems-based fisheries management and factors such as sustainability indicators, effects of fishing, fishing effort, and socio-economic issues.

"These achievements are particularly satisfying because, unlike other statutory R&D corporations, FRDC's funding from its industry stakeholders is voluntary.

"The fact that we have secured increasing voluntary funding support from industry for over ten years is testimony to FRDC's commitment to meeting the R&D priorities of its stakeholders.

This was confirmed by one of the seafood industry's icons, Mr Peter Doyle Snr. "The seafood industry owes the FRDC a vote of thanks for your tremendous efforts. Congratulations on all your achievements during your first ten years," said Mr Doyle.

Mr Dundas-Smith congratulated the Commonwealth Government for it's progressive approach towards, and its commitment to, planning, funding and managing fisheries R&D.

"FRDC is committed to continuing to deliver real outcomes to its stakeholders," said Mr Dundas-Smith.

Attachment: A quick look at some of FRDC's key achievements

Further Information:
Michael Parolin, Communications Manager, Ph: 0407 728 400 or:
Kylie Paulsen, Communications Coordinator, Ph: 0438 630 491

A QUICK LOOK AT SOME OF FRDC'S KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

- The FRDC funded Effects of Trawling Subprogram measured the impact of trawling on the marine environment, developed and facilitated the adoption of cost-effective gear solutions to minimise effects
- The FRDC funded 'SeaQual' project developed food safety guidelines for seafood processing. The Australia New Zealand Food Authority described the guidelines as "a model for others"
- FRDC investment of over $5 million in the western rock lobster fishery paid off when the fishery received Marine Stewardship Council certification as the world's first sustainable, well-managed fishery
- Fishmeal-free diets were developed for key aquaculture species through the Aquaculture Diet Development Subprogram
- The FRDC funded Abalone Aquaculture Subprogram pioneered the development of abalone aquaculture with breakthroughs in tank design and feed development
- A national network of Fisheries Research Advisory Bodies was established to ensure R&D better meets the needs of industry and end users
- FRDC assisted in establishing the Women's Industry Network Seafood Community (WINSC) to empower women to take a greater role in the seafood industry's development
- Seafood Services Australia Ltd was formed by ASIC and FRDC to help the seafood industry to increase its profitability through value-adding innovation with emphasis on quality and food safety

DID YOU KNOW?

- Total actual investment in projects under FRDC management in 2000-2001 was $51million
- For every dollar FRDC directly invests in R&D it levers $1.8 from other sources
- 670 projects are currently under management
- FRDC has funded $171 million in fisheries R&D
- Since the FRDC's inception, the value of the Australian fishing industry has increased from $1.37 billion to $2.3 billion

The FRDC is a statutory rural research and development corporation within the Commonwealth Government portfolio of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia.
ENDS
Further Information:
Michael Parolin, FRDC Communications Manager, Ph: 0407 728 400 or:
Kylie Paulsen, Communications Coordinator, Ph: 0438 630 491