Research
The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) is a co-funded partnership between its two stakeholders, the Australian Government and the fishing industry.
Its primary role is to invest in fisheries research, development and extension (RD & E) activities throughout Australia. The FRDC’s strategic investments in RD & E activities benefit the three sectors of the fishing industry: commercial (wild catch and aquaculture), recreational and indigenous. The FRDC collaborates with its key stakeholders to coordinate, and direct its investment to best addresses RD & E priorities. In addition the FRDC monitors and evaluates the adoption of R&D to influence outcomes. For more information visit the RD&E Evaluation page.
The FRDC provides research administration and services using a value adding model. Unlike a simple ‘granting’, this involves significant management and commissioning of R&D through a variety of flexible approaches. These include open call applications; formal Industry Partnership agreements; issue specific Subprograms; or activities, short-term Tactical Research Funding, and specifically targeted commissioned R&D. For more information visit the Applying for FRDC Funding page.
The five strategic research and development challenges for FRDC
The FRDC has aligned its planning, management and reporting of R&D program activities to the objects of the PIERD Act 1989. This alignment is reflected in the FRDC’s four R&D Programs with the focus of each program further described under five strategic challenges specified in the R&D plan. The R&D Programs and associated strategic challenges are as follows:
Program
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Strategic challenges
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| Natural resources sustainability |
- Natural resources sustainability - to maintain and improve the management and use of aquatic natural resources to ensure their sustainability.
- Resource access and resource allocation – to optimise resource access, resource allocation and opportunities for each sector of the fishing industry, within a rights-based framework.
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| Industry development |
- Responses to demand; profitability – the challenge is to respond to, and take advantage of, increased demand for seafood and for recreational and customary fishing experiences; and to enhance the profitability of the fishing industry.
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| People Development |
- People development – the challenge is to develop people who will help the fishing industry to meet its future needs.
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| Management, Communications and Accountability |
- Community and consumer support – increase community and consumer support for the benefits of the three sectors of the fishing industry.
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For more information on the FRDC’s current priorities visit the RD&E Planning and Priorities page.
