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 fishing and aquaculture research, development and extension (RD & E) activities. 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. Stakeholders in the Corporation are:

• the fishing and aquaculture industry
• the federal, state and territory governments (including their fisheries managers and other natural resource managers)
• research partners (including universities, fisheries research organisations, industry and private sector research providers, and investors)
• the people of Australia (on whose behalf aquatic natural resources are managed, and as consumers).

The FRDC continuously scans the business environment to ensure its RD&E portfolio remains relevant and monitors, and evaluates the adoption of R&D outputs. 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’ process, this involves significant management and commissioning of RD&E 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 RD&E. For more information visit the Applying for FRDC Funding page.

For more information on the FRDC’s strategic planning frameworks and current priorities visit the RD&E Planning and priorities page.