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Call for Steering Committee Members Rock Lobster Enhancement and Aquaculture Subprogram.

The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation established the Rock Lobster Enhancement and Aquaculture Subprogram (RLEAS) in July, 1998 with a vision to deliver technologies that facilitate the development of a viable rock lobster aquaculture industry in Australia, with adequate consideration and contingency for:

• Protection of the wild fishery in terms of economic and social viability;
• Neutral or positive impact on the wild fishery in terms of stock numbers;
• Commercial viability of closing the life cycle of rock lobsters;
• Increasing profitability and wealth for Australia.

In keeping with this vision, the RLEAS mission is to provide technology for use in Australian rock lobster enhancement and aquaculture systems so they can be internationally competitive and can operate in harmony with the wild fisheries.

This Subprogram tries to remain responsive to the views of industry and understands the need to accommodate both the research requirements of the future and the needs of the existing wild fisheries and aquaculture industries. To ensure that research conducted within the Subprogram is relevant and meets the above criteria, a Steering Committee exists:

• To establish and review strategic directions for the Subprogram;
• To review existing research directions within the guidelines of the FRDC contractual agreements;
• To prioritise new research proposals and develop a priority list that can be used by other funding agencies;
• To ensure that research outcomes are commercially focused where relevant;
• To coordinate industry and research provider involvement so as to maximise usage of available resources;
• To facilitate industry extension and technology transfer;
• To advise on flexible components of budget expenditure;
• To develop an appropriate and approved communications policy;
• To ensure efficient and effective reporting structures;
• To promote the Subprogram and its achievements so that it can become the focus for all research on rock lobster aquaculture and enhancement.

At a minimum Steering Committee members are expected to attend at least two Subprogram meetings per year (one meeting per year will include a Subprogram workshop). Members are also required to comment (out of session) on all written project progress reports, final reports and new project proposals. Sitting fees are not paid to Steering Committee members, but the Subprogram covers travel expenses associated with attendance at the two annual meetings. Subprogram meetings are held at various locations around Australia.

The Steering Committee is comprised of:

• Subprogram Leader;
• FRDC Representative;
• Eleven industry representatives;
• Two Scientific Advisors.

The following should be noted in relation to membership:

• In general, Scientific Advisors will not have active research projects within the Subprogram.
• Proxies are not accepted for Steering Committee members who are unable to attend a particular meeting.
• Membership of the Steering Committee is expertise based.
• Periodically, the Subprogram Leader may invite relevant observers to Subprogram meetings, at his discretion.

Steering Committee members are selected to contribute expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• The marine aquaculture sector;
• The rock lobster wild capture fisheries;
• Seafood processing and marketing;
• Knowledge of the fishing industry and resource allocation;
• Research and development in marine science or aquaculture;
• Communication and technology transfer.

To ensure the RLEAS Steering Committee remains relevant, four of the industry representative positions have been declared vacant and we are seeking new nominations to fill these vacancies. In particular, we are seeking expertise in the following areas:

1. The WA wild capture fishery and knowledge of WA rock lobster industry priorities;
2. The South Australian wild capture fishery and knowledge of South Australian rock lobster industry priorities;
3. The Tasmanian wild capture fishery and knowledge of Tasmanain rock lobster industry priorities;
4. The Victorian wild capture fishery and knowledge of the Victorian rock lobster industry priorities.

Steering Committee members will be appointed for an initial period of 3 years subject to continuation of the Subprogram. One third of the Steering Committee places become vacant annually. Where a Steering Committee member is unable to complete a full term of appointment, an interim replacement will be selected to complete the term based on a recommendation from the Subprogram Leader to the FRDC Board. This will ensure the expertise base of the committee is maintained.

Applicants are requested to supply a cover letter outlining their expertise relevant to the requirements of the Committee, a curriculum vitae if it assists the nomination, and written endorsements from relevant organisations supporting the nomination. Applicants will also be asked to include a statement of commitment to the expected roles of the RLEAS Steering Committee members.

Applications should be forwarded to Dr Robert van Barneveld, RLEAS
Subprogram Leader, Suite 11 Level 1 Plaza Chambers, 3-15 Dennis Rd,
Springwood QLD 4127 or rob@barneveld.com.au. Further information can be
obtained by calling (07) 3290 6600 or 0418 802 462.

Lob ReLEASe Volume 1, Issue 1, August 1999

In this first issue of Lob ReLEASe we outline the research projects within the existing Subprogram, discuss how research priorities and research within the Subprogram is monitored, deliver some recent research results and we highlight some coming events and new publications arising from the research.

Lob ReLEASe Volume 1, Issue 2, October 2000

In this issue of Lob ReLEASe we outline the objectives of new projects within the Subprogram, list projects that have been completed within the Subprogram, provide an insight into rock lobster aquaculture and enhancement research in New Zealand, examine some of the basic husbandry research that has been underway in Tasmania, compare the advantages and disadvantages of re-seeding over quota buy-out schemes, examine the economics of pureulus collection and provide information on upcoming events, publications, and industry developments.

Lob ReLEASe Volume 1, Issue 3, February 2002

In this issue of "Lob ReLEASe" we provide a summary of research being conducted by Dr Michael Bruce and his colleagues in NZ on the cultivation of spiny lobsters. We also highlight some of the enhancement research being coordinated by Dr Caleb Gardner from the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute as well as summarising the RLEAS strategic plan.

Lob ReLEASe Volume 2, Issue 1, September 2003

In this issue of "Lob ReLEASe" we provide a summary of research conducted within the Subprogram and report on work being done by Dr Bruce Phillips on "Rock Lobster". We also highlight new Subprogram projects.