Title

Research Advisory Committee post-graduate student funding

Need

Several State and Territory based Research Advisory Committees (RACs) are offering funding for post-graduate (Honours, Masters, and PhD) student projects. This initiative seeks to attract high performing post-graduate students to address a range of priority fisheries projects.

Funding is available for the following projects:

• South Australian RAC: The influence of fish provenance and movement on fishery production and stock structure of South Australia’s Golden Perch fishery
  This project will use multiple techniques to elucidate the spatial origin (provenance), movement patterns and demographics of Golden Perch in the Lower Lakes to understand processes that drive temporal variation in fishery productivity. This information will assist in identifying appropriate scales (spatial and temporal) and strategies for management.

• New South Wales RAC: Developing the science base for Red Sea Urchin fisheries, in support of improved management and fishery productivity
  This project will address biological and ecological knowledge gaps to support management of the Red Sea Urchin Fishery. This project would:
  • Define Red Sea Urchin population structure across SE Australia
  • Estimate reproductive parameters and age/size-structures for Red Sea Urchin in SE Australia and any spatial variation therein, including inside and outside closed areas

Deliverables

The funding available for each student will be $25,000 per year, for up to 3 years, comprised of an annual $10,000 top-up stipend for living expenses and $15,000 for project operating expenses.

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Various – dependent on project 

Jurisdictions

Various – as named against each project title

FRDC Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity

Outcome 2: Best practices and production systems

Enabling Strategy IV: Building capacity and capability

Other

The student will gain direct applied research and industry experience by being co-supervised by a scientist from a relevant State and Territory based agency, while researching an industry relevant project and be registered at a university to undertake their post-graduate research.

Title

Alternate sources of recreational catch data for Tropical Tunas & Billfishes

Need

Understanding the total recreational fishery catch of species like Striped Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna, and potentially Swordfish (for which there is evidence of a growing recreational fishery) is important to understanding both the total Australian catch of these species and relative contributions of the fisheries to changes in local abundance/availability of these species.

The collection of recreational and charter catch data for these species can provide additional valuable information regarding trends in the local abundance/availability as well as the level of interaction between commercial and recreational fisheries. This information can also inform decision making and resource sharing arrangements.

Recreational catch data are often obtained from fishing club and tournament records. However, there are questions about the long-term viability of such data sources and alternate/enduring data collection methods and/or sources may be required. Moreover, consideration of the assumptions and limitations of alternately derived datasets when used for decision making is also required.

Deliverables

1. A review of traditional and new/alternate and cost-effective sources of recreational and charter catch data for Tropical Tunas and Billfishes (including assumption and limitations of the data as well as a cost benefit analyses) – this would be a stop/go point
2. Collating readily available data sources (identified in 1) to improve the understanding of the potential catch on local abundance/availability of commercial, recreational, and charter target species
3. Provide recommendations on how recreational and charter catch data might be collected, standardized, and integrated into decision-making

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Australian Fisheries Management Authority; Commercial, Recreational, and Charter sectors

Jurisdictions

Commonwealth

FRDC Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity

Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resources

Other

Title

Guiding development of harvest strategies for data-limited fisheries with multiple stocks, sectors, and objectives

Need

• Methods have been developed to optimise harvest strategies across sectors and types of objectives (ecological, economic, social, and managerial; FRDC 2015-013), and an approach for incorporating multiple stocks within a strategy for the SESSF is being developed (FRDC 2018-021)
• These projects focus on using assessment methods for relatively data-rich fisheries, or on multi-species considerations with only a single fishing sector (FRDC 2018-021)
• However, many fisheries in Australia have characteristics that are not addressed by these projects – e.g. multiple fishing sectors, multiple stocks, limited data for assessment, for which guides for development of harvest strategies are unavailable
• A guide for harvest strategy development is needed that draws together previous findings on multi-species, multi-sector fisheries while accounting for data-limited scenarios, which make up a large proportion of fisheries in Australia
• Consideration should be given to using cross jurisdictional stocks as case studies

Deliverables

• A synthesis of approaches for integrating stocks, sectors, and objectives within harvest strategies for data-limited fisheries, ranging from qualitative to quantitative, and embracing risk-based frameworks through to keystone species approaches
• A guide to selecting the most appropriate methods for integrating stocks, sectors and objectives based on the characteristics of a fishery
• Consideration of suitable target reference points for single species that are targeted by different sectors

Timing

End user

Fisheries scientists and managers; Commercial, Indigenous, and Recreational sectors

Jurisdictions

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia

FRDC Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity

Outcome 2: Best practices and production systems

Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resources

Outcome 5: Community trust, respect and value

Other

This project is linked to previous and current FRDC funded activities and so applications should consider, draw upon and learn or build on the outputs of these projects - including:

• 2010-061 National Guidelines to develop fishery harvest strategies
• 2015-013 Developing triple bottom line harvest strategies that include all environmental aspects for multi-sector fisheries
• 2018-021 Development and evaluation of multi-species harvest strategies in the SESSF
• 2019-021 Integrating recreational fishing information into harvest strategies for multi-sector fisheries
• 2021-135 Review of national guidelines to develop fishery harvest strategies

  It is critical that applications addressing this priority link into the current review of the national harvest strategy guidelines (FRDC 2021-135)

Title

Integrating recreational fisher experience / satisfaction into decision making

Need

• Fisher experience is regarded as an important measure of defining optimal resource use for non-commercial fishing sectors
• The lack of recreational fisher experience data has been highlighted at a national level and was explored in FRDC project 2018-161
• Key fishing stakeholders have identified their desire to include experiential performance indicators into fisheries harvest strategies to optimise the management of available resources in the Northern Territory. This is especially important in fishery management areas where management for optimised recreational outcomes have been prioritised (e.g. Barramundi)
• The need to apply and test existing frameworks for measuring fisher experience (or satisfaction) is necessary to validate their utility in the Northern Territory and more broadly across jurisdictions
• This includes understanding the interaction between fisher satisfaction/experience and catch settings and other administrative arrangements that may influence fisher experience

Deliverables

• Define recreational fisher experience into measurable metrics, distinguishing between fishery dependent and peripheral factors as well as considering data sources, collection methods, and assumptions
• Recommendations of how metrics of recreational fisher experience can be applied in a fishery harvest strategy
• Consideration should be given to the use of a case study fishery

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Recreational sector; Fisheries scientists and managers

Jurisdictions

Northern Territory

FRDC Outcome(s)

Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resources

Other

This project is linked to previous and current FRDC funded activities and so applications should consider, draw upon and learn or build on the outputs of these projects - including:

• 2018-161 National Social and Economic Survey of Recreational Fishers 2019
• 2019-021 Integrating recreational fishing information into harvest strategies for multi-sector fisheries
• 2021-135 Review of national guidelines to develop fishery harvest strategies

  It is critical that applications addressing this priority link into the current review of the national harvest strategy guidelines (FRDC 2021-135)

Title

Stock Structure of Crimson Snapper in northern Australia

Need

Traditional management of key fisheries species is often performed at the Jurisdictional level. However, biological stock structure is often finer and more complex than state and territory boundaries. Different biological stocks within a jurisdiction may experience vastly different levels of exploitation, while stocks that span jurisdictional boundaries can experience different management regimes in addition to varying exploitation rates.

These complications can result in management units/practices that are not biologically relevant to the species and its stock structure.

Crimson Snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus) is assessed based on an assumed stock structure, which is modelled on a closely related species (Saddletail Snapper, L. malabaricus). Annual Crimson Snapper harvests in the NT can be >1000t, while the species is also targeted inter-state. For a species of such high economic value to have such poorly defined stock structure creates uncertainty with stock assessment results. Management of species to the level of biological stocks is key to ensuring the sustainability of fishing practices and guiding coordinated and evidence-based strategies for growth in aquatic resource industries.

Previous molecular research demonstrated limited structuring of Crimson Snapper (Salini et al. 2006). However, recent methodological advances and the application of phenotypic markers (such as otolith chemistry and parasites) has the potential to elucidate more complex patterns of stock structuring and (re)define appropriate spatial scales on which to base assessments.

Deliverables

• Review historic information on Crimson Snapper stock structure
• Assess patterns of biological stock structuring across the species’ distribution using multiple approaches
• Provide advice to improve management approaches to ensure they are undertaken at biologically relevant scales

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Fisheries scientists and managers; Commercial sector

Jurisdictions

Northern Territory

FRDC Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity

Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resources

Outcome 5: Community trust, respect and value

Other

Title

Developing a cost-effective and novel fisheries-independent monitoring program to inform scalefish fisheries management

Need

• The Tasmanian Scalefish Fishery (TSF) contributes to total state fisheries production and is of high community value. However, target species remain difficult to assess and manage. Historically, the TSF has been assessed using commercial catch and effort data as well as age and length data. However, some key TSF species landings are increasingly highest in the recreational sector, with a comparatively low commercial catch. Therefore, innovative data collection programs are required to routinely monitor TSF species and inform robust stock assessments.
• Technological advances represent opportunities to enhance and supplement traditional fisheries monitoring approaches and collect non-destructive fishery-independent data. Novel technologies such as visual-based fish surveys conducted by ROVs/BRUVs/towed stereo-video cameras, allow fishery-independent surveys to be conducted in both shallow and deep water and can provide additional important information on fish habitat associations.
• The use of these approaches can increase the availability of length-data that can better inform a suite of novel stock assessment approaches which are described in the FRDC Stock Assessment Toolbox (e.g. LB-SPR, LIME and SS-DL).
• Before the application of such novel approaches, investigations are needed to rigorously assess the associated survey and data post-processing costs (e.g., machine learning, artificial intelligence for image recognition) and determine which method(s) would be most feasible for long-term monitoring of TSF species.
• Assessment of their cost-effectiveness should be relative to traditional monitoring approaches (e.g., fishery-dependent collection of length and age-data) and be considered through a cost-benefit analysis based on a structured decision-making framework
• The aim of this project is to assess cost-effective, alternative ways to collect fishery-independent data to better inform TSF stock assessments. By comparing data from various surveys, the goal is to provide cost-effective options for the ongoing collection of robust data for TSF management.

Deliverables

• Determine (including costing) and compare the advantages and disadvantages of using different stereo-video methods to collect image-based fish size estimates; including assessing the effectiveness of length-monitoring to inform assessments of depleted/depleting and undefined commercial scalefish species
• Investigate software developments, and costs, requirements, and timelines for the implementation of a fully automated system for post-processing of stereo-video surveys using artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Compare fisheries-dependent length data to fisheries-independent surveys data and investigate fishery-dependent novel sampling methods that could benefit monitoring and assessments (e.g. using stereo-video cameras to do market sampling at processing facilities to get accurate length-frequencies)
• Conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analyses of traditional versus novel methods, required sample sizes, to ensure the feasibility of implementing and incorporating novel methods into regular fisheries-independent monitoring and assessment outcomes
• Investigate the role of incorporating citizen science and include recreational fishers’ engagement in supporting cost-effective and novel fisheries-independent monitoring programs

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Fisheries scientists and managers

Jurisdictions

Tasmania

FRDC Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity

Outcome 2: Best practices and production systems

Outcome 5: Community trust, respect, and value

Other

This project is linked to previous and current FRDC funded activities and so applications should consider, draw upon and learn or build on the outputs of these projects - including:

• 2017-198 Assess new technologies and techniques that could improve the cost-effectiveness and robustness of recreational fishing surveys
• 2019-114 Giant Crab Enhanced Data Collection - Innovative approaches to enhance data collection in the Victorian, South Australian and Tasmanian Giant crab fisheries

Title

Assessing the biology and connectivity of east coast deep-water finfish and the impact of fleet dynamics

Need

• The combination of depleted inshore demersal fish stocks, shifts in demand, decreasing profit margins for some species and advances in technology have resulted in increased effort directed at deep water species
• In Queensland and New South Wales as well as Commonwealth adjacent waters, effort shifts to deep-water (>150 m) have occurred in all sectors (recreational, charter, and commercial)
• Deep-water finfish are often characterised as long lived, slow growing late to mature, and may be restricted within their distribution due to habitat preference, making these species vulnerable to over-exploitation. Several species have been identified by the Reef Line Fishery Working Group as species of concern – e.g. Bar Cod (Epinephelus ergastularius), Flametail Snapper (Etelis coruscans), and Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides multidens)
• Foundational research on these little-known species is required ahead of stock assessments and management actions that are required via harvest strategies to ensure species’ sustainability and to address Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) conditions
• Inclusion of capacity building elements (e.g. PhDs) as part of resultant applications is strongly encouraged

Deliverables

• Describe the life history characteristics of key deep-water species – e.g. Bar Cod, Flametail Snapper, and Goldband Snapper
• Understand the stock structure and connectivity of deep-water species in Queensland and New South Wales
• Investigate and implement novel methods for improving recreational catch reporting of deep-water species
• Improve estimates of fishing power in the deep-water line fishery by reviewing (as opposed to trialling) historic and current fishing technologies

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Fishery scientists and managers; Commercial, Recreational, and Charter sectors

Jurisdictions

Queensland; New South Wales; Commonwealth

FRDC

Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity

Outcome 2: Best practices and production systems

Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resources

Outcome 5: Community trust, respect, and value

Other

This project is linked to previous and current FRDC funded activities and so applications should consider, draw upon and learn or build on the outputs of these projects - including:

• 2010-053 Assessing technology changes and risks to the sustainable management of deepwater line fisheries in southern Queensland

Title

Reducing threatened, endangered, and protected species bycatch in the Queensland East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery

Need

• The East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) is the most valuable fishery in QLD and provides important supplies of seafood to local and at times, international markets
• While work has been done to reduce bycatch in the fishery, concerns remain regarding interactions with threatened, endangered, and protected species (TEPS), particularly Sea Snakes, but also Sawfish (FRDC 2022-068) and small elasmobranchs
• At present, populations and conservation status are poorly understood for at-risk sea snake species commonly encountered in the fishery. However, the species have vulnerable life history characteristics and evidence suggest species are in decline
• BRDs used in the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF) have shown a potential decrease in Sea Snake interactions and Western Australia have also prioritised gear modification investigations to reduce TEPS interactions. However, these devices and other potential innovations have not been fully tested in east coast conditions
• Conditions of the ECOTF’s Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) require intermediate and high risks identified in the existing environmental risk assessments to be mitigated within the fishery. This includes risks to five species of Sea Snake, two species of Sawfish and several small elasmobranchs. Industry and Fisheries Queensland has identified maintaining WTO accreditation to be a priority for the fishery
• An additional WTO condition requires new research or development that reduces the risk of trawl fishing to Sea Snakes and may include at-sea trial of improved bycatch reduction devices (BRDs)

Deliverables

• Field trials and innovation of BRDs that reduce TEPS interactions and reduce identified risks in the fishery while minimising losses of the target species to acceptable levels
• An improved understanding of trawl fishing interactions with TEPS species

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Fishery scientists and managers; Commercial sector (ECOTF fishers); Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority; Conservation groups (Australian Marine Conservation Society)

Jurisdictions

Queensland; Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries

FRDC

Outcome(s)

Outcome 2: Best practises and production systems

Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resource

Outcome 5: Community trust respect and Value

Other

This project is linked to previous and current FRDC funded activities and so applications should consider, draw upon and learn or build on the outputs of these projects - including:

• 2005-051 Effects of Trawling Subprogram: risk assessment and mitigation for sea snakes caught in the Northern Prawn Fishery
• 2005-053 Effects of Trawling subprogram: reducing the impact of Queensland's trawl fisheries on protected sea snakes
• 2005-054 Effects of Trawling Subprogram: collaborative extension program by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Seanet and Ecofish for the development and adoption of square mesh codends in select prawn and scallop trawl fisheries in Queensland
• 2008-101 Tactical Research Fund: Extension of fisheries research and development funded research results on improved bycatch reduction devices to the Queensland East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery

Title

Bringing the iconic Australian Herring to the food service and retail market

Need

• The Western Australian G-Trap Herring Fishery has recently been reopened after improvements in the stock’s sustainability
• Historically, Australian Herring caught were sold to the bait market. However, the requirement moving forward is to transition the fishery from one that services a bait market to one that is for a human consumption market.
• The successful transition to human consumption markets will likely enable commercial fishers’ greater access to the resource, increasing economic opportunities for operators
• This project aims to identify food service and retail opportunities for the Australian Herring, including utilising current waste

Deliverables

• Identify options to value add and (where possible) fully utilise the Australia Herring through the human consumption market
• Investigate the human consumption market for up to three new Australian Herring-based products
• Document supply chain frameworks to get proposed new products to the market that can be replicable for other similar underutilised / lesser-known species

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Commercial sector (G-Trap Herring Fishers); Seafood Processors and Retail sector

Jurisdictions

Western Australia

FRDC

Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity

Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resource

Outcome 5: Community trust respect and Value

Other

This project is linked to previous and current FRDC funded activities and so applications should consider, draw upon and learn or build on the outputs of these projects - including:

• 2016-121 Workshop to implement a National Approach to Australian Salmon Market Development and Supply
• 2017-185 A review of projects concerned with improved exploitation of underutilised species

Title

Creating a Kimberley Aboriginal Mud Crab Fishery

Need

• Assisting Aboriginal communities to realise the economic development potential from commercial fishing rights in Western Australia is a high priority for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). This priority is also shared by the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC)
• Mud Crab has been identified as a key species of interest for development. However, despite Mud Crab fishing in the Kimberley stretching back to the 1990s, little is known about the resource. This is due to the ad hoc and variable nature of fishing, minimal investment, and logistical constraints
• Previous opportunities for Aboriginal communities to commercially fish for Mud Crab have not been successful in Western Australia, with knowledge of the resource, training, and business planning needed to accompany the allocation of fishing authorisations
• Recently, 50% of the Mud Crab trap entitlement in Western Australia (600 traps) has been allocated to Aboriginal groups. This access to entitlement is unique within Australia and provides significant opportunity, leading to the development of Western Australia’s Aboriginal Mud Crab Strategic Plan (Plan) as well as the recent establishment of an Aboriginal Fishing Advisory Council (AFAC)
• Data on Mud Crab species biology, distribution, and habitat associations is required to underpin development opportunities for these communities. These data will help inform appropriate trap allocations and management arrangements to maximise the success of future Aboriginal business development in Western Australia. Data will also assist with management of the commercial and recreational fishing industry in Western Australia
• This project is a two-way capacity building opportunity between Aboriginal people and Agency staff – e.g. through collaborative research surveys, and on-country workshop (focus on delivering culturally appropriate data transfers, where appropriate)

Deliverables

• Biological research undertaken in collaboration with Traditional Owners in specific Kimberley regions including King Sound and Cambridge Gulf to record species biology, distribution, and habitat associations. Appropriate methodology and collection practices will be developed using an Aboriginal perspective
• Traditional Ecological Knowledge transfer of Mud Crab fishing methods, scientific techniques, and traditional knowledge between Traditional Owners and researchers for future commercial application
• Results should be presented to Kimberley Salt Water Prescribed Body Corporates, including Indigenous Salt Water Advisory Group (ISWAG) member organisations, increasing knowledge, and building capacity of Aboriginal people entering the industry for economic development potential
• Identify opportunities for effective and ongoing engagement with the Western Australian commercial Mud Crab sector

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Traditional Owners – in the Kimberley region; Fishery scientists and managers; Indigenous Salt Water Advisory Group

Jurisdictions

Western Australia

FRDC

Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity

Outcome 2: Best practises and production systems

Outcome 3: A culture that is inclusive and forward thinking

Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resources

Outcome 5: Community trust, respect and value

Other

DPIRD & CRCNA have a two-year project (2022-2024) aimed at capacity building for Aboriginal people within the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. It will also de-risk the commercial pathway for Aboriginal entrants into the Mud Crab fishery and help inform member organisations such as the ISWAG of the research findings in their waters and other relevant pieces of work

Through Kimberley Land Council and ISWAG – Intellectual Property needs to remain in community

This project is linked to previous and current FRDC funded activities and so applications should consider, draw upon and learn or build on the outputs of these projects - including:

• 2017-069 Indigenous Capacity Building Program

Title

Improved reporting and environmental, social and governance performance in small and medium sized aquaculture businesses

Need

A wide range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges face Australian aquaculture. These include greenhouse gas emissions, disease, use of forage fish in feeds, habitat destruction, fish welfare, and effluent discharge. 

Whilst, the larger aquaculture businesses have made inroads in addressing these challenges, a better understanding of the specific ESG challenges facing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the incentives (regulatory, price-based, behaviourally informed; ESG reporting) which could be effective to address these challenges is required. This would support them to address community expectations, prosper over the long-term and encourage further investment.

Related to this is the need to test the assumption that establishing a common ESG reporting framework for SMEs will lead to improved ESG outcomes for aquaculture SMEs.

Deliverables

1. A review to identify the main ESG challenges facing Australian aquaculture SMEs. This would include an international review relevant to the Australian context
2. A global review of successful and unsuccessful incentive schemes for SME aquaculture including design features and equivalency (i.e. market-based, certification, regulatory, voluntary ESG reporting, behavioural). The review should focus on key ESG challenges identified in (1)
3. Recommendations on next steps

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Industry; Management agencies; Training providers; Government

Jurisdictions

National

FRDC Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity

Outcome 2: Best practises and production systems

Outcome 3: A culture that is inclusive and forward thinking

Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resources

Outcome 5: Community trust, respect, and value

Other

Title

Enterprise biosecurity plan writing workshops

Need

• Enterprise biosecurity describes the systems put in place to protect aquatic businesses (or “enterprises”) from disease. It is an important component of business risk management to reduce the likelihood of a serious disease outbreak occurring, and to reduce the impact if one was to occur.
• Collective implementation of biosecurity measures by aquaculture businesses also reduces disease risk at both the regional and national level. 
• Several sector-specific and system‑specific biosecurity plan guidance documents have been developed through previous National Strategic Plans for Aquatic Animal Health, AQUAPLANs.
• The need to support aquaculture businesses to develop or refine their own biosecurity plans has been identified through AQUAPLAN 2022-2027, Activity 2.1.

Deliverable

• This project will deliver a series of biosecurity plan writing workshops for interested industry sectors where businesses can develop new enterprise biosecurity plans or review their existing plans
• The workshops will be interactive, driven by the needs of attendees, and provide an opportunity for attendees to draw on the experiences of their peers and other experts in attendance
• The workshop output for each participant will be a new draft biosecurity plan, or a revised plan, that is practical and relevant for their business
• Each workshop will be either sector-specific or aligned to a production system type, depending on participants needs and efficiencies
• Approaches for workshop evaluation and to improve delivery to meet participant needs should be included in the project plan – this includes developing legacy elements that extend beyond the life of the project (e.g. e-learning materials)

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Aquaculture businesses; Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity Coordination Program

Jurisdictions

National

FRDC Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity

Outcome 2: Best practices and productions systems

Enabling Strategy IV: Building capacity and capability

Other

Applicants should consult with industry associations to determine interest in participating and to ensure project approaches meet the sectors’ needs. Possible mechanisms to create benefit extending beyond this series of workshops should be considered. For example, sharing of workshop materials, or the development of e-learning materials that can complement the face-to-face biosecurity plan writing workshops.

Title 

Assess the future needs of Australia’s aquatic animal disease diagnostic system

Need 

Australia’s national diagnostic network for aquatic animal diseases has been developed over time to support the many functions of Australia’s aquatic animal health management system. These include confirmation or exclusion of exotic diseases, implementing disease management measures, enterprise health accreditation and demonstration of regional or national disease status. The investment in Australia’s diagnostic network and diagnostic methods has been substantial and has resulted in significant strength for testing reliability and capacity. 

Australia’s diagnostic network draws on nodes of expertise throughout national and state government laboratories, research laboratories and private service providers. The high standard of diagnostic service is built upon quality research, validation of methods, diagnostic and laboratory standards, and programs to support quality assurance. However, despite these strong and established elements, Australia’s diagnostic network must continue to evolve. 

Many factors are driving changing needs and providing opportunities for improved diagnostic systems. There is growing demand for diagnostic services due to increasing requirements of trading partners, emerging diseases, and the growing needs of industry to monitor stock health status. New opportunities are also emerging through technologies such as high throughput sequencing, point of care tests, and autonomous or remote monitoring systems. However, the performance of new technologies needs to be understood so that that they can be applied to appropriate purposes. Information systems are also important for data capture, analysis and for reporting or sharing information. While demand and opportunities are increasing, the number of specialist aquatic diagnosticians are diminishing. Consideration is required to ensure expertise is available to meet the demand for services. These drivers of change will need to be considered and planned for if affordable and reliable diagnostic services are to continue to serve the needs of industries and governments. 

The project will assess the future needs of end-users from Australia’s aquatic animal disease diagnostic system such as industry and governments. Stakeholder consultation will inform the future demands on the diagnostic system over the next 5 to 10 years and how new technologies could contribute to meeting those demands. Based on the views of stakeholders, including anticipated growth and changes within industry, priority areas for investment in the diagnostic system—including research and policy—will be identified.

Deliverable 

The primary output from this project will be a report that documents the stakeholder consultation process and provides a synthesis of stakeholder views. It is intended that the report will provide stakeholders with a direction for the future development of Australia’s diagnostic system for aquatic animal diseases. 

Timing 

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user 

Aquaculture and wild catch sectors; Governments; Aquatic animal health service providers and researchers; Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity Coordination Program

Jurisdictions

National

FRDC R&D Plan Outcome 

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity 

Outcome 2: Best practice and production systems 

Other 

This project aligns with Activity 4.1 of AQUAPLAN 2022-2027 

Applicants should consider appropriate mechanisms to consult industry and government stakeholders meaningfully and efficiently. Broad consultation across aquaculture sectors will be necessary to understand diagnostic needs and anticipated changes to those needs. The project is future focussed and not intended to conduct any stocktake or review of current capacity or arrangements.

Title

Minor use permit for trimethoprim-sulfadiazine in marine and freshwater finfish

Need

Trimethoprim and sulphonamides are individually bacteriostatic but when combined are synergistic and typically bactericidal. When used in combination, trimethoprim-sulfadiazine has broad spectrum activity against susceptible gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Trimethoprim-sulfadiazine is a folate synthesis inhibitor and in Australia, there are no existing permits or labels to treat susceptible bacterial infections in marine and freshwater finfish with the same mode of action. Inhibition of bacterial infections should be a multi-level approach with different antibiotics (with different modes of action) to cover a larger range of bacterial species and minimise antibiotic resistance.

A minor use permit (MUP) for trimethoprim-sulfadiazine in Australian finfish aquaculture would help decrease finfish mortality, improve finfish welfare and aquaculture production. This project would benefit multiple marine and freshwater finfish aquaculture industries in Australia.

Deliverable

Finalise data package and submit a MUP application to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for the use of trimethoprim-sulfadiazine products (CCD Trimetsulpha – 42336 and AFS Trimsul Antimicrobial Soluble Powder – 36528) to treat susceptible bacterial infections in marine and freshwater finfish.

Pre-Application Assistance (PAA) written advice for this project has been obtained from the APVMA and is available upon request to assist application. In summary, the following data modules are required:

• Work health and safety assessment (Module 6.3) to establish first aid instructions and safety directions for a minor use label
• Detailed description of published residues information (Module 5.5) and potentially a Trade Advice Notice from industry stakeholders
• Environmental impact assessment following VICH GL6 Phase 1 (Module 7.3) and potentially VICH GL38 Phase II (Module 7.2) environmental impact assessments for veterinary medicinal products
• Detailed description of efficacy and target animal safety in marine and freshwater finfish (module 8.3)
• Special data (Module 10.2) assessment may be required (determination of risk to antibiotic resistance)

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 16 JANUARY 2023

End user

Aquaculture industries; Governments; Aquatic animal health service providers and researchers

Jurisdictions

National

FRDC Outcomes

Outcome 2: Best practices and production systems.

Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resources.

Other

This project also aligns with Activity 6.2 of AQUAPLAN 2022-2027: Aquatic animal minor use permit applications.

Please contact Fisheries Research Development Corporation for more information regarding PAA written advice.

The downloadable Project Budget 2022 must be completed and submitted with application.

More information regarding specific Quality, Safety, and Efficacy VICH guidelines can be found here: Analytical validation (vichsec.org)

This project is linked to FRDC 2020-094 Improving the availability of safe and effective veterinary medicines for Australia's seafood industry.

Title

Minor use permit for Chloramine-T in marine and freshwater finfish

Need

Chloramine-T is a chlorinated disinfectant and surfactant, effective against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The hypochlorite moiety can destroy the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) structure via oxidation and thereby prevents microbes from reproducing. Surfactants are critical for treatment of surface bacterial infections (for example Flavobacterium spp). In Australia, there are no permitted or registered surfactants available for treating bacterial and parasite infections in marine or freshwater finfish.

A minor use permit (MUP) for Chloramine-T in marine and freshwater finfish would help decrease finfish mortality, improve finfish welfare and aquaculture production. This project would be beneficial to multiple marine and freshwater finfish aquaculture industries in Australia.

Deliverable

Finalise data package and submit a MUP application to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for the use of Chloramine-T (N-chloro-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide sodium salt) to treat bacterial or parasite infections in marine and freshwater finfish.

Pre-Application Assistance (PAA) written advice for this project has been obtained from the APVMA and is available upon request to assist application. In summary, the following data modules are required:

• Limited chemistry assessment: Specifications and certificate of analysis for active constituent, specifications for non-active ingredients, formulation, finished product specifications, packaging specifications and evidence of product stability (Module 2.3)
• Toxicology and Work Health Safety Assessment required to establish first aid instructions and safety directions for minor use label (Module 3.3)
• Detailed description of published residues information under Module 5.5
• Work health and safety assessment (Module 6.3)
• Environmental ecotoxicity assessment following VICH GL6 Phase 1 (Module 7.3) and potentially VICH GL38 Phase II (Module 7.2) environmental impact assessments for veterinary medicinal products
• Detailed description of efficacy and target animal safety in marine and freshwater finfish (module 8.3)
• Special data (Module 10.2) assessment may be required (determination of risk to antibiotic resistance)

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 16 JANUARY 2023

End user

Aquaculture industries; Governments; Aquatic animal health service providers and researchers

Jurisdictions

National

FRDC Outcomes

Outcome 2: Best practices and production systems.

Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resources.

Other

This project also aligns with Activity 6.2 of AQUAPLAN 2022-2027: Aquatic animal minor use permit applications.

Please contact Fisheries Research Development Corporation for more information regarding PAA written advice.

The downloadable Project Budget 2022 must be completed and submitted with application.

More information regarding specific Quality, Safety, and Efficacy VICH guidelines can be found here: Analytical validation (vichsec.org)

This project is linked to FRDC 2020-094 Improving the availability of safe and effective veterinary medicines for Australia's seafood industry.

Title

Minor use permit to sedate marine or freshwater crustaceans using registered products containing isoeugenol

Need

Isoeugenol is broadly effective at sedating marine lobsters and freshwater prawns (Coyle et al. 2005; Robertson et al. 2018), but in Australia, there are no permitted or registered veterinary chemical products for sedation marine or freshwater crustaceans. A minor use permit (MUP) for isoeugenol in marine and freshwater crustaceans would contribute substantially to improved profitability and welfare, particularly during crustacean handling or transportation. This project would, therefore, provide benefit to multiple marine and freshwater crustaceans Australian aquaculture industries.

Deliverable

Finalise data package and submit a MUP application to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for the use of APVMA registered isoeugenol products (containing 540 grams per litre, g/L isoeugenol) to sedate in marine or freshwater crustaceans.

Pre-Application Assistance (PAA) written advice for this project has been obtained from the APVMA and is available upon request to assist application. In summary, the following data modules are required:

• Residues safety study to establish a maximum residue limit (MRL) in crustaceans (Module 5.3) and a Trade Advice Notice from industry stakeholders.
• Environmental impact assessment following VICH GL6 Phase 1 (Module 7.3) and potentially VICH GL38 Phase II (Module 7.2) environmental impact assessments for veterinary medicinal products.
• Detailed description of efficacy and target animal safety in marine and freshwater crustaceans (module 8.3).

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 16 JANUARY 2023

End user

Aquaculture industries; Governments; Aquatic animal health service providers and researchers

Jurisdictions

National

FRDC Outcomes

Outcome 2: Best practices and production systems.

Outcome 4: Fair and secure access to aquatic resources.

Other

This project also aligns with Activity 6.2 of AQUAPLAN 2022-2027: Aquatic animal minor use permit applications.

Please contact Fisheries Research Development Corporation for more information regarding PAA written advice.

The downloadable Project Budget 2022 must be completed and submitted with application.

More information regarding specific Quality, Safety, and Efficacy VICH guidelines can be found here: Analytical validation (vichsec.org)

This project is linked to FRDC 2020-094 Improving the availability of safe and effective veterinary medicines for Australia's seafood industry.

Title

Reviewing solutions to reduce unwanted fisher interactions with elasmobranchs

Need

• The National Shark Depredation Workshop (FRDC project 2021-038) highlighted the range of solutions – alternative techniques and technologies – trialed to mitigate elasmobranch depredation with variable success (under a range of conditions). Such trials represent a considerable investment. While some findings of these trials have been documented and/or collated (e.g. Mitchell et al. 2018; 2022). There are other trials (especially those considered ‘unsuccessful’) that are not (well) documented. In addition, there are a range of practices used by recreational and commercial fishers to mitigate elasmobranch depredation as well as reduce incidental elasmobranch catches that are not documented at all
• There is a need to collate and review the range of solutions to reduce unwanted fisher interactions with elasmobranchs, building on the existing primary literature base by focusing on secondary and anecdotal/unpublished research
• Such a review might also consider factors that influence the likelihood of adoption – i.e. in-field practicalities of the solution, fishers’ willingness to pay
• Those solutions considered successful and are practical may then inform future industry co-designed trials to:
  • Reduce the likelihood of interactions between fishers and depredating elasmobranchs 
  • Increase species selectivity for commercial and recreational elasmobranch fishers – e.g. reducing interactions with incidentally caught elasmobranchs (including TEP elasmobranch species)

Deliverables

• Global review of emerging data, technologies (including start-up), and scientific literature to examine potential solutions to mitigate or reduce interactions with TEP elasmobranch species
• Communicate to managers, industry, and researchers on the outputs of the review and seek feedback on practical solutions
• Co-designing trials of promising, practical solutions for distribution and prioritisation among relevant stakeholders

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Commercial and recreational fishers; fisheries manager

Jurisdictions

National

FRDC Outcome(s)

Outcome 2: Best practices and production systems

Other

This project is linked to previous and current FRDC funded activities and so applications should consider, draw upon and learn or build on the outputs of these projects - including:

• 2021-038 Shark depredation in Australian fisheries: understanding the scope of the issue and identify potential mitigation options

Title

Developing a framework to evaluate capability and capacity investment and implementation

Need

The Capability and Capacity Building Plan seeks to drive the FRDC’s strategic investment and partnerships to shift culture, develop and sustain capability and capacity, so the fishing and aquaculture community can lead and thrive during change by identifying and implementing a range of initiatives (FRDC R&D Plan 2020-2025, Enabling Strategy IV).

Evaluation and measurement of capacity and capability building initiatives can be challenging as related outcomes require a long-term approach. It is important to understand what is working, what is taking longer than expected to work, or what requires adjustment and adaptation to enable effective change. This project seeks the development of an evaluation framework of capacity and capability initiatives and its implementation through a pilot to provide reporting and monitoring. Then develop an annual case study to demonstrate the framework. Monitoring and reporting should be undertaken through to 2025, aligned to the FRDC R&D plan.

Examples of current and new capability and capacity initiatives that may be monitored during the project cycle include:

• Leadership research and programs, scholarships, and sponsorships
• Fishing and aquaculture capability framework research
• Workforce data baseline research
• SeaWork online platform (working title)
• School focussed research and engagement activities
• Research and student award sponsorship
• Understanding learning styles to enable change research
• Women, Indigenous, and recreational sector capability and capacity building research/programs
• R&D, extension, and operational programs where capability and capacity development can be embedded
• Bursaries to support capability and capacity development

The framework design and implementation must complement FRDC’s existing monitoring and evaluation framework, enabling an enhanced focus on capability and capacity. FRDC is seeking visibility of progress, identification of challenges, potential barriers to behaviour change and opportunities to address these through this evaluation.

Deliverables

• Determine capability and capacity initiatives to be evaluated and criteria for selection considering FRDC accountability reporting requirements and KPIs
• Establish a consistent method of measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of capability and capacity initiatives over time, including recommended data collection methods and approaches
• Method to embed capability and capacity evaluation in existing and future FRDC initiatives / projects developed
• Apply and pilot the framework through two projects (e.g. SeaWork (new project); Australian Rural Leadership Program – FRDC bursary (existing project))
• Undertake a monitoring and evaluation of one case study in 2024 and 2025

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

The FRDC Capability and Capacity Building Steering Committee (C&C SC) will provide active oversight of the monitoring and evaluation of capability, capacity and change related initiatives.

Fishing and aquaculture sectors; Fisheries Managers; Governments; Researchers; Education providers; Community; Human Dimensions Research Coordination program

Jurisdictions

National

FRDC Outcome(s)

Outcome 2: Best practices and production systems

Outcome 3: A culture that is inclusive and forward thinking

Outcome 5: Community trust, respect and value

Enabling Strategy IV: Build capability and capacity

Other

Title

Fishing and aquaculture workforce capability framework

Need

To drive and sustain change across Australia’s fishing and aquaculture (F&A) community, it is vital to understand and meet capability and in turn capacity needs. These capabilities (knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience) must be able to respond to significant changes that impact on F&A communities.

A lack of a strategic framework is a barrier to addressing current and future capability needs of the F&A community. A framework enables how capacity needs, attracting and retaining people, providing pathways to enable decision making that will contribute and prepare stakeholders for change, can be identified and informed.

This foundational research project aims to engage stakeholders to develop a capability framework for Australia’s fishing and aquaculture community. This framework will provide an overview of expected behaviours and capabilities required of people in F&A. This community includes production, post-harvest and retail sectors across commercial wild catch, aquaculture, recreational and Indigenous sectors, along with fisheries management, research, development, and extension professionals.

This research provides a strategic opportunity to acknowledge current and establish future needs collectively, ensuring relevant challenges and opportunities for sectors and communities are identified, creating the opportunity to scope short- and long-term needs, informed by evidence.

The framework sought is foundational to enable workforce planning, mapping of initiatives, projects, and training to showcase investment, articulate career pathways and identify capability and capacity gaps. It should be accessible to end users through fit for purpose tools and resources leveraging the knowledge generated by the framework.

Communicating and extending the capability framework in terms of creating “practical access” to the framework through resources for individuals, businesses, and jurisdictions is out of scope.

This initiative is multipurpose, building engagement and trust, social capital and awareness of capability and capacity across the F&A community, whilst providing an evidence based, structured mechanism to consider and plan for change.

Deliverables

Outputs

1. Literature review of FRDC projects, external research, frameworks, and models relevant to F&A capability
2. Identify and define current and expected key capabilities - knowledge, skills, mindset, experience, competencies, and behaviours - of the F&A workforce (over a 5 to 10 year time frame)
3. Provide an evidence based, structured mechanism to consider and plan for change
4. Communication plan to introduce and engage stakeholders in research process
5. Development of Capability Framework based on the outputs of 1 to 3

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Fishing and aquaculture sectors; Management agencies; Governments; Researchers; Education providers; Community; FRDC Capability & Capacity Steering Committee; Human Dimensions Research Coordination program

Jurisdictions

National

FRDC Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity

Outcome 3: A culture that is inclusive and forward thinking

Outcome 5: Community trust, respect and value

Enabling Strategy IV: Build capability and capacity

Enabling Strategy V: Provide foundational information and support services

Other

The initiative will build on insights and approaches from FRDC and external projects - including:

• 2021-019 Future proofing the northern Australia aquaculture industry need for skilled staff to 2050
• 2020-126 Australian Agrifood Data Exchange (OzAg Data Exchange)
• 2022-034 Profiling and tracking change in Australia's seafood workforce: establishing a baseline workforce dataset
• Agricultural Digital Workforce Capability Framework report (CRDC, KPMG, 2019).
• Aquaculture and Wild Catch Industry Reference Committee: https://www.skillsimpact.com.au/aquaculture-and-wild-catch
• Tasmania Seafood Industry Council – Workforce development project
• Digital Pathways Identification Project (NCVER, 2021)
• Test the waters: Competencies for the sustainable blue economy research project (Future Skills Centre, Canada)

Example capability frameworks include:

• https://www.psc.nsw.gov.au/workforce-management/capability-framework
• https://workforcecapability.ndiscommission.gov.au/framework
• https://vpsc.vic.gov.au/workforce-capability-leadership-and-management/workforce-capability/vps-capability-framework
• https://ocpe.nt.gov.au/people-and-planning/leadership-and-capability/capability-framework
• https://nada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/workforce-capability-framework-web.pdf

Title

Understand and respond to threats and opportunities presented by alternative proteins

Need

Alternative proteins (plant-based and food-technology alternatives to animal protein) are playing an increasing role in consumer diets, as well as providing innovative substitute inputs to products that traditionally utilise animal protein such as livestock feed.

Total demand and environmental savings from alternative proteins in products intended for human consumption are expected to reach $12 billion by 2050 at around 5% per annum growth.

Though development of alternative seafood protein options is lagging behind other forms of animal protein, there are a growing number of entrants globally who are rolling out new technologies and ingredients.

The growing trend in demand for alternative proteins presents either a significant threat or a large opportunity to Australia’s traditional fishing and aquaculture sectors and supply chain, depending on positioning.

Deliverables

1. A review of risks and opportunities associated alternative proteins to Australian fishing and aquaculture sectors and enterprises throughout the supply chain
2. Recommendations on how fishing and aquaculture sectors and enterprises might re-position to embrace benefits associated with alternative proteins, and respond to associated risks.
3. Extension activities to help end-users understand project findings, how they might integrate new knowledge generated, and benefits from doing so.

Timing

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 15 FEBRUARY 2023

End user

Fishing and aquaculture sectors and enterprises

Jurisdictions

All

FRDC Outcome(s)

Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity

Outcome 3: A culture that is inclusive and forward thinking

Outcome 5: Community trust, respect and value

Enabling strategy III: Promote innovation and entrepreneurship

Enabling Strategy IV: Build capability and capacity

Other