After nearly three decades with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) – and 21 years as Managing Director – Dr Patrick Hone has announced his retirement. 

FRDC Chair Dr Beth Woods paid tribute to Dr Hone’s strong leadership role in ensuring science underpinned the continued development of Australian fishing and aquaculture. 

“Patrick has had a tremendous impact on fishing and aquaculture development in Australia, and internationally, championing the importance of evidence-based decision making and ensuring the ecologically sustainable development of fishing and aquaculture. He has focused on the effective use of aquatic resources and the ability for all Australians to enjoy seafood products as well as healthy aquatic environments,” Dr Woods said.  

“Throughout his tenure, Patrick has worked with the FRDC team to build relationships with the numerous diverse and geographically dispersed stakeholders and ensure their views were considered in developing FRDC’s strategic plans and investment priorities. He has also been a champion of the research and development corporation model for bringing together industry and government resources to support innovation in Australia’s food and agribusiness sectors.  

“On behalf of the entire sector, I thank Patrick for his dedication and tireless work in support of Australian fishing and aquaculture sectors,” Dr Woods said.  

In reflecting on his 30 years at FRDC, Patrick said what resonated most, and the thing he hoped to be best remembered for, was people.  

“People are at the centre of everything we do here at FRDC. It’s all about strong partnerships – between the Australian Government, the fishing and aquaculture sectors, representative groups, fisheries management agencies and critically, our research providers.  

“I’ve been privileged to see so many people develop and grow professionally over the years. From committed Indigenous leaders, those hard-working commercial fishers, passionate recreational advocates, enterprising aquaculture businesspeople, to young scientists working on an array of FRDC investments – FRDC has supported the development of thousands of people throughout all sectors. It’s been an absolute career highlight to see how our investment in these people, and the work they do, has underpinned the strong growth and performance of aquaculture and fishing across all sectors – Indigenous, wild catch and recreational,” Dr Patrick Hone said.  

To ensure a smooth leadership transition, the FRDC Board will advertise the Managing Director role broadly to attract another vibrant leader to steer FRDC for the future. Dr Hone is committed to working with the FRDC Board to ensure continuity and stability as a new Managing Director is appointed and onboarded.