The simple list of priorities identified by QFIRAC prior to the current round of R&D was prepared as a short term measure, prior to a full examination of all the relevant issues and the development of a 3-5 year plan.
Since the production of QFIRAC's original R&D Strategic Plan several key stakeholders have reported on completed R&D, or reviewed their priorities for R&D. (refs. 1-6)

Research Advisory Bodies (FRAB) advise inter alia the FRDC on the appropriateness and priority of the R&D. The changes in fisheries management in Queensland reported above in the Background section, and the contents of the reports and reviews alluded to here, suggest that QFIRAC must revisit not only its R&D priorities, but also the way in which it interacts with its stakeholders. This will ensure that it recommends R&D which is timely, of high priority and of use to its stakeholders. The aim is to ensure that R&D is performed by research providers who are informed of contemporary needs, have the best technical competence, and ensure that research results are of use to, and understood by, the end users. It is expected that this exercise will produce a methodology to identify the critical needs for R &D in Queensland, and to ensure that these can be addressed promptly by R&D providers.

References
1. Anon. 1997 Research needs and priorities for the management of Queensland's fisheries. QFMA, Brisbane. 16pp.
2. Anon. 1998. The Seafood industry's strategic plan for achieving seafood excellence. SeaQual, Canberra. 12pp.
3. Kirkwood, J. 2000. Marine Fish Habitat Research. Strategic Plan 2000-2002. A whole of ecosystem approach. DPIQ Brisbane Qld. 10pp.
4. Newman, G 1998. Research Priorities for Australian Fisheries and Aquaculture. Standing Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture, Canberra. 22pp.
5. Retif, S. 1998. Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Report 1995-97. DPIQ Brisbane. 100pp.
6. Williams, L E 1997 Queensland's Fisheries Resources. Current Condition and Recent Trends 1988-1995.

The Australian seafood industry faces two major challenges, to cope with the limitations to those wild fisheries resources that are fully exploited, and to adapt to the changing preferences and expectations of the marketplace. Further growth will come from increased aquaculture production and better utilisation of the existing catch.

We are trading on a global market, and overseas competitors are threatening our position as a unique supplier of high quality raw material. Australian exporters have been effective in moving from bulk commodity markets to smaller, more lucrative niche markets with specialist requirements.

Trade liberalisation will expand the scope for high priced, value-added products with a significant service component. To take advantage of these opportunities, Australian producers need knowledge of markets and their requirements, processes, products, presentation options, quality and safety standards and systems, prices, and the levels of service expected of suppliers.

In the current project (1999/333) a number of areas where industry is demanding assistance are listed. Some of these have been satisfied whilst others need more emphasis. These are:

1. Assistance to people exploring new ventures, products and processes including value-adding and processing options, market details and technical information.

2. Information on contacts in markets, government agencies and other service providers (eg consultants, freight forwarders, equipment providers). AUSEAS needs to maintain a comprehensive list of contacts and to keep information on the capabilities of providers of services to improve coordination across the seafood industry. This current contact list along with contact lists from other components of SSA will form the basis for a whole SSA industry contact database.

3. Trouble shooting when problems occur, usually in the form of telephone advice or short, customised written material.

4. Advice on funding assistance, usually in the areas of product and process development applications to NSC. This can include reviewing applications before and after submission and assessment of reports.

5. Demand for brief targeted information to be provided free of charge through delivery methods such as Internet, fax-back, etc.

6. A centralised delivery point for information on seafood related matters to act as a “one-stop" shop for the industry.

In addition to direct assistance to industry, we also perform a networking role between researchers and the industry. Services we offer to researchers are:
(a) Identification of areas needing research.
(b) Assistance with background literature searches etc.
(c) Introduction to industry collaborators.
(d) Review of research proposals.
(e) Review of reports etc prior to publication.
(f) Assistance with dissemination and application of research findings.