The objective of the 2009 study was to:
Estimate the benefits arising from managing fisheries to their best use and managing that use in such a way as to generate the greatest benefit to the community, then compare those benefits against current outcomes.

There are a range of fishery performance assessment methods available, including evaluation of comparative return on capital, and estimates of B.mey/B.msy/B.cur comparisons and projects targeted at specific fisheries. These various methods have been undertaken concurrently for some years. Together it is anticipated that estimation by a range of methods will develop up a robust composite picture of Australia's fishery performance gap.

Since the 2009 study the FRDC has also commissioned additional studies to consider fishery performance based on social indicators (e.g. FRDC 2010/040). Learnings from these projects will be incorporated where relevant to project design.

The Delphi approach based on formal responses from an expert panel (70 selected experts) is one of the paths identified by the FRDC Resource Working Group to identify the size of the ‘gap’ between best outcomes for fisheries management and current practices. The Delphi technique was used as the basis for the 2009 Evaluation Study. It is proposed that the Delphi technique based on expert advice, be used again as the basis for this 2014 study.

However it is proposed for the 2014 study that the methodology and the expert assessment panel be expanded to include all three wild fishery sectors (commercial, recreational and indigenous/customary), as well as aquaculture.
This approach will therefore develop and deliver a full methodology and assessment picture for Australian fisheries, for the first time.