4,038 results

Asparagopsis R&D review and implementation plan for a national seaweed hatchery network

Project number: 2022-132
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $103,930.00
Principal Investigator: Jo Kelly
Organisation: Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance
Project start/end date: 23 Feb 2023 - 6 Jul 2023
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Seaweed
Capacity Building
Aquaculture

Need

The project provides support for ASSA to undertake preparation activities in advance of receiving an $8.0m grant from the Federal government (late May/early June 2023). The duration of the grant is approximately 2 years and includes $6.18 million expenditure aligned to the NHN. Given the tight time frames for what is expected to be a relatively complex capital and human resource intensive NHN build, the earlier the consultation and planning phase can be completed the better. Currently there are a number of public and private research organisations conducting research on Asparagopsis aquaculture and the application of Asparagopsis derived products for methane reduction. In order to maximise the industry development impact of grant funding may have, it is imperative that the current research initiatives are compiled and reviewed to identify potential information and opportunity gaps prior to the grant being issued. Engaging a SME to review Asparagopsis R&D and provide expert consultation on the conceptualisation and NHN will improve the prospects for the eligible grant activities to be achieved within the stipulated grant duration (until 31 March 2025).

Objectives

1. Review Asparagopsis R&D across the supply chain from production to application
2. Develop a plan that details investments in the ASSA National Hatchery Network until 31 March 2025

Final report

Author: Jo Kelly and Margaret Rule
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 1.88 MB
2022-132-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Federal Government has committed to an $8 million Seaweed Industry Development grant that will support ASSA to establish a National Hatchery Network (NHN) for Asparagopsis and deliver other supporting projects to grow the industry and achieve significant livestock emissions reductions over the next decade. The budget allocation for the grant is provided for activities to occur from 30 June 2023 – 30 March 2025 and will be managed by FRDC.
Final Report • 2023-06-01 • 2.37 MB
2022-132-R-DLD.pdf

Summary

Asparagopsis has been gaining attention for its climate change mitigation potential since its methane reducing capabilities as a cattle feed were discovered in 2006. In the last three years, since the Australian Seaweed Industry Blueprint identified Asparagopsis as having significant potential as an emerging industry, many companies have entered the market and are working hard to achieve commercial production. However, Asparagopsis is still very much a nascent industry, with a lack of accessible knowledge and expertise resulting
in significant delays to market. A National Hatchery Network has been identified as having the potential to fast-track production and support current and emerging growers. Current state of knowledge was assessed against the major supply chain elements; wild population assessment, hatchery, cultivation, processing/manufacture of products and product and market development. Surveys and interviews with seaweed farming companies, state governments, and research groups actively working on Asparagopsis, identified a suite of knowledge gaps and challenges to the industry and opportunities for a National Hatchery Network (NHN).
Industry
People
Adoption
Adoption

External review of the FRDC's Indigenous fishing and aquaculture coordination program

Project number: 2022-111
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $46,000.00
Principal Investigator: Russell J. Barnett
Organisation: Australian Venture Consultants Pty Ltd
Project start/end date: 19 Jan 2023 - 30 Mar 2023
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Indigenous

Need

The objective of this project is to undertake an independent review of the IRG’s operations and impacts to date in accordance with the below-described Terms of Reference and report on that review.
Terms of Reference
The specific terms of reference for this independent review are:
1. Undertake an assessment of the impact of the IRG against its current scope, and provide recommendations on how to improve adoption and impact for Indigenous fishing and aquaculture and cultural fishing RD&E; and
2. Provide recommendations on the future governance structure, function and membership of a revised IRG body to deliver RD&E priorities to the FRDC that improve opportunities for Indigenous Australians in fishing and aquaculture and cultural fishing.
For the purposes of clarity, it is understood that the scope of the review pertains only to:
▪ The IRG’s current purpose (i.e. to provide advice to the FRDC) and is not intended to consider the question of a peak body for the Australian First Nations fishing and aquaculture industry; and
▪ First Nations commercial fishing and aquaculture and is only relevant to customary fishing where there might be a natural intersection (such as the nature of fishing rights, use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in fishing practices and management and use of cultural branding for commercial product) and it does not include First Nations participation in recreational fishing

Objectives

1. The objective of this project is to undertake an independent review of the IRG’s operations and impacts to date in accordance with the below-described Terms of Reference and report on that review.

Final report

Author: Russell Barnett
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
People

Know & Show your Carbon Footprint - Discovery Phase

Project number: 2022-105
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $35,000.00
Principal Investigator: Sarah Castellanos
Organisation: Agricultural Innovation Australia Ltd (AIA)
Project start/end date: 31 Dec 2022 - 31 Jul 2023
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Climate Resilience
Climate Mitigation
Climate Change

Need

This project will be an initial discovery phase to inform scoping of overall approach.

Deliverables include:
Consultation across fishing and aquaculture stakeholders at least 38 key fishing and aquaculture stakeholders.
• Identification of the functional and non-functional requirements to create K&S functionality for the included sectors.
• Identification of the data and modelling requirements to create K&S module/functionality for the included sectors.
• Assessment of any current solutions/calculators provided relative to the market requirement.
• Evaluate current reference and benchmarking data versus what is required to support accurate, automated carbon accounting, and, ultimately inform decision-making that enables productivity whilst reducing carbon emissions.
• Understand the gap between knowing your carbon footprint and being able to make informed decisions that lead to reductions in emissions.
• Identification of the data and modelling requirements to create a module and/or functionality for the included sectors.
• Identification of the missing calculators, features, functionality and underlying data and research required to enable all sectors to participate and benefit from the platform.
• Documented solution design for creation of functionality identified during discovery for addition to the core infrastructure.
• Report detailing the results of the carbon footprint calculation drivers / needs / existing knowledge, tools & data, gap analysis, and solution design. This will inform the Contributor and AIA in respect of further investment in the K&S solution.

Objectives

1. Complete discovery phase to inform scoping of 'Know & Show', for consideration
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