The operating environment within which Australian fisheries and aquaculture are positioned is complex, comprising economic, social and political institutions and organisations that are continuously being re-shaped by multiple external and internal drivers.

Addressing these specific drivers requires understanding of the human dimensions of fisheries and aquaculture, along with the biophysical. Human dimensions refers to the social, economic and cultural factors that affect outcomes for both the seafood community and in terms of public good. This includes the attitudes, processes and behaviours of individual people, companies, management agencies, communities, organisations, consumers, and markets. Human dimensions research has been successfully applied to understand how to enable better outcomes for Australia's fisheries and aquaculture (e.g. improved social acceptability, resilience through shocks, inclusive growth, economic productivity), and what are the effective strategies to achieve this (e.g. market based mechanisms, behavioural approaches). It brings together research capability from a broad range of disciplines.

Historically, achieving the level of coordinated investment required to effectively deliver against this need has been hampered by a range of factors, which have included:
• effective integration of human dimensions RD&E with biophysical sciences; and
• research capability and expertise capable of undertaking such research to ensure end user needs are met.

The FRDC has invested substantively in human dimensions R&D capability in recognition of this need. Ongoing coordination and strategic development of human dimensions R&D activities will support the FRDC to deliver its Fish Forever 2030 vision: Collaborative, vibrant fishing and aquaculture, creating diverse benefits from aquatic resources, and celebrated by the community.

The FRDC considers Coordination Programs as critical to delivering relevant outcomes of the R&D Plan. With respect to Human Dimensions, it is evident that a planned R&D outcome can be achieved more successfully if expertise and related activities are developed and managed in a coordinated manner.

This project provides the resources for SARDI to establish and operate the Temperate Research Hub for the National Hatchery Network for 18 months (until 25 March 2025) which is the stipulated grant duration.

The FRDC project will provide the funding for SARDI to engage key technical capability needed to support the Hub and establish the facilities for exclusive and continuous use for the project. SARDI will provide facilities and services for up to two ASSA employees working at this Hub for the conduct of this project.

The key components of the project include:
1. Establish facilities and equipment required for the development of the temperate hub of the National Seaweed Hatchery Network
2. Deliver a focused research program to close the life cycle, of Asparagopsis armata, with the goal of being able to produce carpospores, tetrasporophytes, tetraspores and gametophytes.
3. Develop management systems to control contamination in the Asparagopsis armata hatchery.
4. Collect and maintain a clean broodstock culture collection.
5. Develop hatchery technology and equipment needs through experimentation.
6. Contribute to the development of a Hatchery Manual and knowledge sharing and dissemination.