59 results

National Seafood Industry Leadership Program (NSILP) 2025-2026

Project number: 2024-041
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $1,183,200.00
Principal Investigator: Heidi J. Mumme
Organisation: Mi-Fish Consulting Pty Ltd
Project start/end date: 29 Jan 2025 - 14 Feb 2027
Contact:
FRDC

Need

FRDC is currently operating under the 2020-2025 Research and Development Plan. This plan details the areas of investment for the industry and provides direction regarding the leadership requirements for the Australia seafood industry.

FRDC states that "This is one of the FRDC’s most ‘people-centric’ plans to date, with a focus on capacity building, shaping culture, building relationships and establishing shared principles and values.” Importantly for the seafood industry and community, capacity building is high on the agenda.

The NSILP responds to four enabling strategies
‘Strengthen adoption for transformative change’ (through increasing and improving the uptake of knowledge, skills, solutions, technology and new ways of thinking to create positive change for industry).
‘Promote innovation and entrepreneurship’ (through encouraging new solutions, products and processes as well as new ways of thinking and doing).
‘Build capability and capacity’ (through helping people from across fishing and aquaculture to have the knowledge and skills needed to be safe, happy and productive, and to adapt and flourish in the face of change).
‘Provide foundational information and support services’ (through delivering information to guide the evolution of fishing and aquaculture in Australia).

The industry needs that have been identified are:

- Capacity building and leadership knowledge.
- Although online delivery evolved and improved during COVID, face-to-face remains the preferred method of NSILP learning/delivery to enable the opportunity to build in-person connections.
- Resourced and facilitated Alumni and industry networking and connections.

Objectives

1. Engage with and enable industry to build leadership awareness and capability - communicate NSILP cohorts/programs annually and Seafood Directions 2026 NSILP Alumni opportunities
2. Review and development of materials and resources
3. Deliver four NSILP face to face programs and 2026 SD NSILP Alumni events
4. Support participants before, during and after their learning experience and support industry engagement with the program and participants.
5. Enable new and robust networks across NSILP cohorts and Alumni into the wider industry
6. Review - establish success factors for leadership learning
7. Connect NSILP cohorts with the FRDC RD&E plan and expertise
8. Explore approaches to showcase NSILP Alumni pathways
Environment
Environment
PROJECT NUMBER • 2017-082
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Ensuring monitoring and management of bycatch in Southern Rock Lobster fisheries is best practice

Bycatch is an important issue in fisheries worldwide, with the impacts of fishing activities on non-targeted species and the wider marine environment receiving increasing public attention. Issues such as the potential wastage of resources through discarding of unwanted catch, ecological impacts on...
ORGANISATION:
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Industry
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2017-012
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Investigating social acceptance for the wild catch commercial fishing industry of Southeast Queensland

This research project aimed to develop an engagement strategy that would assist the Southeast Queensland (SEQ) wild catch commercial fishing industry to gain social acceptance, or a Social Licence to Operate (SLO). SLO is needed to maintain access to the resource and market confidence. A scan of...
ORGANISATION:
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)

Capability and Capacity: International Artificial Reef Study Tour

Project number: 2024-051
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $30,000.00
Principal Investigator: James Florisson
Organisation: Recfishwest
Project start/end date: 21 Feb 2025 - 29 Apr 2025
Contact:
FRDC

Need

Study tour participants will travel to various locations around the Gulf of Mexico to meet with Petroleum Industry members, as well as regulators. The purpose is to gain an understanding of the decommissioning landscape and regulatory environment around the Rigs-to-Reefs program, including any new policy developments. Amongst this, personnel will visit some of the offshore infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM).

There will also be an opportunity to meet with local stakeholders, other regulators and the local seafood industry to understand their views on the Rigs-to-Reefs program and the impact on their fishing experiences. As a community organisation and regulator, this would be very insightful and provide immense value to Recfishwest and DPIRD respectively. In addition, it will have national application to the seafood industry and assist fisheries in becoming a major stakeholder in the $50B emerging Australian decommissioning industry.

Following the study tour, Recfishwest and DPIRD personnel will attend the 12th International Conference on Artificial Reefs and Related Aquatic Habitats (CARAH) in Santa Marta, Colombia. This international conference focuses on the study, development, and management of artificial reefs and aquatic habitats. These collectives typically bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world to share knowledge, present research findings, and discuss best practices.

These conferences aim to enhance collaboration, and attendees usually include marine biologists, ecologists, oceanographers, and representatives from non-government organisations and government agencies.

There is a great opportunity at CARAH for Recfishwest personnel to present on the outcomes of FRDC Project 2021-055 and extend upon FRDC Project 2014-005 by sharing Recfishwest’s own experiences in the artificial reef space. Sharing artificial reef knowledge from Australia will help to foster good working relationships at the international level and may contribute towards shared goals of sustainable fisheries management.

Objectives of the project include:
1. Gather knowledge and experiences of projects, assets and Rigs to Reefs policy and research outcomes in the Gulf of Mexico.
2. Meet with United States regulators to learn about the management of offshore oil and gas operations and alternative decommissioning. Identify risks to Government and marine environment from leaving decommissioned infrastructure in situ and potential mitigation measures.
3. Meet with stakeholders and end-users to get a local view on decommissioning.
4. Gather knowledge on international policy, legislative frameworks, research and management with regards to artificial reefs and aquatic habitats.
5. Share knowledge and experience from an Australian context.
6. Create a network of international artificial reef experts, including the establishment of an international artificial reef committee.
7. Bring this knowledge and these connections back to Australia to grow community and regulator capacity around artificial reefs and assist with alternative decommissioning opportunities and policy development.

Adoption

Australian Society for Fish Biology: Scientific networking, early career development and international engagement

Project number: 2016-406
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $96,000.00
Principal Investigator: Chris Fulton
Organisation: Australian Society For Fish Biology Inc
Project start/end date: 31 Dec 2015 - 30 Dec 2018
Contact:
FRDC

Need

In the face of mounting pressure on Australia’s marine and freshwater ecosystems, there is a need for robust scientific information to support the sustainable development and management of our aquatic resources. The ASFB is Australasia’s premier professional association for fish and fisheries researchers. The annual science conference and associated workshop/s makes an important and tangible contribution to skill development of people involved in fish and fisheries research and management, particularly offering students and early career researchers opportunities to present their work, interact with peers and develop collaborative links. The ASFB has a strong commitment to promoting and communicating science, encouraging sustainable management practices, encouraging excellence in fisheries research, and recognizing outstanding contributions of scientists and professionals through various awards and scholarships. In addition the ASFB has recognised the need for increased international engagement in particular via increased active involvement with World Council of Fisheries Societies.
This proposal is seeking sponsorship support for the annual science conference in 2016 (Hobart), 2017 (Western Australia) and 2018 (location to be decided but possibly Victoria) and a series of conference associated awards that support student travel and recognise research excellence. The proposal addresses three people development program goals, namely (i) to encourage knowledge transfer and R&D adoption (ASFB annual science conference) and (ii) to recognise and promote achievements (ASFB student research awards) and (iii) to enhance industry leadership (bringing together a range of people for the annual conference). These activities will encourage participation and exchange of information and provide an opportunity to develop networks and collaborations with outside organisations. In addition this proposal seeks support for one senior ASFB office bearer to attend the 7th World Fisheries Congress (WFC) in Busan as part of an Australia-New Zealand team bidding to host 8th WFC in 2020.

Objectives

1. Provide a forum for researchers, managers and stakeholders to meet to discuss issues relevant to fish and fisheries science and management
2. Support, encourage and recognise achievements of early career researchers
3. Support and encourage student participation at ASFB's annual science conference and key international conferences
4. Increased international profile of ASFB via greater participation in activities of World Fisheries Council and planning for World Fisheries Congress

Handbook

Author: Australian Society for Fish Biology
Handbook • 2020-09-22 • 1.18 MB
2016-406-DLD-Appendix 5 ASFB 2019 Program.pdf

Summary

The 2019 ASFB conference was held in Canberra from 14 to 17 October, 2019 at the National Library of Australia, ACT. The conference theme of “Communicate to illuminate & inspire" encouraged the 251 delegates (including 62 students) from across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa, the USA and Fiji to find new ways to share our passion for fishes, and raise their profile among the many people who depend on them for their everyday health and wellbeing.

Project products

Handbook • 2020-09-22 • 176.29 KB
2016-406-DLD-Appendix 4 ASFB 2018 Program.pdf

Summary

The 2018 ASFB conference was held in Melbourne from 11 to 14 October, 2018 at the Rydges on Swanston, Melbourne, Victoria. The conference theme of “Science into Practice, Practice into Science” challenged and engaged delegates to explore the relationships between scientific research, natural resource management and policy formulation. In so doing, the conference celebrated our successes at the science-practice nexus. 

Handbook • 2020-09-22 • 3.05 MB
2016-406-DLD-Appendix 3 ASFB 2017 Program.pdf

Summary

The 2017 ASFB conference was held at the Albany Convention Centre from 30 June to 3 July in Albany, Western Australia. The conference program was a 4-day event, with the theme of ‘Turning points in fish and fisheries’ asking delegates to share all those influential moments or developments, small or large, that changed the way they go about their fisheries research and management. The event also actively engaged the local Albany community via a free public forum and a special session partnership with the local high school students. Another key aspect of the event was the “Nurturing fish scientists” session that brought together key speakers into a discussion forum to share experiences and tips for making the most of the formative years of becoming a professional scientist or manager in our field. 
Handbook • 2020-09-22 • 1.52 MB
2016-406-DLD-Appendix 2 ASFB OCS 2016 Program.pdf

Summary

The 2016 ASFB conference was held as a joint event with the OCS between 4 and 7 September at Wrest Point, Hobart, Tasmania. This was the second time that the ASFB had held its annual conference in conjunction with the OCS. The conference explored the theme of “Intersections in fish and fisheries” as well as exploring issues in gender equity and diversity through special events that highlighted the achievements of women in fish and fisheries via an opening night poster exhibition and full conference forum on gender equity in fish and fisheries on the first full conference day. A broad and comprehensive program of scientific presentations met the diverse range of interests of members of the two science societies, as did a variety of social events. 
Final Report • 2020-09-23 • 866.21 KB
2016-406-DLD.pdf

Summary

The Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB) was founded in 1971 and is a professional, independent, non-profit, and non-aligned organisation. The Society’s objectives are to promote research, education and management of fish and fisheries and to provide a forum for the exchange of information. Annual conferences/workshops have been held each year since the Society's inception and provide a forum for scientists, managers, and industry from around Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere to meet and discuss the most recent developments in fish and fisheries science and management.

The annual science conference makes an important and tangible contribution to skill development of people involved in fish and fisheries research and management, particularly offering students and early career researchers opportunities to present their work, interact with peers, develop collaborative links and obtain new ideas. The ASFB has a strong commitment to promoting and communicating science, encouraging sustainable management practices, encouraging excellence in fisheries research, and recognising outstanding contributions of scientists and professionals through various awards and scholarships. 

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