The fishing industry in WA and Offshore renewable sector has the opportunity to develop and set a framework for how the industries will work side-by-side to build long term collaborative relationship. Currently, the offshore renewable sector has clearly defined statutory basis, however no marine spatial planning has been provided, to date, and no statutory authority or priority policy that allows or considers the fishing industry. Exclusions zone around infrastructure ultimately claims authority over the water with fishers excluded. In Scotland, 10 years has passed since the establishment of the first offshore wind farm and the Scottish Fishermans Federation are still grappling with the impacts from this industry. In Scotland, first it was the oil and gas sector, then decommissioning and now offshore renewable, so there are real opportunities to learn from overseas and our own WA experiences to work towards developing a framework, to avoid ongoing conflict.

The fishing industry in WA is a defender of a healthy marine environment and is supportive of low carbon emissions, sustainable marine environments and aquatic resources, with the fishing industry also playing one of the most important roles for the community by providing food security. There is currently insufficient protection for the fishing industry with existing plans, legislation, tools and mechanisms bringing balance to some industries and not others. However, in Australia we have an opportunity before wind farms are placed in Australian waters to adequately understand the science of the impacts, by reviewing the literature and learning from other jurisdictions, to provide evidence-based decision-making outcomes for both sectors.

A framework is required that values and protects a legitimate, sustainable and long-established fishing industry which remains at the core of our coastal communities and contributes to our national food security. This new framework will work to provide a key role for the fishing industry in marine spatial planning, particularly in relation to offshore renewable sector and we can jointly understand the potential impacts, co-existence opportunities and avoid displacement to ensure the long-term economic viability of the fishing industry remains.

A full assessment of the spatial squeeze that restricts fishing throughout WA needs to be understood to assess cumulative impacts and avoid displacement of the fishing industry. There is a clear need to understand the potential effects associated with offshore renewable projects and assess how fishing industries can co-design or coexist. If displacement is unavoidable an established compensation process may need to be developed. This project will therefore work with State and Commonwealth Governments to establish important marine spatial planning principles for the fishing industry.

Funding will cover FRDC partnership in the event (35,000+GST), and additional costs associated with staff and stakeholder travel, and event collateral ($15k). The FRDC will not receive funds from this activity.

Taking lead from established frameworks and commitments, the Ocean Business Leaders' Summit will be established as a regular gathering of business, finance, research, science, and government stakeholders to broker dialogue and intellectual discussion about a sustainable ocean economy and generate actions while growing awareness of the ecosystem of stakeholders, drivers and opportunities.

Thought leadership
Hosting a compelling program of keynote speakers, panel discussions and in-conversation fireside chats, these two Summit sessions will lay the foundation for talking about the systemic change required to achieve 'the ocean we want'.

Delivering a sophisticated platform for engagement, strategic networking and collaboration, international and national thought leaders will address a gathering of 220 C-Suite, Board Chairs, Directors, decision-makers and influencers across business, government, finance, research and academia, and civil society, eager to understand and contribute to an ocean conversation that is becoming increasingly imperative on the planet's climate stage.

Interactive discussions with the delegates led by the Panel moderators, keynotes and thought leaders will traverse ocean knowledge, equity, innovation and governance and align with Ocean Decade objectives, challenges and outcomes, and the Ocean Panel transformations. This strategic focus will bring together an action agenda to promote an improved and collaborative approach for a sustainable ocean economy.

Held at the conclusion of the first day, a prestigious Ocean Decade Summit Dinner will bring together the 220 Summit delegates for an evening of invaluable networking and conversation while enjoying a fine-dining experience of a uniquely created menu using sustainable and indigenous produce.

Curated to bring together 50-55 key stakeholders and Summit delegates, the primary goal of the four strategic immersions will be to increase literacy and connectivity and provide a premium forum for robust debate and the sharing of knowledge and ideas.

Networking
Held as an Executive Luncheon hosting a cross-sector and cross-disciplinary panel of invited influencers, leaders, and industry stakeholders, the interactive discussions are aimed to encourage compelling, beneficial, and intellectual conversation between all guests, while providing a premium platform for a deep dive into key areas of opportunity, driving strategic engagement and collaborative approaches to move to a plan of action.

Strategic collaboration on an Ocean Action Agenda

An Executive Summary, to be compiled by our consulting partner, will be generated from each of these discussions and distributed to attendees, stakeholders and their broader networks. The intention is to collate all summaries of the contextual discussions of each of the Immersions into a compelling and actionable document for Ocean Decade Australia to use as a working document for future Summits and discussions.

Commercial in confidence. To know more about this project please contact FRDC.