FRDC have conservatively described engagement with the indigenous community as challenging. Indigenous fishing is one of three core topic areas within the current FRDC priority areas and, despite significant opportunity, has received limited interest from the target market.

This project aims to develop and test guidelines for engagement with indigenous applicants and to test the current FRDC funding application process for its "user-friendliness" to this target audience.

Testing the guidelines for engagement will involve people with limited experience with indigenous communities supported by more experienced team members. It is also hoped that FRDC staff will participate in the testing phase.