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An FRDC funded project on incorporating MAC (Management Advisory Committee) competencies into the Seafood Industry Training Package was completed in December 2001. The report from that project contained detail of the skills and knowledge required by MAC members to fulfil their role and responsibilities competently. One of the recommendations from this report suggested that the induction of new MAC members needed improvement.

The report stated that there was wide support for improved written communication about the operation of MACs and the basic technical knowledge required to allow meaningful debate of the scientific, economic and environmental issues. The development of an induction kit was one of a range of measures to improve the effectiveness of MAC members.

Keywords: Management Advisory Committees, MAC induction, Human Capital Development.

PROJECT NUMBER • 1998-358

PROJECT STATUS:

COMPLETED

A code of conduct for a responsible seafood industry

ORGANISATION:

Australian Seafood Industry Council (ASIC)

TAGS

Stakeholder

Incorporating MAC competencies into the seafood industry training package

Project number: 2001-315

Project Status:

Completed

Budget expenditure: $82,830.00

Principal Investigator: Ross Ord

Organisation: Australian Seafood Industry Council (ASIC)

Project start/end date: 15 Sep 2001 - 30 Jun 2002

TAGS

Stakeholder

Innovation

Fisheries Management

Objectives

1. Identify the skills, knowledge and attitudes required by industry members to participate as effective members of a MAC.

2. Confirm the need for a MAC or series of MAC training programs.

3. Identify suggested unit titles and outline descriptions for the units.

4. Gather the views of members consulted on the preferred option(s) for delivery of MAC training programs.

Final report

Author: Ross Ord

Final Report • 2002-03-19 • 961.38 KB

2001-315-DLD.pdf

Summary

Governments intervene to manage the exploitation and conservation of aquatic resources for the benefit of current and future generations. Such management involves balancing an array of complex and sometimes conflicting public policy objectives – canvassing contentious issues such as conservation, development, access rights for fishing and non-fishing activity and resource sharing.

All governments have adopted variations of the so-called ‘co-operative partnership approach’ to involve all key stakeholders in the decision making process. Stakeholders include the industry (commercial, recreational, traditional) as well as conservation, scientific and community interests. The model is based on the belief that, in the absence of private ownership over fish resources, the fishing industry is prone to resource over-exploitation and economic inefficiency. By involving all stakeholders in the development of public fisheries policy, it is widely believed that they will take ownership of the policy and assume greater responsibility for the well being of the individual fisheries.

Most management advisory committees (MACs) are established under Commonwealth or state/territory legislation, or by Ministers of Fisheries under delegations, to provide a source of advice to government. Advisory committees are generally formed to provide advice on fishery management or stock assessment issues. The terms of reference for MACs vary widely between jurisdictions although MACs are generally not decision makers in relation to fisheries management issues. Governments often access other sources of advice in fulfilling their responsibilities under fisheries legislation.

The operation of MACs also varies between jurisdictions. All have executive officers who may be independent or supplied by the relevant fisheries department. Similarly, the chairperson role may be filled by a MAC member or by an independent person chosen for their ability to facilitate the progress of MAC business.

The work of MACs takes place within a context of high uncertainty and risk. Most assessments of fish stocks and fishing impacts are imprecise and heavily qualified, making fisheries management consultation more contentious than it otherwise would be. Such uncertainty creates tension between proponents of conservation and development and between fishery and non-fishery users on the MAC. Some of this tension is bound to explain the wide spread criticism of the operation of MACs encountered during the consultations.

Development of a national approach to seafood quality (SeaQual Australia)

Project number: 1995-155

Project Status:

Completed

Budget expenditure: $790,414.87

Principal Investigator: Jayne M. Gallagher

Organisation: Australian Seafood Industry Council (ASIC)

Project start/end date: 20 Nov 1995 - 30 Aug 2000

TAGS

Objectives

1. To establish appropriate mechanisms for encouraging the development of a quality ethos within the Australian seafood industry

2. To identify and implement appropriate strategies to acheive agreed seafood quality goals

3. To influence the development of a policy, program and regulatory environment which actively promotes and supports the uptake of quality management systems

Final report

Author: Jayne Gallagher

Final Report • 2017-09-29 • 37.72 MB

1995-155 SeaQual Phase 1 Final Report.pdf

Summary

SeaQual was established in December 1995, as a joint initiative of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, the Commonwealth Department of Primary Industries and Energy (now Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia) and the Australian Seafood Industry Council. SeaQual was located in the Canberra offices of the Australian Seafood Industry Council and overall strategic direction of the project was provided by a broad industry based Steering Committee.

This report outlines the results achieved in the pursuit of SeaOual's objectives. Originally a four year program, SeaQual achieved all its milestones, and more, in only three years with significantly less resources than anticipated.

Several recommendations are made in relation to the operation of industry-government partnerships and the need to establish and maintain levels of resources and commitment. The need to establish and promote industry development activities early and to clarify expectations of all stakeholders are also identified as critical success factors for future projects.

SeaQual was established with an information and capacity building role, and released several innovative products and publications over the three years.