This application has been developed at the request of FRDC to ensure that the outputs developed from the projects that PIRSA and FRDC have co-invested in through the "Innovative Solutions for Aquaculture" initiative are communicated and extended to end-users and beneficiaries both in SA and nationally. The need is for the benefits of the “Innovative Solutions for Aquaculture” initiative to be clearly communicated to all stakeholders, particularly industry groups and grass level industry groups who are currently not receiving these messages. This is particularly true to ensure that all stakeholders feel engaged and involved with the project and can positively participate and be informed There is a need not only to ensure that stakeholders are aware of project developments but, most importantly, the project benefits and how they will affect each stakeholder group.

Currently, there is an opportunity, at this early stage of the “Innovative Solutions for Aquaculture”, to clearly identify messages and the most effective way of deploying messages and this application allows for a communications professional with over 13 years of experience with the seafood industry at state and national level to assist in this process.

There is also a need for the research results to be translated into communicative results which can easily assist in the management decision making processes as well as other communications processes such as media management and other public relations exercises.

The LCF and MSF have indicated that they want to reconnect consumers with local sources of seafood, for enhanced freshness, food safety and assurance of sustainable fishing methods, including creating new markets for independent fisher suppliers, while at the same time allowing consumers to invest in their community and nearby ecosystems. Overall the LCF and MSF want to convey the contribution they make to the local and regional economy, in particular supporting healthy communities and local fishers being environmental stewards of the resource. Having said this, the LCF and MSF have limited capacity, skills and tools to facilitate or build upon this reconnection. In addition to this, recently commissioned research by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture found the seafood industry is not front of mind for consumers.