718 results

People Development Program: 2014 International Travel Award - Kate Brooks

Project number: 2008-314.41
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $6,000.00
Principal Investigator: Kate J. Brooks
Organisation: KAL Analysis
Project start/end date: 29 May 2014 - 30 Dec 2014
Contact:
FRDC

Need

The practical integration of social and economic elements in assessments is important in Australia, and is also an international challenge. Recent research in Australia (2010/040 and the Integrated EBFM workshop held in March 2014) which contributes to developing this field should be shared internationally and used to leverage further knowledge. To this end, the applicant is recognised as one of the leads in this field in Australia and accordingly can bring benefit from developing further aligned international connections. There are events occurring in September and October 2014, being two sessions at the ICES conference and a workshop in Canada with the CFRN that provide unique opportunities to progress the development of integrated EBFM methodologies.

To maximise progress in this domain, it is necessary to draw together as many sources of knowledge and experience as possible. Consequently, participation in the activities proposed here and through the development of the Community Of Practice by the CFRN, FRDC and Australia's exposure will be increased to new and emerging approaches that can address the current integration challenge, while also profiling the already significant progress we have made in Australia.

Objectives

1. To present Australia's activities and developments in the areas of social and economic assessment and integration into ecosystem (based fisheries management ) assessments in Europe (ICES) and Canada (CFRN)
2. To participate in the development of an international Community of Practice on the integration of applied social science and natural science methods for fisheries and integrated coastal marine planning.
3. To develop additional international collaborations with other researchers in the area of social and economic assessment integration into ecological management systems.
4. Review the Canadian Fisheries Research Network framework for its applicability to the Australian context.
Environment

Identifying and synthesizing key messages from projects funded by the FRDC Indigenous Reference Group

Project number: 2018-183
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $167,738.00
Principal Investigator: Leila Alkassab
Organisation: Land to Sea Consulting
Project start/end date: 31 Aug 2019 - 8 Mar 2020
Contact:
FRDC

Need

The IRG has raised a need to synthesise the key messages from previous projects that they have supported. In order to ensure that the data and information from these projects are accessible and easily understood for various audiences (includes Indigenous, commercial and recreational stakeholders, researchers, policy makers and the general public), the IRG has identified a need to create succinct materials that can be useful to those that seek to develop policy and stimulate community driven engagement.

Objectives

1. To gain an understanding of the materials and formats that policy-makers and key fisheries organizations need in their utilization of research to develop policy.
2. To improve general stakeholder awareness of the key research findings in of FRDC and IRG projects.
3. To provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with material that they can use in their engagement with government and non-government agencies.
4. To develop a succinct fact-sheets and a report that integrate the key messages of eight previous IRG projects in a user-friendly and culturally appropriate way.

Final report

ISBN: 978-0-646-82309-6
Author: Leila Alkassab
Final Report • 2020-08-01 • 492.72 KB
2018-183-DLD.pdf

Summary

What the report is about
This project identifies, synthesises and summarises the key messages of eight projects that have been funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) on fisheries. These key messages have been presented through a series of materials including a synthesis report, summary booklets and an infographic, all of which were developed as a way of raising awareness of the latest research findings regarding the Indigenous fisheries in Australia. They are presented in a manner that is useful and accessible to a wide-range of audiences including Indigenous communities, decision makers and other fisheries stakeholders.
The materials have specifically developed with the aim of empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by providing them with resources that they can use to engage government and non-government agencies. This project also involved a two-way learning component which entailed engaging an Indigenous student as a researcher for the duration of this project.
Background
In 2011 the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) on fisheries held a national forum to discuss issues around Indigenous involvement in fishing and seafood based Research, Development and Extension (RD&E). Participants at the forum included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with experience or expertise in fishing, seafood, or natural resource management across Australia as well as a small number of non-Indigenous participants (Calogeras et al. 2012). In 2012, participants from the forum reviewed and endorsed the work and confirmed that the outputs and the outcomes aligned with the desires of the group. Through this process, the IRG developed a set of five priorities to guide RD&E for and about Indigenous fishing in Australia (Calogeras et al. 2012).
The FRDC-IRG have supported a number of projects focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fisheries that focus on elements of the RD&E priorities (Calogeras et al. 2012). These projects have information that the IRG needs to communicate with Indigenous, commercial and recreational stakeholders, researchers, policy makers, agencies and the general public. Their findings bridge certain knowledge gaps about the Indigenous fisheries and highlight key issues and priorities of Indigenous fishing communities in terms of access and use of their fisheries.
Aims/objectives
This project was undertaken in response to the need identified by the IRG to ensure that the research findings from the previous eight projects are made accessible and easy to understand. The project consisted of the following objectives:
  1. To gain an understanding of the materials and formats that policy makers and key fisheries organisations need in their use of research to develop policy.
  2. To improve general stakeholder awareness of the key research findings in of FRDC and IRG projects.
  3. To provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with material that they can use in their engagement with government and non-government agencies.
  4. To develop succinct fact-sheets and a report that integrate the key messages of eight previous IRG projects in a user-friendly and culturally appropriate way.
Methodology
The project team conducted a desk-top review of eight project reports, their appendices, conducted phone meetings with the principle investigators of each project and liaised with the IRG. Project materials were subsequently developed with the use of qualitative data analysis software NVIVO and designed through Canva, a graphic design program.
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artwork was used for the materials produced and where appropriate the artist engaged was from the region that the original project was for or about. An Indigenous student was also recruited as an employee of Land to Sea Consulting for the purposes of two-way capacity building.
Results/key findings
The project findings echo the key messages drawn from the eight recent FRDC-IRG projects that took place on country through participatory and ethical research methodologies. The five themes identified provide an insight into Indigenous priorities for:
  1. Indigenous fisheries
  2. Governance and management
  3. Legislation and policy
  4. Economic empowerment
  5. Capacity building
These five themes have been developed as a way of understanding the key messages of recent FRDC-IRG research and for providing a step forward in offering fisheries stakeholders with in-depth insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Indigenous fisheries sector. They support and align with the IRG RD&E principles and priorities while emphasising the particular findings and core assertions of the research projects analysed.
Implications for relevant stakeholders
The significance of this project lies in the materials created to communicate with Indigenous communities, fisheries managers, policy makers and other stakeholders involved in the Australian fisheries. They are short, easy-to-read and accessible versions of eight comprehensive research projects and clearly summarise their findings and synthesise their key messages.
The also provide Indigenous communities with material that they can use to engage decision makers. For policy makers and managers, they provide a synthesised and summarised version of recent research bout Indigenous fisheries from which proactive policy can be built and based upon.
Recommendations
The five key messages that have been created through the synthesis of the FRDC-IRG projects have come to shape the very core of this project. Therefore, it is ultimately inevitable that these are the same messages that must embody the recommendations of this project. They are particularly aimed at policy makers and the direction for further development in the Indigenous fisheries sector.

Project products

Brochure • 2020-08-01 • 33.17 MB
2018-183-synthesis report.pdf

Summary

Indigenous communities in Australia have utilised, shared and traded marine resources since time immemorial. These communities continue to hold strong connections and knowledge to aquatic ecosystems and biological resources, and fishing remains embedded in their cultural, social and economic lives.
Since the early stages of colonisation, the ability of Indigenous fishing communities to access their fisheries for both cultural and commercial purposes has been disrupted by external factors, including the policies and practices of the Australian state. In recent history international agreements have been put in place to protect Indigenous rights to access and manage their fisheries worldwide. The Australian government has an obligation to ensure the protection of Indigenous peoples access to their land and sea. Yet there still remains a gap in the aspirations of Indigenous community for their fisheries and formal fisheries management arrangements.
Presently, the Commonwealth, States and Territories define and recognise Indigenous fisheries through different legislation, policy and practices. In turn, there is an identified need for a comprehensive set of national principles to guide the development, implementation and monitoring of Indigenous fisheries policy across all jurisdictions.
The key messages that have been identified through the findings of recent FRDC-IRG research projects present opportunities for various levels of government to proactively assist and support Indigenous fishing communities to access and utilise their fisheries in ways that align with Indigenous aspirations.
Communities
PROJECT NUMBER • 2012-300
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Social Science Research Coordination Program (SSRCP) II

This report summarises the key activities of the Social Sciences and Research Coordination Program II (SSRCP II), which was implemented in 2012 and concluded in 2015. It focuses on the key objectives of the Program, achievements and recommendations for future iterations of this type of Program, or...
ORGANISATION:
KAL Analysis

Towards an assessment of natural and human use impacts on the marine environment of the Abrolhos Islands - Phase 1: Data consolidation and scoping

Project number: 2000-166
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $143,898.00
Principal Investigator: Chris F. Chubb
Organisation: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) WA
Project start/end date: 29 Dec 2000 - 29 Mar 2004
Contact:
FRDC

Need

The management plan for the Houtman Abrolhos; system (Anon. 1998, section 10) identified a number of objectives. In essence these relate to understanding human-use impacts on the marine environment of the Abrolhos Islands and the evaluation of the effectiveness of present and future management strategies to ensure ecologically sustainable multiple use of Western Australia's first Fish Habitat Protection Area. Also it is important to recognise the more general responsibilities that the state of Western Australia will likely have with respect to the Commonwealth under its Oceans Policy statement and to the ongoing environmental stewardship considerations that the conferring of accreditation by the Marine Stewardship Council on the western rock lobster fishery entails.

Specifically, within the context of the Abrolhos Islands management plan there is a need to quantify the physical impacts of current human activity on Abrolhos marine habitats and subsequently establish a monitoring programme central to the ecologically sustainable management of this unique area. However, in order to determine such impacts and monitoring schemes, a number of preliminary steps need to be taken.

1) There is a need to collate, from diverse sources, existing research information relating to the ecology of the Abrolhos Islands, the effects of natural perturbations and to gather information on the types and effects of previous human use on Abrolhos marine habitats where it is documented. This synthesis of information will perform two functions: the first will be a statement of the current status of environmental impact research at the Abrolhos and the second will be as a background document for use in current deliberations and decision making by the Abrolhos Islands Management Advisory Committee.

2) A small amount of survey (field) work is required to establish precisely the timing and locations where commercial (potting, trawling, handlining, aquaculture) and recreational fishing and diving occurs particularly in relation to environmentally sensitive areas of the Abrolhos This information is not available from existing reporting systems such as log books etc. In addition some survey work is necessary to determine and provide general descriptions/ground truth of the various habitat/community types. The results from this field work will facilitate discussion on the scope of the issues to be assessed and methods to be used in long term monitoring programmes.

3) A workshop of community representatives and technical experts (representatives from AIMS, the universities, etc.) is needed to allow the formulation of a dedicated research/monitoring programme that will take into account issues raised by all stakeholders, and the legislated requirements of state and federal governments in relation to ecologically sustainable management.

Objectives

1. To collate existing research information relating to human use impacts and natural perturbations in Abrolhos marine habitats to provide a detailed overview of the status of current knowledge about the marine ecosystem of the Abrolhos Islands.
2. To conduct limited field work to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of commercial fishing and recreational activities and provide general descriptions/ground truthing of habitat/community types at the Abrolhos as baseline/background data for presentation at the workshop.
3. To conduct a scientific workshop including community representatives and technical experts to determine the objectives and formulate a dedicated research programme to provide quantitative monitoring data for use in the sustainable management of the Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area.

Final report

Environment
PROJECT NUMBER • 2009-038
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Aboriginal fisheries in New South Wales: determining catch, cultural significance of species and traditional fishing knowledge needs

This report presents the results of a Fisheries Research Development Corporation (FRDC) funded study of Aboriginal fisheries in New South Wales. A key objective of the study was to address information gaps in relation to catch, cultural significance of species and traditional fishing knowledge (TFK)...
ORGANISATION:
Southern Cross University (SCU) Lismore Campus

Women in Seafood Australasia - Understanding, supporting and promoting effective participation by women within the Australian seafood industry

Project number: 2018-174
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $201,500.00
Principal Investigator: Heidi J. Mumme
Organisation: Women in Seafood Australasia (WISA)
Project start/end date: 19 Sep 2019 - 19 Sep 2021
Contact:
FRDC

Need

A comprehensive and wide ranging understanding of the current levels of engagement of women in the seafood sector will provide a valuable and ongoing resource to the wider seafood sector to increase women's engagement and participation.

To support and promote the value of fully engaged women participating effectively and helping to secure the future viability of the Australian seafood industry WISA needs to build critical skills of seafood women, delivered in a way that is accessible to them and encourages participation from rural and regional areas. This is particularly important for women under 30.

Researching (nationally and internationally) and better understanding the value of having greater diversity within seafood enterprises, associations, research agencies, at senior management, board and committee level will help WISA create an integrated online and offline skills development platform. The platform will need to be easily accessible by women, focused on the specific and particular needs of women and support and encourage greater participation by women in the seafood industry.

While there are resources available e.g e-leaders program there is a need for these resources to be reviewed and updated to target the specific needs of seafood women. Additionally, WISA needs to form strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships/alliances with other relevant organisations and networks and work with them to capitalise on opportunities provided through these partnerships.

Having skilled women is not sufficient to ensure that women are successful and effective contributors. It is also necessary to develop a specific pathway program for women to gain the confidence necessary to nominate and be selected for key management, board and committees. This will help seafood enterprises and organisations (industry, research and government) to increase diversity by enabling access to skilled women able to contribute to their success.

Objectives

1. 1 To create a baseline (quantitative and qualitative) against which progress and impact of WISA activities can be measured.
2. 2 To establish an online skills platform to provide access to training by women in rural and regional areas that will support greater diversity in seafood enterprises, research agencies and industry associations.
3. 3. To deliver the Women in Seafood Pathways program targeting at least 15 graduates initially.
4. To establish a communications and extension program to highlight the roles of women in seafood and the value diversity provides to the seafood industry and community.

Final report

Authors: Kirsten Abernethy Heidi Mumme and Karen Holder
Final Report • 2022-10-01 • 1.13 MB
2018-174-DLD.pdf

Summary

This FRDC project, Understanding, supporting and promoting effective participation by women in the Australian seafood industry, was pivotal for WISA in supporting its future direction as an organisation. Research undertaken showcased the significance of the roles and contributions of seafood women and exposed the structural and cultural barriers faced by women in the industry. The provision of a bespoke entry level leadership program for women using an online format has provided WISA with greater understanding of the professional development needs of seafood women and how to deliver these effectively. The popularity and success of communication and extension activities incorporated into three key events throughout the project, including presentations, panel sessions, webinars, workshops and networking events, met several objectives including: increasing industry recognition of the contributions of seafood women, highlighting the value inclusion and diversity provides to industry and communities, and identifying ways forward to shift structures and cultures impeding women’s participation and progression in the industry. Underpinned and supported by this project, WISA underwent a renewal including developing a strategic framework to deliver more to its members targeting the evidence-based needs of women in seafood, as well as transitioning to a new company structure which has resulted in a more effectively governed organisation.
Final Report • 2023-02-01 • 2.84 MB
2018-174-2-DLD.pdf

Summary

Women of the Australian Seafood Industry: Women’s contribution, their roles and what women need to succeed, reports the findings of the research component of the Women in Seafood Australasia (WISA) project: 2018-174 Understanding, supporting and promoting effective participation by women in the Australian seafood industry.
Women are an important component of the Australian seafood industry, present in every sector working in the supply chain and with the industry, and every organisation type. Until this project, Australia had little data on women’s contributions to the seafood industry and the roles women play. Furthermore, there was little industry-wide understanding of women’s experiences working in the Australian seafood industry, if and where there are inequalities and gendered differences in experiences, and where barriers lie to women fully participating and progressing in the industry.
This national project used a combination of data sources, including Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data, in depth key informant interviews, and an online survey, to reveal answers to these questions first asked by Women in Seafood Australasia twenty years ago.
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PROJECT NUMBER • 2018-197
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Developing FRDC’s 2020-2025 RD&E Plan

This report covers the second of two CSIRO contributions to the project FRDC 2018-197. This project was reviewing FRDC research objectives through a process that developed alternative scenarios of possible futures relevant to Australian fisheries. Discussed here is the development of a...
ORGANISATION:
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)
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