- Develop a land based platform guide to include: structural materials on the market, suitability of different platforms in different aquatic environments, different stakeholder user needs (e.g. wheelchair access), engineering standards/ requirements. The guide outlines and addresses the current barriers to installing land based platforms (in WA) and aims to identify and address the knowledge gaps of land based platform developments. The guide will include a start to finish process identifying major steps and considerations that are needed to deliver a fishing structure.
- Develop a catalogue and map of land based fishing priorities for Western Australia (marine and freshwater) so the the guide can be used by Recfishwest, Local and State Government to further invest in innovative, cost effective best practice jetty developments
- Develop a case study understanding the social value of Esperance Jetty via surveys of recreational fishers to develop a narrative for the role jetties play in the recreational fishing sector (Esperance Jetty has recently been rebuilt and has a historical fishing value and the new build includes fishing specific design features)

Many aspects of marine systems, including diverse species, habitats, and environmental issues, need expansive research to better understand and manage sustainability of the fishing and aquaculture industry. Unfortunately, data collection is one of the most resource-intensive aspects of science and can hinder the progression of commodity-specific research and development (R&D). This project will develop best practice guidelines for the creation, execution, evaluation, and evolution of citizen science projects that specifically address research data collection in the Australian aquaculture industry, which will contribute to research outcomes that facilitate long term productivity and sustainability of the industry. For more than 50 years, formal citizen science programs have proven to be an effective way for communities to contribute to R&D by collecting scientific data that drives decision making and creates innovative solutions.
This project involves a four-stage approach to enhancing R&D practices for recreational fishers, fisheries scientists, and fisheries managers by providing researchers with industry-specific information to design citizen science projects that actively engage recreational fishers. The approach provides flexibility and agility to ensure the project can achieve high quality deliverables, on time, and in budget:
1. Consultation with industry stakeholders to determine current barriers and opportunities to developing, implementing, evaluating, and evolving citizen science projects targeted at recreational fishers.
2. Desktop review and global “environmental scan” to best characterise citizen science programs, projects, and frameworks relevant to recreational fishing.
3. Development of researcher citizen science guidelines for recreational fishing that provides detailed information pertinent to industry challenges and opportunities. The guidelines will be led by the results of Stages 1 and 2, and will be intuitive, user-friendly and easily updated in the future.
4. Industry communication of the guidelines to ensure streamlined adoption by researchers and improved return on investment for this project.
Strategies to amplify collaborative and sustainable citizen science opportunities identified during this project will enhance FRDC R&D outcomes 3 (a culture that is inclusive and forward thinking) and 5 (community trust, respect, and value). The guidelines will help build an environment where researchers work directly with recreational fishers, which will promote inclusivity with stakeholders, harness the wealth of local ecological expertise and foster a solution-driven culture throughout the supply chain.