The need for increasing fisheries economic research nationally was recently highlighted at the AFMF - SSR annual workshop, a workshop held by AFMA to discuss fisheries economic research needs (AFMA, 2007), and in the FRDC Research and Development Plan (2005-10). Building capacity in fisheries economics within industry (e.g. RAGs, MACs) and government was also considered necessary to facilitate uptake of management tools that would enhance economic performance of the industry (AFMA, 2007).

Research needs vary at the State and Commonwealth level. For example, priority economic research projects in South Australia have been identified as the contribution of recreational fishing to regional communities; and a comparative study of the effects of quota management regimes on productivity and sustainability. In Tasmania, specific identified research needs include the development of performance indicators, resource allocation, economic efficiency of alternative management strategies, and market and industry analysis. In Queensland, the impact of marine conservation on both recreational and commercial fishing is a significant issue in the South East, as is resource allocation between recreational and commercial fishers in the East Coast inshore fin-fish fishery. Improved efficiency in the prawn farming industry is also a recent priority given the increased exchange rate and growth in prawn imports. At the Commonwealth level, economic performance measurement and management strategy evaluations that incorporate economic considerations and the impact of marine reserves on the fishing industry are priority research areas (AFMA, 2007).

Research projects undertaken by the PhD students enroled under this project will target these identified priority needs. Hence, both capacity building and research needs will be jointly satisfied.

AFMA (2007). Economics in Commonwealth fisheries management - Workshop final report, 2 March 2007, Canberra. R2006/1127l 7/3/2007