In 2005 the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) endorsed the concept of National research with Regional development and Local extension for Primary Industries.

Following advice from the Primary Industry Standing Committee (PISC) on 8th July 2009, the FRDC (and PISC agencies in SA, Vic., and Tas.) was tasked to undertake initial contributions toward a national research, development and extension framework for the fisheries and aquaculture industries. The development of the RDE framework for the fisheries and aquaculture industries will be undertaken in 7 successive stages:
1. Sector Overview
2. Current Sector Resource Analysis
3. Future Strategic RD&E Plan
4. Capability Analysis
5. Change Plan
6. Approvals (PIMC)
7. Implementation

The FRDC has identified a Terms of Reference for this project that will contribute to addressing stages 1 and 3.
The project will undertake the sectoral overview assessment work (desk research and analyses, and stakeholder surveys) required to inform the RD&E planning process.