A number of events are driving the current need for the WRLC to review its planning cycle, including its RD&E Plans.
- the Council recently appointed both a new Chairman and CEO.
- the current WRLC Strategic Plan will come to the end of its life in the coming year. A new plan is being developed under a separate initiative.
- the Seafood CRC, which is a major sponsor of WAFIC (a CRC member) and the Council, will come to the end of its current 7 year term in June 2014. A rebid is currently being considered.
The WRLC is the peak investment body for the WRL fishery, the largest WA State fishery and one of Australia's largest fisheries. In 2010-11 the fishery harvested 5,247 tonnes (22% of the WA wild commercial catch) and a beach price GVP of $184 million. The economic and social contribution of the fishery to the state and national economies is significant. Decisions regarding the future investment / reinvestment in the performance and productivity of the fishery are critical to state and national economies and communities.
In February 2013, the WRLC Board passed resolution (3.8 Research, Development & Extension) as follows: "After a brief discussion it was greed that the CEO would determine an appropriate process for identifying RD & E priorities."
The WRLC will hold its next Board meeting on the 27th of May 2013 in Geraldton, and wishes to consider options for RD&E Planning.
Final report
Research, development and extension (RD&E) is well known for contributing to a range of technological advances and expertise that leads to productivity growth, increasing our knowledge bank on our fishery and the important long term sustainability of the Western Rocklobster (WRL) fishery. Funding of RD&E for the development of new technologies and knowledge is a fundamental component of the innovation and adoption processes.
This RD&E Plan will strategically focus efforts on achieving the research priorities and objectives identified. The strategy has been informed by research strengths, opportunities, needs and metrics evident within the WRL industry along the value chain to consumers.
