Lauren's professional journey has been dedicated to bridging the gap between people and the natural world. With experience in community engagement and natural resource management, she has been privileged to provide interpretation and education to a diverse range of stakeholders, including Aboriginal communities, scientists, media, community groups, tourists and schools.

Felicity grew up in a commercial fishing family who were involved in rock lobster, wet line and trawl fisheries in WA's mid-west region. Felicity worked at WAFIC for a number of years representing commercial fisheries across WA on a range of resource access issues. More recently, Felicity worked with the Shark Bay Prawn Trawler Operators’ Association as EO and held Director positions on the ACPF and WAFIC Boards. Felicity is an avid recreational fisher and a strong advocate for sustainable and profitable fisheries and continued supply of local seafood.

Nathan grew up in a rock lobster fishing family in Port Lincoln regional, South Australia and studied environmental science, majoring in fisheries management. Nathan has worked across a variety of government, no-government, and associations and co-operatives. Roles which have required working closely with key stakeholders to navigate complex natural resource management issues and change.

Steve’s involvement in the commercial fishing industry commenced 40 years ago catching prawns, scampi, and orange roughy. He was then a fishing technologist at the Australian Maritime College and a research scientist at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Maine, USA. For most of his career, Steve has worked closely with fishers and others to improve fishing gear performance, including bycatch reduction and fuel conservation.

Matt has a strong foundation in fisheries and aquaculture education and sustainability, with over a two decades of industry experience under his belt. After relocating to Tasmania at 18 to pursue aquaculture, Matt pursued research in salmon health and nutrition, paving the way for a career focused on education within the industry. Matt has led various initiatives to develop educational programs that link scientific knowledge with sustainable industry practices.

Kris grew up on the Mid North Coast of NSW, and spends any available time in and around the water. After completing his honours in Marine Science and Management, Kris has worked in a wide range of roles across the fisheries and marine sector. These include as a fisheries researcher and technician, commercial fisheries observer, rec fishing retail manager, aquaculture technician and field technician for on-country aquatic conservation research with Traditional Owners and Rangers.

David studied fishing gear technology at the Australian Maritime College. He has worked in the seafood processing sector as a microbiologist/export officer, as a research scientist with the South Australian rock lobster industry, and as a lecturer and trainer at the Australian Maritime College and the University of Tasmania. Most recently David was the Senior Curator Natural Sciences at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston, Tasmania, working on biodiversity and climate science and anthropogenic impacts.

Jamie has a diverse background in agricultural extension, community engagement, planning and evaluation. He has previously worked as a coastal and marine facilitator and more recently has completed a national evaluation of extension. Jamie is passionate about the outdoors and especially sailing and surfing. 

Blair is creative with a passion for good design and narratives that leave a lasting impression. He comes from a varied background and has worked in industries such as aviation, universities and cyber security. Out of the office, Blair enjoys gardening, wine and of course - feasting on Australian seafood.

Sue joined FRDC in February 2022. She has extensive experience in senior public affairs roles across several sectors including, grape & wine production, grain production, minerals mining & processing and not-for-profits. Sue has expertise in delivering strategic communications, engagement activities and policy development for diverse stakeholder groups nationally and globally. In her role at FRDC, Sue leads the external communications functions and events for the organisation.