From the range of seafood species that we eat, to the experiences of recreational fishers, the skills needed for burgeoning Indigenous fishing and aquaculture enterprises, and better diagnostics for aquatic animal health - Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) invests in a broad range of research topics to support Australian fishing and aquaculture and is now calling for project applications. 

These examples are just some of the identified priorities areas that could be funded by FRDC through its latest round of investment in research, development and extension (RD&E). 

Project applications are invited to address priorities aimed at increasing the economic, social and environmental benefits of Australian fishing and aquaculture for Indigenous, commercial and recreational stakeholders and the wider Australian community. 

FRDC Managing Director Dr Patrick Hone says the priorities have been identified by stakeholders from Indigenous, aquaculture and commercial fisheries and recreational fishers.

The priorities are informed by the five strategic outcomes of FRDC’s Research and Development Plan 2020-25, the priorities of the National Fisheries Plan and the National Agricultural Innovation Policy Statement. 

“Our preference is for applications that tackle the challenges identified in our priorities and these plans, including climate change, resource allocation, sustainability, technological innovation, and ensuring ongoing support from the Australian community for fishing and aquaculture,” he says. 

“These topics have relevance within and between the various sectors of fishing and aquaculture and for people who work, live in and visit our cities, towns and remote areas all around Australia,” he says. 

“We also look for projects that demonstrate collaboration with end-users and that show how the project outcomes will be adopted and what success will look like.” 

FRDC is a co-funded partnership between the Australian Government and the fishing and aquaculture sectors. FRDC managed over $70 million RD&E projects last financial year. 

FRDC research, development and extension benefits Indigenous and commercial fishing and aquaculture, and recreational fishing and delivers a public good benefit to the Australian community.

Applicants are invited to submit expressions of interest by 15 February 2023. Further details available on the Call for funding opportunities page.