FRDC's 2022-23 Annual Report illustrates how the organisation has set new benchmarks in research, development, and innovation with an investment of over $33 million in Australia's fishing and aquaculture sectors.
“Our Annual Report 2022–23 details how the FRDC has invested the contributions of the Australian Government, state and territory governments, the fishing and aquaculture industries and research providers, in RD&E priorities, over the 12-month period,” says FRDC Managing Director Patrick Hone.
In fiscal year 2022-23, FRDC investments fuelled 134 new research, development and extension projects, strategically addressing the diverse priorities of Indigenous communities, commercial enterprises, and recreational fishers as well as the completion of 70 projects.
Our portfolio now boasts an impressive 451 projects, driven by the collective efforts of 1,151 researchers from over 30 research organisations across Australia.
Among the highlights were a new Cumulative Effects Assessment framework developed and applied to 409 species around Australia to better understand the effects of fisheries on Australia’s marine systems.
There were also a number of research, development and extension activities to help establish the contributions and structural or cultural barries faced by women in seafood, undertaken to build leadership capability and increase participation.
2022-23 saw the release of the national and state-based social and economic survey of recreational fishers. This survey, the first in two decades, showed recreational fishing contributes an astonishing 100,000 jobs and over $11 billion annually to Australia’s economy.
Our research into the population structure of Black Jewfish has proven pivotal, resulting in an additional $1.36 million worth of fish made available for both commercial and recreational fishers to enjoy.
Another key research project finalised during the year was the water quality modelling and information system that simulates seawater circulation and nutrient dynamics, in response to natural and human-induced changes, including fish farming.
FRDC also supported the inaugural Australian Ocean Business Leaders’ summit, a forum for leaders in government, business, research, finance, conservation, and sustainability, to engage on the status, principles and catalysts required to realise a sustainable ocean economy that is inclusive, equitable and transformational.
FRDC endorsed many conferences across Australia such as Seafood Directions, the World Recreational Fishing Conference, the National Centrostephanus Workshop and the World Aquaculture Conference, to name a few.
In parallel with our research and development initiatives, we strengthened our ties with grassroots fishing and aquaculture stakeholders in 2023. The Extension Officer Network, operational since mid-2022, initiated many meaningful connections with hundreds of stakeholders. This ensured that their concerns and priorities found resonance within our evolving research portfolio.
FRDC’s 2022-23 activities serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our staff and partners. As we celebrate these achievements, FRDC remains committed to the ongoing pursuit of sustainability and prosperity in Australia's fishing and aquaculture sectors, paving the way for generations to come.
Read more about our productive 2023 annual journey.
