Welcome to FRDC News

In January, the FRDC launched its monthly FRDC News, with the latest news and information about fisheries research outcomes, innovation and engagement. You can read the first issue and watch FRDC Managing Director Patrick Hone’s welcome video on our website. FRDC News is a digital newsletter that replaces our previous fortnightly newsletter, Message in a Bottle, and it will soon replace FISH magazine. We have moved to a digital format so that we can get news to you more quickly and more regularly, and we can also tailor stories to your interests. The June edition of FISH magazine will be our last print issue so, if you wish to keep reading great stories and understanding what’s happening in fisheries research, development and innovation, please subscribe to FRDC News at frdc.com.au/subscribe or update your details using the QR code. f

Seafood Directions 2022 ONE VOICE, ONE FUTURE

The 2022 Seafood Directions Conference will be held in Brisbane from 13–16 September. It is time to submit your papers and purchase early bird tickets for the premier seafood sector conference in Australia where the wildcatch, aquaculture and post-harvest sectors come together to share ideas and plan for the future.

The FRDC is a key sponsor of Seafood Directions, which is hosted by Seafood Industry Australia (SIA).

“We are delighted to support Seafood Directions and help industry leaders, innovators and disruptors from all parts of the seafood industry come together to plan a prosperous and sustainable future,” says FRDC Managing Director Patrick Hone.

“As we look towards a new chapter of growth for the industry, it is important that we reinforce the unity of the Australian seafood industry and the ties that bind us,” SIA Chief Executive Officer Veronica Papacosta says.

For more information, including the call for papers and the sponsorship and exhibitor prospectus, contact Rosie Love at rosie@seafoodindustryaustralia.com.au or visit www.seafooddirections.com.au f

OAM recognises recreational fishing efforts

Congratulations to Matthew (Matt) Hansen from Dubbo who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2022 Australia Day Honours for his services to recreational fishing and conservation.

Hansen has been an OzFish Unlimited member since the organisation began in 2015 and has led one of the most active chapters in the organisation. During his time as an OzFish board member, he helped drive the decisions that direct much of what the organisation does today.

OzFish Unlimited is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping the millions of Australian recreational fishers take control of the health of their rivers, lakes and estuaries and support the future of the sport they love.

Hansen led an inland recreational fishing group in the Dubbo region that was the first to carry out large-scale public fundraising to support river health restoration actions. The group was also the first non-government organisation to undertake large-scale river restoration work and it established the first – and now highly successful – River Repair Bus. Hansen’s recreational fishing group was also able to overcome decades of litter problems in Dubbo and realise a multimillion-dollar gross pollutant trap initiative by Dubbo Regional Council.

Hansen has been at the forefront of efforts by the recreational fishing sector to see irrigation pumps screened to stop millions of fish deaths each year. “Matt is a passionate recreational fisher and conservationist and it’s wonderful to see his years of dedication and achievement recognised with this OAM,” says FRDC Managing Director Patrick Hone. f

New technologies and tools to improve crew safety at sea

Tuna Australia is helping tuna fishers modernise their safety management systems (SMSs) by providing all interested members with a one-year subscription to the Offshore SMS app and a tablet to use the app. The app provides a fully compliant and up-to-date SMS and real-time digital logs for vessels. The SMS is a suite of operating procedures, protocols and policies that identifies onboard hazards and risks, assesses the likelihood and consequence of each risk, and identifies steps to protect against those risks. The SMS also documents crew training, safety drills and maintenance schedules. FRDC’s Managing Director Patrick Hone says this proactive initiative from Tuna Australia will help to improve crew safety at sea. “Making the SMS available digitally will help tuna operators modernise their systems and help everyone come home safely,” Hone says. f