Back to FISH Vol 26 3
PUBLISHED 1 Sep 2018
SHARE
MORE INFORMATION FRDC +61 2 6122 2100 frdc@frdc.com.au

Green light for seafood marketing

On 16 August 2018, the Primary Industries Research and Development Amendment Bill 2017 was passed by both houses of parliament.

This allows the FRDC to undertake marketing activities funded by voluntary contributions on behalf of Australia’s seafood sector.

This is a major step forward for the FRDC and for Australia’s seafood sector. The change opens the doors for FRDC to partner with and deliver any marketing activities on behalf of Australia’s seafood industry. The FRDC is keen to start discussions with any industry partners looking to undertake or be part of marketing activities. and will work with them to develop plans and processes to undertake requested activities.

The FRDC can only undertake marketing where industry request and provide funding for the activity. In the coming months the FRDC will work to establish:

  • seafood industry interest in marketing activities – what you would like to see happen;
  • a collection process for marketing funds that is simple and efficient – whether voluntary or levy-based; and
  • policies and procedures to ensure good governance of marketing funds and metrics on which to evaluate activities.

 


Colbeck returns to fisheries

Senator Richard Colebeck 

Tasmanian Senator Richard Colbeck has returned to the fisheries fold as part of new Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s Ministry.

Working with Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud, as Assistant Minister, Richard Colbeck will be responsible for the fisheries aspects of the portfolio.

He held a similar role, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for almost two years from October 2004 to January 2006, and again as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture from September 2013 to July 2015.

Senator Anne Ruston then stepped into the position, but she has now been appointed Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific, and Richard Colbeck returns.


Informing UN sustainability goal

As of July 2018, the evidence-based science of Status of Australian Fish Stocks (SAFS) reports (fish.gov.au) are being used to inform the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 14 ‘Life below water’.

Goal 14 is made up of several different indicators. The SAFS information will inform indicator 14.4.1: ‘Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels". Australia has already met its target for this indicator.

The SAFS reports provide a road map for the recovery of stocks for fisheries management, industry and research. The next edition of SAFS will be released in December 2018. It will see an increase in the number of species assessed (from 87 to 120) and a reduction in the number of species classified as undefined (a category used to indicate a lack of available data about which to make an assessment).


Call to honour women in seafood

The Women’s Industry Network Seafood Community (WINSC) is calling for nominations for the inaugural WINSC Women’s Honour Roll. This will provide recognition to those women whose contributions have made a significant difference to the knowledge, growth and prosperity of the seafood industry.

Nominations will be judged on whether the nominee:

  • demonstrates a long-term involvement or background in the seafood industry;
  • has a clear dedication and commitment to and support of the industry through her contribution;
  • demonstrates a proven commitment to raising both community and industry awareness of seafood; and
  • has built a reputation for a high level of integrity, positive influence and professionalism in the seafood industry as a whole.

The WINSC Women’s Honour Roll will be released every two years, starting in 2018.

New inductees into the Honour Roll will be announced at the WINSC 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Friday 19 October in the Grand Ballroom, Hilton Adelaide.

WINSC is the only national organisation that represents women in the seafood industry. It is a unique and diverse network of members with backgrounds in wild catch, aquaculture, post-harvest, wholesale, retail, management, research, consultancy, hospitality and more.

For more information about the WINSC 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner and to nominate an individual for the Honour Roll please visit the WINSC website.