Previous changes in fisheries management have had significant socio-economic impacts on Queensland fisheries (and likely on local seafood supply). E.g. the implementation of the RAP and GBRCMP implemented by the GBRMPA and EPA respectively in 2004 has resulted in over $80 million compensation being paid to fishers and related businesses to date. A more accurate measure of the extent of socio-economic impacts of the RAP is unavailable, however, due to the lack of established methodologies to monitor such changes, and lack of baseline socio-economic data prior to implementation of the RAP.
Management changes are planned for the near future for Queensland’s inshore fisheries in the form of a new ECIFF Management Plan, potential regional-based management (e.g. area closures), and a management plan for mud crab. Relevant fisheries stakeholders (QSIA and Sunfish) and managers (DPI&F) have expressed the need to collect baseline data prior to management change and to develop and implement methodologies that will allow monitoring of socio-economic changes following the implementation of these management initiatives. Such a methodology will involve selecting appropriate indicators of the socio-economic environment and the collection of baseline data outlining the current socio-economic trends for the recreational, charter and commercial inshore fisheries and seafood consumers. In addition, efficient methodology with which to undertake long-term monitoring of the appropriate socio-economic indicators needs to be determined. This research is also needed if appropriate and useful socio-economic indicators are to be included in a PMS for the inshore fishery. The proposed project will fulfil these needs, allowing the effects of changes in inshore fisheries management to be assessed in the future. Provision of baseline data will also assist in the implementation of any future management change, such as regional-based management and management plans for the mud crab fishery (which is not included in the ECIFF Management Plan).

There is a need to provide an unbiased, independent expert service to the industry as it attempts to penetrate international markets, particularly in Europe. This project would address aspects of the strategic challenges identified in the SSA/FRDC industry development plan and the FRDC People Development Challenge. Specifically, providing a service where the industry cannot provide an equal service to seafood exporters.

There is also a need to project the reputation of Australian fisheries for excellence in sustainability, truth in labelling, food safety and quality.