The FRDC works with diverse and geographically dispersed groups who operate or interact with fishing and aquaculture stakeholders. Some of these relationships are driven by a shared vision of working to address issues of concern, with some reinforced through mandate or legislation.

To meet and deliver on these needs the FRDC board and staff normally visit locations where they can engage directly with those involved in fishing and aquaculture and see issues firsthand. However, this year COVID-19 made it difficult to do this. FRDC is committed through formal policy to:

• treat stakeholders courteously and professionally,
• provide them with quality service,
• respond to written enquiries within 10 working days of receipt by the FRDC,
• return telephone calls by the close of business on the following day at the latest,
• provide information that is current and accurate.

Engaging with stakeholders plays an important part of the work program for FRDC staff members. Over the course of a year, the FRDC aims to meet with its key stakeholders and participate in discussions on priorities, investment and related issues.

This year the FRDC engaged with stakeholders to develop the new R&D Plan 2020–25. The journey to develop the new R&D Plan took 18 months and included research, discussions, deep thinking, conflict, resolution, prioritisation, awareness raising and many meetings. key activities included:

• Establishment of two national groups of leaders and innovators from across each of the five fishing and aquaculture sectors, management agencies including representatives of DAWE, researchers, and representatives of conservation non-government organisations to co-design elements of the plan.
• Engagement of these groups over several workshops to undertake system mapping, scenario development, and analysis.
• Integration of broader stakeholder input through the FRDC’s annual stakeholder planning workshop held in Adelaide during September 2019, and regional workshops held in Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth during September/October 2019.
• Regular stakeholder updates were provided in FRDC’s stakeholder briefings and FISH magazine.
• Comments were invited from a range of stakeholders including:
  • FRDC representative bodies throughout the plan’s development,
  • directors of fisheries agencies from each jurisdiction through the Australian Fisheries Management Forum,
  • research providers through the national Research Provider Network,
  • broader input was also invited through publication of the draft plan and an accompanying survey on FRDC’s website in March 2020.

Research Advisory Committees

The FRDC supports a network of Research Advisory Committees (RACs) — one covering Commonwealth fisheries and one in each state and the Northern Territory. The RACs play an important role in delivering on efficient, effective planning and investment processes, and the development of project applications. The FRDC works to ensure a majority of research funding applications are submitted through, reviewed and prioritised by the RACs. The RACs represent all fishing and aquaculture, fisheries managers and researchers, and most have environmental and other community interest representation.

Industry partners

The FRDC has continued its close relationship with seafood industry sectors. Industry Partnership Agreements (IPAs) are a key part of the FRDC business because they provide individual sectors with greater certainty for long-term investment against their RD&E plans.

Each IPA develops a RD&E plan containing its specific priorities, from which it determines the focus of its annual call for applications. The RD&E strategic plans for the IPAs can be found on their individual webpages — frdc.com.au/Partners/Industry-Partnership-Agreements. These RD&E plans and priorities form the basis of investment for the coming financial year. During the year the FRDC has IPAs with the following organisations:

• Abalone Council Australia,
• Australian Abalone Growers Association,
• Australian barramundi Farmers Association,
• Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries,
• Australian Prawn Farmers Association,
• Australian Southern bluefin Tuna Industry Association,
• Oysters Australia,
• Pearl Consortium,
• Southern Fisheries,
• Southern Rocklobster Limited,
• Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association,
• Western Rock Lobster Council.

Australian Government

The Minister for Agriculture and the department provide the key priorities that need to be addressed from an Australian Government perspective. The department acts as the day-to-day policy intermediary between the offices of the Minister, Assistant Minister and the FRDC.

Australian Fisheries Management Forum

The Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) is attended by the heads of the Commonwealth, state and territory government agencies responsible for management of fisheries and aquaculture. The AFMF discusses issues relating to fisheries and aquaculture management.

The FRDC understands that adoption of research outputs by management agencies is a key to optimising management outcomes. It will continue to work with the AFMF, participating as an invited representative to its meetings, providing advice and ensuring the AFMF’s priorities are incorporated into planning and prioritisation processes.

Rural research and development corporations

The FRDC continues to partner with other RDCs on a range of activities to enhance joint strategic outcomes. The FRDC attends meetings of the CRRDC, as well as meetings of executive directors, business managers and communications managers. It continues to be an active member of these groups driving a number of key areas in particular the CRRDC evaluation program.

The FRDC also partners and participates with other RDCs at the project level. A key area for collaboration has been the R&D for Profit Program and projects in which the FRDC is a co-investor. The FRDC has assisted in coordinating sponsorship and participation in events such as EvokeAg, AbARES ‘Outlook’ conference and individual projects on data, safety and community perceptions.

Research partners

Investment in research is the FRDC’s core business. As a result, it is vital to the FRDC’s success that good relationships are built and maintained with its research partners. In any given year, the FRDC will have over 400 active projects under management.

A list of acronyms/abbreviations used in this table are on page 179.