ASBTIA/FRDC Project 2008/227
SOUTHERN BLUEFIN TUNA RESEARCH PROGRAM: COORDINATION, FACILITATION AND ADMINISTRATION
The final report for this project has gone to print and is now available to stakeholders through ASBTIA or FRDC.

Aim

The aim of the project was to coordinate, administer and facilitate strategic and cost effective research for the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna ranching industry.

It implemented the agreed Strategic Research and Development (R&D) Plan for the SBT aquaculture industry for the period of 2008-2013. This was achieved through the ASBTIA Industry Partnership Agreement (IPA) with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) facilitated by the SBT Research Program.

Research meeting the needs of industry

This project was essential for the development of a cohesive R&D approach aimed at meeting the priority needs of the SBT Aquaculture Industry. The industry had developed rapidly since its initiation in 1991 and had the opportunity to continue to do so. However targeted R&D was needed to underpin this development and to assure the long-term sustainability of the industry in an increasingly competitive international market.

Outcomes

Over 4 years the program managed 6 projects worth about $4.8 million (ASBTIA and FRDC funds, not including research organisation and industry in-kind). It has built on the portfolio of previous Program management projects, addressed challenges that have arisen and successfully delivered desired outcomes.

This level of cooperative research between institutions and industry is arguably unparalleled in Australia Fisheries and Aquaculture, which was reaffirmed by the Executive director of FRDC and the President of the BHERT Awards.