Tuna Research Program

The SBT Research Program was established in 2008 after the conclusion of the SBT Aquaculture Subprogram. Its primary purpose is to manage key research and development (R&D) priorities and in doing so increase industry’s ownership of the processes involved. The structure, method and resources employed evolved from best practice and lessons learned from other FRDC Subprograms.

 

Southern Bluefin Tuna Research Council

The SBT Research Council is a diverse mix of induviduals with different expertise. Backgrounds of members include governance and policy, science and industry. There is also an independent chairperson, Communications Subcommittee, and Program Manager supported by a Project Officer.

 

SBT Research Council 2012

From right to left: Richard Stevens (Chair), Anthony Ellin, Kylie Giles, Guy Westbrook, Kirsten Rough, David Ellis, Marty Deveney, Peter Montague (centre), Justin Nelligan (Deputy Chair), Rick Kolega , Daryl Evans, Claire Webber, Mehdi Doroudi, Brian Jeffriess, Gavin Begg.

 

Key functions of the SBT Research Council (SRC) to strategically plan, administer and transfer knowledge from research.

The objectives of the SRC are to:

•    ensure sustainable development of the industry;

•    improve resource access and property rights;

•    improve profitability;

•    extend research outcomes to stakeholders;

•    enhance market opportunity; and

•    ensure safety and workforce development.

 

Composition of the SBT Research Council

Representation on the Council was sector and expertise based, consisting of an Independent Chair and up to 16 members. The SBT Research Manager provided leadership, coordination and administration functions. Industry provided input through SRC Members, involvement in industry workshops and conferences, and direct communication with the Research Manager and Principal Investigators of research projects.

 

SBT Research Council Membership

 

Policy Development

The SBT Research Program, as the key channel for coordinating R&D, continued to develop and document the policies agreed upon by the SBT Research Council. The suite of policy documents underpinning the program includes:

•    Industry Partnership Agreement

•    SBT Research Program

•    Conduct of SRC Meetings

•    Communications Policy

•    Strategic R&D Plan

 

Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)

The FRDC is a co-funded partnership between the Australian Government and fishing industry. ASBTIA works closely with the FRDC through an Industry Partnership Agreement.

The FRDC’s role is to plan and invest in fisheries research, development and extension (RD&E) activities in Australia. This includes providing leadership and coordination of the monitoring, evaluating and reporting on RD&E activities, facilitating dissemination, extension and commercialisation. The FRDC achieves this through coordinating government and industry investment.

The FRDC has a significant responsibility in ensuring, on behalf of the Australian Government, that research is undertaken to assist in the management of the fisheries and aquaculture resource for ongoing sustainability. This means that a significant proportion of funding is directed at research that has a benefit for the three sectors of the fishing industry: commercial (wild catch and aquaculture), recreational and indigenous and also delivers a public good benefit to the Australian community.

– Learn more about this at: www.frdc.com.au

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