Community Perceptions Of Fishing: Implications For Industry Image, Marketing And Sustainability
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$104,065.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To conduct focus groups with selected sub-groups of the Australian public to serve as a basis for developing a structured survey instrument. 2. To develop the survey instrument in discussion with the advisory group, conduct a pilot test of the instrument, and administer it to a statistically representative sample of the Australian adult population (18+). 3. To identify implications of survey findings for industry communication, education and marketing activities (f ....Objectives: 1. To conduct focus groups with selected sub-groups of the Australian public to serve as a basis for developing a structured survey instrument. 2. To develop the survey instrument in discussion with the advisory group, conduct a pilot test of the instrument, and administer it to a statistically representative sample of the Australian adult population (18+). 3. To identify implications of survey findings for industry communication, education and marketing activities (from answers to knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and behavioral questions). 4. To identify implications of survey findings for ESD monitoring and reporting frameworks (behavioral questions in particular). 5. In discussions with the advisory group, to develop options and strategies for addressing any negative perceptions of the industry, identifying appropriate actions, agencies to implement actions, and methods for evaluating success of implementing options. 6. To communicate overall survey results to stakeholders in a meaningful and useful form. Read moreRead less
SESSF Industry Development Subprogram: Adding Value To An Under Utilised Fish Species (silver Warehou)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$53,800.00
Summary
There is little opportunity for fishers in the SESSF to increase profitability. All major species have been allocated quotas, and there is little scope to increasing quotas with all species fully exploited or overfished. While much research has focused on the collection of biological data, assessment of the status of fish stocks and the impact of fishing on the environment (Knuckey 2004) there is a need to investigate value adding to species currently captured by the fishery.
Silver w ....There is little opportunity for fishers in the SESSF to increase profitability. All major species have been allocated quotas, and there is little scope to increasing quotas with all species fully exploited or overfished. While much research has focused on the collection of biological data, assessment of the status of fish stocks and the impact of fishing on the environment (Knuckey 2004) there is a need to investigate value adding to species currently captured by the fishery.
Silver warehou is one of the most promising low-value species to trial for value adding. At present there is little demand from the consumer public with its off white colour when filleted, large catches of it are landed during winter months depressing the price. Many hundreds of tonnes of this species is currently discarded at sea due to lack of markets.
The cost of establishing new markets for both the flathead and school whiting were considerable and borne solely by Consolfish, though all fishers benefited from the higher prices. The products were so successful that Consolfish can no longer afford to process small to medium flathead as the high price at the wharf makes it unviable.
Silver warehou is a relatively unfamilar fish to oversees processors. This project is needed to develop a consumer friendly product and then organise the processing techniques, further training and production planning. The Thai processors have indicated they are keen to process the fish and the Woolworth supermarket chain have indicated they will be willing to stock it on a trial basis. Promotion of the product will be required and will be undertaken at Consolfish expense.
Objectives: 1. Conduct research to confirm appropriate markets for this seafood product 2. Develop a new seafood product from silver warehou that will appeal to the consumer and is competitively priced to similar imported products 3. Adapt equipment to process silver warehou into suitable products 4. Establish training program for processing staff to ensure product QA 5. Desribe how the process applied to silver warehou can be adapted to other low-value species Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. To improve the value of the fishery by: a) using more of the product caught; 2. b) value adding the product; 3. c) producing a dry lobster bait, or at least a fishmeal from the resultant waste.
Non-Market Impact Valuation For Fisheries RD&E (Phase I)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$42,000.00
Summary
FRDC requires a study to assess and compile relevant, publicly available, non-market impact valuation studies for potential use in future FRDC RD&E impact assessments and an assessment of the major gaps in the available non-market information related to the environmental and social impacts of fisheries RD&E to inform and prioritise potential future willingness-to-pay studies. Objectives: 1. Assess and compile relevant, publicly available, non-market impact valuation studies for po ....FRDC requires a study to assess and compile relevant, publicly available, non-market impact valuation studies for potential use in future FRDC RD&E impact assessments and an assessment of the major gaps in the available non-market information related to the environmental and social impacts of fisheries RD&E to inform and prioritise potential future willingness-to-pay studies. Objectives: 1. Assess and compile relevant, publicly available, non-market impact valuation studies for potential use in future FRDC RD&E impact assessments. 2. Identify and prioritise the major data/information gaps in the available non-market information related to the environmental and social impacts of fisheries RD&E to inform potential future willingness-to-pay studies. Read moreRead less
ASFB Workshop: Towards Sustainability For Data Limited Multi-sector Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$20,000.00
Summary
The current ESD case studies project has identified multi-sector fisheries, often with limited data, as posing one of the most difficult areas for assessment of stock status. These fisheries are typically fished by a small number of commercial operators taking small catches of a diverse range of species. Comprehensive commercial databases are generally lacking, and recreational catches are poorly known. Such stocks are often significantly impacted by environmental variation both man made and nat ....The current ESD case studies project has identified multi-sector fisheries, often with limited data, as posing one of the most difficult areas for assessment of stock status. These fisheries are typically fished by a small number of commercial operators taking small catches of a diverse range of species. Comprehensive commercial databases are generally lacking, and recreational catches are poorly known. Such stocks are often significantly impacted by environmental variation both man made and natural.
There is an urgent need for researchers and managers responsible for future fisheries ESD reporting and assessment to examine techniques for data gathering (both catch/effort and biological) and assessment for these types of fisheries. The historical approach of dealing with the data and assessments of fisheries from a single sector perspective is no longer compatible with ESD requirements.
This ASFB workshop will bring scientists, managers, and other stakeholders together to investigate innovative ways of providing reliable assessments of the stocks and sustainable harvest levels for our coastal, estuarine, and inland fish resources. Objectives: 1. To explore alternative data sources for multi sector fisheries 2. To report on innovative methods for ESD assessment of multi sector fisheries. 3. To bring together researchers, managers and key stakeholders to focus on assessment and resource sharing for these fisheries. 4. Publication of the papers presented at the workshop as well as the subsequent discussion and comments. Read moreRead less
In Victoria, the seafood industry has been slow to develop collaborative relationships with educational and research providers, particularly in the higher education sector. The Austrimi scholarship will support capacity building within the research community, enourage collaborative partnerships and foster innovation through targetted research. Objectives: 1. Establish the Functional Foods Scholarship at Victoria University
FRDC Resource: Development And Ongoing Maintenance Of Australian Fish Names Standard 2019-2020
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$207,551.00
Summary
All Australian Standards developed by FRDC will demonstrate a net benefit and therefore have an overall positive impact on Australia’s seafood industry. This means that all FRDC developed Australian Standards must provide a value or benefit that exceeds the costs to the seafood industry with associated action plans to implement continuous improvement to ensure this is met.
Public, consumer and stakeholder confidence is vital to the well-being of Australia’s seafood industry.
A ....All Australian Standards developed by FRDC will demonstrate a net benefit and therefore have an overall positive impact on Australia’s seafood industry. This means that all FRDC developed Australian Standards must provide a value or benefit that exceeds the costs to the seafood industry with associated action plans to implement continuous improvement to ensure this is met.
Public, consumer and stakeholder confidence is vital to the well-being of Australia’s seafood industry.
Australian Standards are not legal documents. However, when a government references a standard in legislation, it becomes mandatory. An Australian Standard does have status and is recognised as being a credible document. Usage of the names included in the Australian Fish Names Standard is not mandated in Australia but is listed in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code - Standard 2.2.3 - Fish and Fish Products as an advisory note (see https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2011C00569)
Standard fish names removes confusion, strengthens consumer confidence, creates market efficiencies and consistency, underpins effective fisheries monitoring and improves management of food fraud / food safety.
The use of standard fish names achieves outcomes that are consistent with the aims of industry and governments: 1 Improved monitoring and stock assessment enhances the sustainability of fisheries resources. 2 Increased consistency and efficiency in seafood marketing to improve consumer confidence and industry profitability. 3 Improved accuracy and consistency in trade descriptions enables consumers to make more informed choices when purchasing seafood and reduces the potential for misleading and deceptive conduct. 4 More efficient management of seafood related public health incidents and food safety through improved labelling and species identification reduces public health risk.
Within the next decade, the AFNS must: • Be all inclusive including increased stakeholder awareness • Improve the AFNS database to ensure all data is current • Meet stakeholder expectation • Be world’s best practice • Be a national benchmark for sustainability • Be part of an ongoing continuous improvement processes • Be a transparent process to create trust
Objectives: 1. Ensure FRDC maintains accreditation as a Standards Development Organisation through audits from the Standards Development Advisory Committee 2. Continue to promote and provide advice on the content and uptake of Australian Fish Names Standard and other FRDC developed standards to the broader seafood industry and government through strategic submissions and presentations to government in consultation with FRDC 3. Evaluate and implement the recommendations from the draft “Report on Stakeholder Consultation about the Australian Fish Names Standard and the Associated Processes” conducted in 2018 to ensure the AFNS continues to meet stakeholder needs and expectations 4. Continually improve the content and relevance of the Australian Fish Names Standard AS 5300 and underlying procedures to meet market, regulator and stakeholder needs and expectations. Read moreRead less