Enhanced Education And Engagement With NSW Commercial Fishers Re Biosecurity With Focus On White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$88,000.00
Summary
The project aims to address 3 issues: 1. Improved in-field identification of aquatic pests by fishers over a longer term, 2. understanding the need for early detection. 3. Greater community and industry awareness of threats of aquatic biosecurity
Improved in-field identification of aquatic pests by fishers over a longer term Most fishers need to be re-familiarised with WSSV and associated diseases. Although an Extension Program was run in response to the 2016 south e ....The project aims to address 3 issues: 1. Improved in-field identification of aquatic pests by fishers over a longer term, 2. understanding the need for early detection. 3. Greater community and industry awareness of threats of aquatic biosecurity
Improved in-field identification of aquatic pests by fishers over a longer term Most fishers need to be re-familiarised with WSSV and associated diseases. Although an Extension Program was run in response to the 2016 south east Queensland WSSV incursion, there is a need to refresh the local fishing industry about WSSV and what to keep an eye out for.
There is some belief that this is due to the fact that the original extension program was not supported with any continued material or instruction. The PFA believes that this can be addressed through linking Biosecurity and WSSV information into the fishers reporting devices. It is through constant reaffirmation of WSSV and other such biosecurity risks that it will remain forefront for the fishers
Understanding the need for early detection It is understood that some fishers expressed reluctance in assisting in field surveys for WSSV as they were concerned about the negative impact such detection has to their immediate business. However, many case studies demonstrate that early detection can be the key in eliminating a biosecurity threat versus attempts to contain. The program will focus on the essential component within its materials and engagements
Greater community and industry awareness of threats to aquatic biosecurity Previous campaigns did not target the high risk vectors - for example, recreational fishers using green imported prawns for bait are not likely to fish from boat ramp. A dedicated social media campaign to saturate popular platforms would be utilised to run a regular program.
Objectives: 1. To improve awareness of biosecurity threats to the commercial fishing industry of northern NSW, with a focus of WSSV 2. To improve awareness of the importance of early detection of biosecurity threats within the northern NSW commercial fishing industry 3. To improve greater awareness that the use of imported green seafood as bait has to the ecosystem amongst the NSW community Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR200200441
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$289,479.00
Summary
Enabling cultures of bushfire readiness in Australian communities. This project aims to improve bushfire preparation by examining how cultural connections to landscape, place and community affect the ways in which people respond to information about bushfire hazards. Australia’s Black Summer showed that many households are inadequately prepared for the ‘new normal’ of faster, fiercer fires. This is particularly concerning on the urban fringe, where rapid development is changing landscapes, and h ....Enabling cultures of bushfire readiness in Australian communities. This project aims to improve bushfire preparation by examining how cultural connections to landscape, place and community affect the ways in which people respond to information about bushfire hazards. Australia’s Black Summer showed that many households are inadequately prepared for the ‘new normal’ of faster, fiercer fires. This is particularly concerning on the urban fringe, where rapid development is changing landscapes, and households face complex socio-economic challenges. The study aims to contribute to the safety of Australians by enabling emergency services to more effectively engage diverse communities in dialogue that promotes bushfire readiness, by connecting with place-based values, aspirations and behaviours.Read moreRead less
Intergenerational cultural transfer of Indigenous knowledges. Aboriginal cultural systems hold knowledge of national and international significance for Aboriginal wellbeing and addressing climate change, food insecurity, water scarcity and species loss. However, the continuity and integrity of these knowledges is of considerable concern to Aboriginal people, due to disruptions to Aboriginal lifeways. This Aboriginal environmental humanities research will investigate, describe and compare the tra ....Intergenerational cultural transfer of Indigenous knowledges. Aboriginal cultural systems hold knowledge of national and international significance for Aboriginal wellbeing and addressing climate change, food insecurity, water scarcity and species loss. However, the continuity and integrity of these knowledges is of considerable concern to Aboriginal people, due to disruptions to Aboriginal lifeways. This Aboriginal environmental humanities research will investigate, describe and compare the transfer of knowledge in a Kimberley and a southwest region of Western Australia to understand how cultural values, knowledge and practices can persist despite on-going colonial interruptions. Outcomes will contribute to Aboriginal wellbeing, enhance biodiversity and advance water communication. Read moreRead less
Phase 2. Designing The Integration Of Extension Into Research Projects: Tangible Pathways To Enhance Adoption And Impact.
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$30,000.00
Summary
The investment will see the appointment of a 3rd party provider that will oversee the design and implementation of the key principle/practices that each individual RDC are interested in trialling. Each investor will be expected to nominate a recent project/program or one that is under development to trial. The appointed coordinator will work with each RDC and assist them in initiating the key principles/practices and provide support throughout the duration of the trial process. The coordinator w ....The investment will see the appointment of a 3rd party provider that will oversee the design and implementation of the key principle/practices that each individual RDC are interested in trialling. Each investor will be expected to nominate a recent project/program or one that is under development to trial. The appointed coordinator will work with each RDC and assist them in initiating the key principles/practices and provide support throughout the duration of the trial process. The coordinator will also collate and record the experiences of each investor and provide the collective knowledge and evaluations of the pilot outputs through a community of practice forum. This forum will provide a coordinated approach to sharing the experience of each and RDC. Objectives: 1. to demonstrate the benefits in program/ project design, delivery, and evaluation and therefore benefits to producers through adoption by funding bodies and delivery partners of the key principles and practical steps developed from Phase 1. 2. Project team members (Researchers and extension practitioners) increased their knowledge, attitude, skill, aspiration and practice (KASAP) in applying the key principles and practical steps developed from Phase 1 to their work which has a positive impact on the delivery of project outputs and beneficial outcomes for producers. 3. Increase in cross RDC collaboration in the areas of Peer to Peer learning, issue identification of common concern and investments. 4. RDC funders have initiated adoption of the key principles and practices from phase 1 into their ways of working. Read moreRead less
Capability And Capacity: Understanding Diverse Learning Approaches And Knowledge Transfer Opportunities To Inform And Enable Change
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$130,000.00
Summary
FRDC recently co-funded a cross-commodity project on Designing the integration of extension into research project (James, 2022), which sought to improve adoption of outcomes from RD&E project. At the conclusion of this report, recommendations for Phase 2 were made, and these included several focused on developing and trailing different learning approaches for knowledge transfer. Understanding learning approaches required for different topics and cohorts is an essential next step to improve pract ....FRDC recently co-funded a cross-commodity project on Designing the integration of extension into research project (James, 2022), which sought to improve adoption of outcomes from RD&E project. At the conclusion of this report, recommendations for Phase 2 were made, and these included several focused on developing and trailing different learning approaches for knowledge transfer. Understanding learning approaches required for different topics and cohorts is an essential next step to improve practical outcomes associated with development, change, and adoption processes. This project represents an opportunity for FRDC to build on this initial investment and generate new knowledge on the connection between learning approaches and knowledge transfer to enhance the fisheries and aquaculture sector’s capability and capacity for adaptability and change.
A systematic review of the literature on the topics of adult learning, knowledge transfer, and transformational change will identify and evaluate relevant findings for the fisheries and aquaculture sector. These will be further ground-truthed through extensive stakeholder consultation within (a) wild catch organisations, (b) aquaculture organisations, and (c) through the wider industry knowledge network (e.g. extension officers and research teams). A compilation of informal and formal learning and development opportunities in fishing and aquaculture within organisations and in the wider industry will be analysed, and case studies of best practice identified, analysed and showcased as examples of successful change, adoption, skill development and shift in mindset.
These evidence-based context-specific insights will be translated into a guide, tool or micro-credential for best practice in designing and delivering knowledge transfer and practice change activities. The usefulness and ease of use of this resource will be tested in a workshop with FRDC extension professionals and other interested stakeholders, refined and then introduced to the fisheries and aquaculture community for application to learning and training in organisations and throughout the wider industry. It is expected that the findings of this project will have implications for the project Capability and capacity: Navigating leadership pathways in fishing in aquaculture, in particular insights on how learning approaches for the topic area of non-technical skills development (e.g. communication, team effectiveness, career self-management, problem-solving, strategic thinking and foresight) occur within organisations that may prove to be the start of the leadership pathway for people within fisheries and aquaculture, and if done effectively may widen and diversity the talent pipeline into mid to high leadership level development opportunities.
This project has been designed with a 12-month timeline, with options to scale down if required by FRDC.
Objectives: 1. This project will establish a practicable evidence-base for understanding the interaction between learning approaches and knowledge transfer to enhance human, organisational, and industry capacity and capability for adaptive change in the fisheries and aquaculture sector 2. A guide/tool/micro-credential to apply insights regarding successful learning approaches and knowledge transfer for the design and delivery of interventions targeting change, adoption, skill development and shift in mindset for a diverse range of relevant topics and segments of the fisheries and aquaculture sector 3. Deliver 2 workshops to test the use and ease of use of the guide/tool/micro-credential for key industry stakeholders 4. Deliver a webinar to share research findings and launch the guide/tool/micro-credential to the wider fisheries and aquaculture community 5. Determine multiple pathways to delivery for use of the guide/tool/micro-credential including integration and alignment to other relevant project such as Capability and capacity: Navigating leadership pathways in fishing and aquaculture and the Fishing and Aquaculture Workforce Capability Framework Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100103
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$454,582.00
Summary
Striking voices: Australian school-aged students' climate justice activism. Mass student-led climate justice activism emerged as a transnational phenomenon in 2018.This project aims to foster understanding of this phenomenon, through exploring how Australian young people are taking action on climate change, the supports for their activism, and educational conditions of and responses to their climate concerns, using ethnographic and participatory methods. Expected outcomes include online student- ....Striking voices: Australian school-aged students' climate justice activism. Mass student-led climate justice activism emerged as a transnational phenomenon in 2018.This project aims to foster understanding of this phenomenon, through exploring how Australian young people are taking action on climate change, the supports for their activism, and educational conditions of and responses to their climate concerns, using ethnographic and participatory methods. Expected outcomes include online student-curated accounts of social movement participation, and a co-produced teaching and learning framework for schools. Anticipated benefits include a greater understanding of emerging patterns of political engagement, and the development of educational capacity to engage young people and face urgent environmental challenges.Read moreRead less
Southern Rock Lobster Planning And Management For A National Research Development & Extension (RD&E) Program
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,001,807.88
Summary
The Southern Rock Lobster industry has a complex array of business structures. Many of the quota units or catch shares are owned by small family businesses while an increasing amount is owned by larger companies. Catch is taken by around 625 vessels and packed and processed by a number of different companies. The large and complex array of firms across three States means there is a need for leadership in prioritising and coordinating the investment in and managing industry RD&E.
Fo ....The Southern Rock Lobster industry has a complex array of business structures. Many of the quota units or catch shares are owned by small family businesses while an increasing amount is owned by larger companies. Catch is taken by around 625 vessels and packed and processed by a number of different companies. The large and complex array of firms across three States means there is a need for leadership in prioritising and coordinating the investment in and managing industry RD&E.
For the past three years the value of the catch (producer prices) has increased from $176 million to $228 million with the 2013/14 year the highest on record with 2014-15 likely to be higher again. Profitability has increased at a greater rate than this trend in revenue would indicate, because of gradual improvement in catch rate. There is opportunity to further increase the financial return from the resource through improvements in price and reduction in costs. Research investment tends to have an exceptional ROI in this industry due to the scale of the fishery.
In 2012, SRL partnered with the Australian Abalone industry to form the Seafood Trade Advisory Group (STAG) to primarily address issues regarding exports to China. This proved timely as the negotiations for a China - Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) became a Government priority and the STAG contributed significantly to successful inclusion of lobster and abalone. This agreement is expected to create substantial change in the SRL fishery in the future and we need to be well prepared to respond.
This project will build on the existing capacity to deal with Southern Rock Lobster RD&E needs in a strategic and efficient way. The industry will benefit from continued collaboration with the New Zealand Rock Lobster industry on R&D projects will continue under this project including sharing R&D initiatives with other Australian Rock Lobster representative bodies.
Objectives: 1. Coordinate Southern Rock Lobster RD&E planning and management so that RD&E is strategically prioritized and delivered cost-effectively. 2. Deliver a corporate structure, resources and processes for SRL that ensures:a) Leadership focusing on continuous industry development through the delivery of the SRL Strategic Plan b) a strategic focus on maximising profitability across the value chain within the limits of sustainability of the resource, c) high level governance at the operational, planning and strategic level; and d) effective engagement of all stakeholders in planning and building SRL’s value proposition to ensure further development within the fishery and relevance of SRL’s functions. 3. Engage with Southern Rock Lobster Processors and Exporters (post-harvest sector) to establish a representative body and processes for contributing to industry development, RD&E initiatives and representation of this body on the SRL Board. 4. Communicate consistent information and the extension of R&D outputs to support and promote the adoption of new technology, science and other project outcomes through mediums such as the SRL Newsletter, website and fact sheets Read moreRead less