Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230100140
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$436,968.00
Summary
Improving the Outcomes of Indigenous Boarding School Graduates. This project generates evidence that is urgently needed to improve Indigenous Australian boarding school outcomes, by examining the life paths and experiences of recent graduates. It draws on rich qualitative data regarding Indigenous graduate experiences, to examine practices that affect retention, attainment, post-school pathways and cultural wellbeing. This project expands a novel Indigenous research method, photoyarn, to amplify ....Improving the Outcomes of Indigenous Boarding School Graduates. This project generates evidence that is urgently needed to improve Indigenous Australian boarding school outcomes, by examining the life paths and experiences of recent graduates. It draws on rich qualitative data regarding Indigenous graduate experiences, to examine practices that affect retention, attainment, post-school pathways and cultural wellbeing. This project expands a novel Indigenous research method, photoyarn, to amplify the voices of Indigenous participants using digital co-research processes. Providing first-hand evidence to inform Indigenous education policy, this project also produces best practice guidelines for Australia's boarding school industry, toward closing the gap in Indigenous boarding graduate outcomes.Read moreRead less
Consultation Pathways For Australian Fishing And Seafood Industry Focused RD&E To Deliver Improved Economic, Environmental And Social Benefits To Australia’s Indigenous People Through The Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) And Indigenous RD&E Program Support
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$2,659,555.00
Summary
There remains a continuous need for the strategic planning and execution of targeted and efficient research, development, and extension (RD&E) initiatives that cater to the priorities of the Indigenous fishing and seafood sectors. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by offering support and resources to the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) through various projects and a dedicated Indigenous RD&E Program. Since the establishment ....There remains a continuous need for the strategic planning and execution of targeted and efficient research, development, and extension (RD&E) initiatives that cater to the priorities of the Indigenous fishing and seafood sectors. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by offering support and resources to the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) through various projects and a dedicated Indigenous RD&E Program. Since the establishment of the IRG, significant advancements have been made. However, challenges persist due to the limited capacity of most agencies, researchers, and stakeholders to interact with and engage effectively with the Indigenous sector, thus failing to fully leverage the available opportunities and benefits. The number of Indigenous individuals with the required expertise and interest in participating in this process is on the rise, yet it remains insufficient to meet the identified needs. Addressing this gap is a primary focus for the IRG moving forward, including the advancement of a formal capacity-building program aimed at enhancing the understanding and knowledge of research, management, governance, and agency operations. Opportunities for improvement include: 1. Increasing the number of Indigenous individuals with the expertise and motivation to engage in RD&E and related policy processes: This involves identifying and promoting educational programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that are specifically designed to build the necessary skills and knowledge among Indigenous communities. Such initiatives should be accessible and tailored to the unique cultural and societal contexts of Indigenous people, encouraging their active participation in research, development, and extension activities. As much as possible, opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous organisations and communities in designing these programs can ensure they are relevant and effective. 2. Developing mutual capacity by boosting the understanding and abilities of non-Indigenous stakeholders: This objective focuses on generating a deeper understanding and respect among non-Indigenous stakeholders for Indigenous knowledge systems, values, and practices. Identify sectoral needs for cultural competence training programs and facilitating collaborative projects can bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. This approach not only enriches the RD&E process but also ensures that research outcomes are more inclusive and beneficial for all parties involved. 3. Enhancing the availability of culturally relevant knowledge and data for the Indigenous fishing sector to meet the needs of Indigenous Australians, researchers, and managers: To enhance the availability of culturally relevant knowledge and data for the Indigenous fishing sector, the strategy includes collaborating with Indigenous communities to understand traditional fishing practices and ecological insights using participatory research. A digital repository will be created to store and disseminate this information, designed with user-friendly features and access controls to safeguard intellectual property. This platform will support the integration of Indigenous knowledge into sustainable practices and policy decisions, complemented by educational workshops and policy engagement initiatives. Continuous feedback from Indigenous communities and stakeholders will ensure the platform remains relevant and effective, fostering informed decision-making and sustainable use strategies that recognises Indigenous rights and contributions. 4. Moving research forward to yield actionable outcomes and advice for policymakers: This entails aligning research objectives with the practical needs and priorities of the Indigenous fishing community and policymakers. By focusing on applied research that addresses specific challenges and opportunities within the sector, the findings can directly inform and influence policy and management decisions. Effective communication and adoption strategies are essential to translate complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders. 5. Strengthening Indigenous led and codesigned projects at the jurisdictional level by improving the connection between the IRG and Regional Advisory Committees/Industry Partnership Agreements (RAC/IPA): Enhancing collaboration and communication between the IRG, RACs, and IPAs can lead to more coordinated and effective Indigenous-inclusive projects outcomes. This could involve systematic meetings, joint planning sessions, and shared platforms for project management and information exchange. By working closely together, these groups can leverage their respective strengths and resources to achieve greater all-round impacts on the ground. 6. Adjusting expectations to clarify that the IRG is not the sole source of support for all Indigenous-related issues within the industry by creating processes to broaden networks and engagement: This involves actively promoting the development of a broader ecosystem of support for Indigenous issues in the fishing and seafood sectors. The IRG can facilitate the creation of partnerships, alliances, and networks that include a diverse range of stakeholders, such as government agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organisations, and industry groups. By diversifying the sources of support and engagement, the reliance on the IRG as the sole conduit can be reduced, leading to a more robust and resilient support system for Indigenous fisheries. The IRG stands out from other programs by offering services that span several additional areas. One of its goals is to alter the current dependence as the only recognised channel for Indigenous fisheries advice.
Objectives: 1. Work with Indigenous peoples and other fisheries resource stakeholders, to facilitate the identification of Indigenous RD&E priorities annually and develop projects to address those priorities. 2. Assist FRDC with management of the Indigenous RD&E program and the portfolio of projects with significant benefit to, or impact on, the Indigenous fishing sector. 3. Develop and implement a fit for purpose communication plan to effectively communicate research results and share knowledge with Indigenous communities, organisations, groups or individuals. 4. Encourage coordination and co-investment in RD&E which benefits the Indigenous fishing community. 5. To provide advice, where appropriate, through the FRDC to researchers regarding how their projects might be improved to consider benefits for Indigenous people, cultural importance, or suggest consultation and communication protocols for working with Indigenous communities. 6. Assist FRDC to explore opportunities for Indigenous engagement, employment, skills transfer, sharing of knowledge and the increase of cultural awareness amongst all parties. Read moreRead less
Assessing The Effectiveness Of IRG R&D Projects To Deliver Change
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$147,938.00
Summary
Within each IRG project there is always an attempt to address multiple IRG Priorities, particularly a capacity building component. However, what is often missing is an understanding of what impact the project has had and how the capacity building component from each project has led to any discernible change from a participant’s perspective. The IRG through the FRDC have funded two recent projects that were both designed to lead to an up-skilling, and hopefully a call to action in addressing Ind ....Within each IRG project there is always an attempt to address multiple IRG Priorities, particularly a capacity building component. However, what is often missing is an understanding of what impact the project has had and how the capacity building component from each project has led to any discernible change from a participant’s perspective. The IRG through the FRDC have funded two recent projects that were both designed to lead to an up-skilling, and hopefully a call to action in addressing Indigenous participation in fisheries areas. This project seeks to better understand the impacts these projects have made in these areas from the perspective of the project participants. Researchers will collate the experiences of participants through semi-structured interviews and develop resources suitable to communicate outcomes to stakeholders.
Objectives: 1. To undertake a series of semi-structured interviews with participants of two previous FRDC IRG projects 2. To document and collate the experiences of participants from two FRDC IRG projects 3. To develop resources suitable to communicate findings of this project to stakeholders 4. To provide professional capacity building for Indigenous student in project management and research Read moreRead less
The Australian Sea Country Conference is scheduled to be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 25 - 26 September 2024.
The primary aim of the Conference is to develop strategies for enhancing First Nations involvement in matters concerning the protection and utilisation of sea country. Through a series of presentations, discussions, and collaborative sessions, our goal is to deepen the understanding of First Nations' perspectives, promote the recognition of First Nations rights in e ....The Australian Sea Country Conference is scheduled to be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 25 - 26 September 2024.
The primary aim of the Conference is to develop strategies for enhancing First Nations involvement in matters concerning the protection and utilisation of sea country. Through a series of presentations, discussions, and collaborative sessions, our goal is to deepen the understanding of First Nations' perspectives, promote the recognition of First Nations rights in environmental contexts, and bolster the advancement of First Nations-led initiatives.
While Australia currently has national peak bodies representing the seafood industry, recreational fishers, and environmental interests in sea country, there is currently no representation for First Nations. This Conference aims to potentially lay the groundwork for establishing a First Nations Peak Body that represents interests in sea country-related matters. In doing so, it is intended that this conference provides guidance for consistency in recognition of Native Title rights between States/Territory/Federal governments.
By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we aspire to contribute to a future where First Nations governance models, traditional knowledge, and leadership are central to shaping Australia's marine environment. Read moreRead less
Indigenous Branding In The Fishing And Seafood Industry - Economic Creation And Capture
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$100,000.00
Summary
Modern fishery regulations are creating new opportunities for Indigenous people to participate in the whole seafood chain. (see the recent corporate examples noted in the Background Section).
Indigenous people are increasingly the owners of commercial fishing licenses, and the operators of fishery businesses. But in wholesale markets their harvests will have to compete on price per kilogram with every other fishers' product. If they lack business scale or are not productive and comme ....Modern fishery regulations are creating new opportunities for Indigenous people to participate in the whole seafood chain. (see the recent corporate examples noted in the Background Section).
Indigenous people are increasingly the owners of commercial fishing licenses, and the operators of fishery businesses. But in wholesale markets their harvests will have to compete on price per kilogram with every other fishers' product. If they lack business scale or are not productive and commercially agile, their commercial business will not survive.
One option is for Indigenous fishers to offer seafood attributes that are unique and attractive to consumers. If products are differentiated and also branded in unique ways, some end-consumers may value these attributes and be willing to pay higher prices, which flow back to the fisher/owner of the brand. This is the same economic pathway that every other commercial fishing and seafood business pursues.
But does this logic apply to emerging Australian Indigenous brand fisheries? That is the question this project seeks to address. Is there substantive global and local evidence supporting the development of specific commercial Indigenous food brands in any seafood/food market? And if there are commercial branding benefits, can Indigenous fishers/producers actually capture the benefits of the investment they make in such branding, or are they dissipated along the supply chain?
This analysis should be undertaken before further FRDC and other agency or authority funds are committed to R&D or other funding that supports the development of Indigenous seafood brands.
IRG Members considered how best to approach the challenge. Members supported that the Priority 2 (Benefits of an Indigenous brand) should be funded as a project immediately. They agreed a technical analysis of the economic benefit of such a brand should be undertaken via a desktop international audit to capture information on successes and failures using such brands, understanding the whys, the costs, governance involved and if successful where is the benefit captured (at the supplier, middle person or the end point.
Objectives: 1. Identify and engage with Indigenous enterprises that manage seafood brands 2. Draw conclusions re economic impacts of Indigenous food/seafood brands 3. Document and report the economic impacts on and potential for Australian Indigenous food/seafood brands. 4. Document which stages of the supply chain accrue the economic benefit from any branding Read moreRead less
Development Of A Business Plan For Enhancement Of Saucer Scallops In Sub-tropical Waters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$70,448.00
Summary
The Victorian scallop industry has decline substantially and does not appear to be recovering. Scallops have traditionally been one of Victoria's largest fisheries and the ability to resurrect a failing native fishery offers obvious benefits. Victoria has not committed time or moneys to the development of reseeding but in light of the recently successful scallop trials in Victoria it is an area that MAFRI has shown some new interest. This economic feasibility study and the potential direction ....The Victorian scallop industry has decline substantially and does not appear to be recovering. Scallops have traditionally been one of Victoria's largest fisheries and the ability to resurrect a failing native fishery offers obvious benefits. Victoria has not committed time or moneys to the development of reseeding but in light of the recently successful scallop trials in Victoria it is an area that MAFRI has shown some new interest. This economic feasibility study and the potential direction for research is now very relevant to Victoria Fisheries.
There is considerable industry interest in enhancing saucer scallop populations for subsequent harvest. The Western Australian government has granted exclusive use areas off the Western Australian coastline for two companies to undertake pilot enhancement work. Neither company has developed suitable hatchery technology to support their proposed operations. There has been long-standing industry interest in enhancement in Queensland, and pilot hatchery research on saucer scallops is underway at the Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre.
The Queensland trawl industry is facing restructuring and considerable reduction in the area in which it can fish. Profitability in the industry appears to be generally low (Taylor Moore, pers. com.). It is not difficult to forecast that environmental pressure groups will attempt to further curtail industry activities and reduce fishing effort in and adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, and that this will further impact on the industry's economic performance. At the same time, the trawl industry is a significant generator of employment and economic wealth in regional areas where unemployment levels are far higher than the national average. Any proposals that have realistic potential to improve social and economic welfare have obvious benefit to such communities, as well as to the national interests.
Those scallop enhancement operation that been successful are now making super-normal profits. The Japanese enhancement operations, for example, are giving returns in the order of 400% profit. While this figure does not adequately address or account for previous research and development expenditure, there is no doubt enhancement operations run properly, and supported by adequate investment and infrastructure can be financially profitable. At the same time, there are numerous examples of scallop enhancement and culture operations that have been financially unsuccessful. Operations such as those in Newfoundland, Scotland, and, to a lesser extent, in Tasmania, have failed to become long production sources of scallops. Developing feasibility studies and business plans seems to be the only way to determine whether it is worth while making the considerable investments in time and money needed for a successful enhancement or culture project. Objectives: 1. Identifiy key operational procedures and potential operational and bio-technological bottlenecks associated with successful and unsuccessful scallop enhancement and culture operations. Document critical knowledge gaps for potential enhancement of saucer scallops. 2. Identify financial, social and biological risks associated with enhancement and culture of saucer scallops in sub tropical Australian waters and commercial scallops in southern waters. 3. Undertake a preliminary feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis for enhancement and culture of saucer scallops in subtropical Australian waters and commercial scallops in southern waters, based upon outcomes of Objective 1. 4. Develop business plans (operational procedures, financial framework and timetable) for conducting a financially viable and ecologically sustainable saucer scallop enhancement or culture program in sub tropical waters of Australia and / or for commercial scallops in southern waters. Read moreRead less
What’s Stopping You From Protecting Yourself And Your Mates? Identifying Barriers To The Adoption Of Safe Work Practises In The Small-scale Wild Catch Commercial Fishing Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$321,720.00
Summary
High rates of work related injury and illness exist within Australia's commercial fishing industry, compared to other primary industries. A large proportion of current WHS approaches appear to be either underutilised or ineffective in reducing work related injury and illness frequency rates. The wild catch sector has identified a need to explore how to affect cultural shifts that increase the adoption of behaviours that create safe work environments and improve outcomes for the industry. Opportu ....High rates of work related injury and illness exist within Australia's commercial fishing industry, compared to other primary industries. A large proportion of current WHS approaches appear to be either underutilised or ineffective in reducing work related injury and illness frequency rates. The wild catch sector has identified a need to explore how to affect cultural shifts that increase the adoption of behaviours that create safe work environments and improve outcomes for the industry. Opportunities exist to learn from fisheries that are in the process of, or have adopted improved and positive WHS attitudes and behaviours, and to identify how they may be successfully shared with other fisheries.
Fishing industry representatives identify the desirability of simultaneously generating positive WHS outcomes while undertaking research. It is clearly recognised that the industry is averse to strengthening regulatory and compliance requirements, but seek the identification of behaviours and psychological factors that underpin established, or potential improvements in safety culture and behaviours, with a view to improving WHS outcomes. Given sensitivities to WHS regulatory recriminations, it is also a clear requirement and undertaking of this research to respect the anonymity of research participants in the data, and to protect them from any direct negative regulatory actions as a result of their participation in the research.
A need has also been identified to develop a set of principles, that may be promulgated nationally and utilised by industry to improve WHS outcomes, with the benefit of potentially minimising regulatory impositions.
It is also acknowledged that opportunities exit to improve WHS outcomes in the aquaculture and retail sectors. While the wild catch is the focus of this project, it will seek to identify any knowledge that may also by applicable to and utilised by these other sectors.
Objectives: 1. To generate knowledge to foster a stronger safety culture in the wild catch commercial fishing industry, and identify relevant recommendations also applicable to the aquaculture and retail sectors. 2. Identify the barriers (environmental, behavioural, psychological, regulatory, and market based) to adoption and implementation of safe work practises. 3. Identify the specific factors contributing to improvements in industry safety culture. Read moreRead less
RFIDS: Identifying The Health And Well-being Benefits Of Recreational Fishing
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$29,459.89
Summary
Recreational fishing is a form of outdoor recreation providing physiological, psychological and social benefits to the community. These benefits, while widely recognised, are inherently difficult to identify and quantify. This project will collate research efforts, initiatives and programs currently underway in Australia around the topic of recreational fishing, health and well-being. This investigation will increase understanding of the health and well-being benefits derived from recreational f ....Recreational fishing is a form of outdoor recreation providing physiological, psychological and social benefits to the community. These benefits, while widely recognised, are inherently difficult to identify and quantify. This project will collate research efforts, initiatives and programs currently underway in Australia around the topic of recreational fishing, health and well-being. This investigation will increase understanding of the health and well-being benefits derived from recreational fishing for different community sectors and stages of life. Determination of the health and well-being benefits to communities from recreational fishing will allow for consideration of these factors in allocation of resources. As an outdoor pursuit that can be enjoyed throughout life, it is important that the recreational fishing sector is recognised for promotion of well-being. Factors requiring consideration include a positive impact on mental health, perceived well-being, prevention of chronic disease and associated reductions in health care burden. These and other factors need to be considered for the true value of recreational fishing to be recognised. Recreational fishing is one of the few outdoor recreational activites that can be enjoyed at almost any age regrardless of skill, experieince or disability. Outcomes of Australian Institute of Criminology research investigating sport, physical activity and antisocial behaviour in youth, as well as international efforts such as the UK 'Get Hooked on Fishing' initiative aimed at providing diversions for youth from antisocial behaviour, will be included in the final analysis. This project represents a first step in consolidating the value of recreational fishing across Australia.
Objectives: 1. Identify current research activities and programs in Australia relating to recreational fishing and health or well-being. 2. Investigate the impact of recreational fishing on the health and well-being of Australian Society Read moreRead less