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
External Review Of The FRDC's Indigenous Fishing And Aquaculture Coordination Program
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$46,000.00
Summary
The objective of this project is to undertake an independent review of the IRG’s operations and impacts to date in accordance with the below-described Terms of Reference and report on that review. Terms of Reference The specific terms of reference for this independent review are: 1. Undertake an assessment of the impact of the IRG against its current scope, and provide recommendations on how to improve adoption and impact for Indigenous fishing and aquaculture and cultural fishing RD ....The objective of this project is to undertake an independent review of the IRG’s operations and impacts to date in accordance with the below-described Terms of Reference and report on that review. Terms of Reference The specific terms of reference for this independent review are: 1. Undertake an assessment of the impact of the IRG against its current scope, and provide recommendations on how to improve adoption and impact for Indigenous fishing and aquaculture and cultural fishing RD&E; and 2. Provide recommendations on the future governance structure, function and membership of a revised IRG body to deliver RD&E priorities to the FRDC that improve opportunities for Indigenous Australians in fishing and aquaculture and cultural fishing. For the purposes of clarity, it is understood that the scope of the review pertains only to: ▪ The IRG’s current purpose (i.e. to provide advice to the FRDC) and is not intended to consider the question of a peak body for the Australian First Nations fishing and aquaculture industry; and ▪ First Nations commercial fishing and aquaculture and is only relevant to customary fishing where there might be a natural intersection (such as the nature of fishing rights, use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in fishing practices and management and use of cultural branding for commercial product) and it does not include First Nations participation in recreational fishing Objectives: 1. The objective of this project is to undertake an independent review of the IRG’s operations and impacts to date in accordance with the below-described Terms of Reference and report on that review. Read moreRead less
Integrating Indigenous Fishing: Extending Adoption Pathways To Policy And Management
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$140,000.00
Summary
See Opportunities section Objectives: 1. Document the impediments and opportunities for Indigenous engagement and adoption of IRG project outputs across fisheries management jurisdictions in Australia. 2. Identify the priorities for Indigenous fishing in jurisdictions with a focus on the 5 IRG RD&E priorities. 3. Develop a report synthesizing the impediments, opportunities and priorities for Indigenous fishing engagement and adoption to guide future IRG investm .... See Opportunities section Objectives: 1. Document the impediments and opportunities for Indigenous engagement and adoption of IRG project outputs across fisheries management jurisdictions in Australia. 2. Identify the priorities for Indigenous fishing in jurisdictions with a focus on the 5 IRG RD&E priorities. 3. Develop a report synthesizing the impediments, opportunities and priorities for Indigenous fishing engagement and adoption to guide future IRG investment. 4. Develop a template for future IRG projects that will ensure engagement and adoption are maximized. 5. Professional development and capacity building of the Indigenous Principal Investigator and grow cultural awareness in wider participants. Read moreRead less
Integrating Indigenous Fishing: Extending Adoption Pathways To Policy And Management
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$140,000.00
Summary
See Opportunities section Objectives: 1. Document the impediments and opportunities for Indigenous engagement and adoption of IRG project outputs across fisheries management jurisdictions in Australia. 2. Identify the priorities for Indigenous fishing in jurisdictions with a focus on the 5 IRG RD&E priorities. 3. Develop a report synthesizing the impediments, opportunities and priorities for Indigenous fishing engagement and adoption to guide future IRG investm .... See Opportunities section Objectives: 1. Document the impediments and opportunities for Indigenous engagement and adoption of IRG project outputs across fisheries management jurisdictions in Australia. 2. Identify the priorities for Indigenous fishing in jurisdictions with a focus on the 5 IRG RD&E priorities. 3. Develop a report synthesizing the impediments, opportunities and priorities for Indigenous fishing engagement and adoption to guide future IRG investment. 4. Develop a template for future IRG projects that will ensure engagement and adoption are maximized. 5. Professional development and capacity building of the Indigenous Principal Investigator and grow cultural awareness in wider participants. Read moreRead less