Researching, Trialling And Evaluating A Market Driven Approach To Commercialising A Range Extended Marine Species - Tasmanian Wild Sea Urchin (Longspined Sea Urchin)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$560,000.00
Summary
Commercial in confidence. To know more about this project please contact FRDC. Objectives: Commercial in confidence
Developing Capability And Capacity For Seafood International Trade In New And Existing Markets
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$125,000.00
Summary
The Food and Wine Collaboration project (F&W project) intends to expand trade across agriculture and fisheries sectors into emerging export markets and/or high-growth, high-potential markets. Building existing and developing new markets is a priority for the industry, not only to identify new opportunities beyond China and reduce the reliance on a single market, but also to take a more proactive approach to leverage Australia’s key bilateral relationships and trade partnerships. South Korea, Vie ....The Food and Wine Collaboration project (F&W project) intends to expand trade across agriculture and fisheries sectors into emerging export markets and/or high-growth, high-potential markets. Building existing and developing new markets is a priority for the industry, not only to identify new opportunities beyond China and reduce the reliance on a single market, but also to take a more proactive approach to leverage Australia’s key bilateral relationships and trade partnerships. South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia have significant growth potential. The new Federal government has identified market diversification as a priority area for R&D.
South Korea is one of Australia’s largest trading partners and we have had favourable trading and bilateral relationships for a long time, made stronger when the Korea Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) which came into force in 2014. Recent technical market access wins – in particular, for lobster at the end of 2021, continues to make South Korea an active market for seafood exporters. South Korea is a stable, advanced, and growing economy and while COVID-19 reduced consumption and business activity, food and beverage consumption hit record double digit, year-on-year growth during the pandemic – driven by e-commerce. Koreans are high consumers of seafood and import more than 70 per cent of their food and agriculture products, with demand for high-end, niche premium food including seafood such as (but not limited to) lobster, sea urchin and yellowtail kingfish is increasing.
Vietnam has one of the fastest growing economies and the World Bank predicts a GDP growth of more than 5.5% pa in 2022. Australian exports during the pandemic rose to $9.7 billion – an increase of 61 percent in 2021. Vietnam’s strong growth and expanding middle-class has increased demand for imported goods including premium food and beverage products such as seafood. Australia and Vietnam have strong trading relationships and have had a long alliance. It has a commitment to global economic integration and a rules based trading process with a growing amount of free trade agreements including ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
With 100 million people and a growing economy, it is expected to surpass Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines over the coming years. Vietnam is a strong relationship-based society and being in country and building personal relationships and trust are key pillars for doing business in Vietnam.
Indonesia is one of the fastest growing economies and with strong bilateral relationships supported through favourable trade agreements such as Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IACEPA and ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), this is a strong potential market for the seafood industry. According to Euromonitor Consulting (2021), Australia has a good reputation for providing premium products, however recognition of Australian seafood brands overall is relatively low and there is a need to increase awareness and exposure of our products. Establishing and building relationships across retail and food service, supported through embassy representation will help expand market presence. Also, as the market sees strong growth of modern grocery outlets, high-end supermarkets, e-commerce platforms and food service outlets; consumer demand and reach is growing including wealthy Chinese expats seeking premium ‘status’ products such as abalone and lobster. This market represents long-term trading opportunities for the industry.
Succeeding in business across any Asian market – including South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia involves developing strong business relationships, and a clear understanding of the market and the environment. The F&W project provides an opportunity for SIA and industry to develop this understanding and to build capacity and capabilities across these markets. There is also the opportunity to engage with and learn from other agriculture sectors, Australian representatives, and in-country staff to help build capable leaders in the international trade space and develop long-term beneficial trading opportunities for the industry.
Objectives: 1. Develop collaboration with agricultural sectors (wine, dairy, horticulture and red meat) to expand seafood export opportunities 2. To develop capability and capacity in seafood market research and development across the seafood sector. 3. Build key international trade connections to support market access and market diversification initiatives for the seafood industry. 4. To facilitate leadership exchange in conjunction with international seafood trade shows with the USA and UK 5. To provide capability opportunities for seafood industry peak and sector bodies that are not eligible for industry international trade bursaries 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
Seafood Trade Advisory Group - Transitioning To A New Communications, Governance And Operating Model
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$444,000.00
Summary
The STAG has been operational since 2013 providing services to Australian abalone and rock lobster exporters to engage with government and to support in market access negotiations with unified and well researched considered input. The STAG has a track record of success based on a collaborative priority setting process and a clear focus on resolving the highest priority issues. While primarily focused on the issues faced by abalone and rock lobster exporters many of the STAG activities have be ....The STAG has been operational since 2013 providing services to Australian abalone and rock lobster exporters to engage with government and to support in market access negotiations with unified and well researched considered input. The STAG has a track record of success based on a collaborative priority setting process and a clear focus on resolving the highest priority issues. While primarily focused on the issues faced by abalone and rock lobster exporters many of the STAG activities have benefited the broader seafood exporter community eg the International Freight Assistance Mechanism, tracking and communicating impacts of the COVID pandemic on markets, facilitating an agreed priority listing for adding new species to the approved import list for China and establishing a market intelligence service has been established and weekly newsletters keep Australian seafood exporters up to date on market trends and consumer insights as well as technical market access issues.
Seafood Industry Australia has recently developed a Seafood Industry Export Plan. As part of that plan SIA is building capability and has received Australian Government funding through the ATMAC funding to deliver trade facilitation services.
There is an opportunity for the STAG to move to a new expanded business model under the auspices of SIA capitalising on the resources and capacities of both organisations. The new model will include communications, governance, operations and funding. What that looks like and how that transition should occur will be addressed through application.
While the transition plan is being developed, agreed and implemented it is important that the STAG to continue operations, providing services as agreed by the Partnership Group. The international trade environment is still extremely volatile, as it has been for the past two years. The STAG provides a valuable early warning and quick response mechanism for dealing with disruptions, a market intelligence service and international seafood trade expertise to support the Abalone and Rock Lobster sectors as they face the challenging task of regaining and maintaining China market access while pursuing market diversification strategies.
There is a need to build additional seafood specific international trade knowledge and capacity so the STAG and SIA will work together to identify opportunities to facilitate this. Objectives: 1. To develop and implement agreed arrangements to transition the STAG to a new business model (communications, governance, operations and funding) within the SIA 2. To deliver agreed trade and market access services according to the agreed Seafood Trade Agenda and Action Plan for Abalone and Rock Lobster Read moreRead less
Preparing For Threats And Opportunities Of Alternative Proteins
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$209,922.00
Summary
The demand for alternative proteins is increasing globally, and although the impact on the fishing and aquaculture sectors is lagging, it is an opportune time to review the potential risks and opportunities. This will help us reposition the sector to make use of the opportunities and mitigate the risks.
Our multidisciplinary team will deliver a detailed assessment of risks and opportunities, and engage stakeholders to understand their needs, concerns and impact pathways. We will use our ....The demand for alternative proteins is increasing globally, and although the impact on the fishing and aquaculture sectors is lagging, it is an opportune time to review the potential risks and opportunities. This will help us reposition the sector to make use of the opportunities and mitigate the risks.
Our multidisciplinary team will deliver a detailed assessment of risks and opportunities, and engage stakeholders to understand their needs, concerns and impact pathways. We will use our analysis to demonstrate the potential pathways they can use to make use of the opportunities and mitigate the risks.
Our project will: - Understand the opportunities and risks for the growing trend of alternative proteins on the fishing and aquaculture sectors and supply chain - Assess the potential impacts of alternative proteins on the fishing and aquaculture sectors and supply chain through scenario modelling - Engage deeply with fishing, aquaculture and related stakeholders to co-design interpretation of insights into risks and opportunities as well as formulating options and responses - Make recommendations on how fishing and aquaculture sectors and enterprises might re-position to embrace benefits associated with alternative proteins, and respond to associated risks.
Relevant outcomes: Outcome 1: Growth for enduring prosperity Outcome 3: A culture that is inclusive and forward thinking Outcome 5: Community trust, respect and value Enabling strategy III: Promote innovation and entrepreneurship Enabling Strategy IV: Build capability and capacity
Objectives: 1. Understand the opportunities and risks for the growing trend of alternative proteins on the fishing and aquaculture sectors and supply chain 2. Assess the potential impacts of alternative proteins on the fishing and aquaculture sectors and supply chain 3. Make recommendations on how fishing and aquaculture sectors and enterprises might re-position to embrace benefits associated with alternative proteins, and respond to associated risks. Read moreRead less
National Social And Economic Survey Of Recreational Fishers 2019
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,233,987.00
Summary
Currently there is a lack of national scale, consistent and robust data on the motivations and behaviours of recreational fishers, and lack of robust data on the social and economic contribution of recreational fishing. Where many commercial fisheries have regular collection and estimation process for economic data, this is not the case for recreational fishing in most of Australia. This lack of data also includes behaviour and motivations and how they are changing. These data are useful for inf ....Currently there is a lack of national scale, consistent and robust data on the motivations and behaviours of recreational fishers, and lack of robust data on the social and economic contribution of recreational fishing. Where many commercial fisheries have regular collection and estimation process for economic data, this is not the case for recreational fishing in most of Australia. This lack of data also includes behaviour and motivations and how they are changing. These data are useful for informing discussions on resource allocation and in understanding and managing recreational fisheries more generally. If these data are to be used to inform governments and the general public, there is a need to make sure it is collected in a robust way that is representative of the Australian population. Large scale representative data sets are often expensive to acquire and as a result do not get undertaken regularly. One off surveys only provide useful data for any particular point in time, but understanding trends can often be more useful. This study aims to implement and test methodologies to provide a robust and representative sample, while trying to reduce costs to allow for more regular data gathering. To do this requires addressing another need: that of testing new survey methodologies for collecting data from recreational fishers that enables assessment of social and economic contribution. Recreational fishing surveys traditionally use probability based phone or mail surveys, however both methods are experiencing rapid decline in response rates and representativeness. It is expected that going into the future, online surveys that use a range of appropriate recruitment methods will be the most common survey method. There is a need to invest in establishing robust approaches to using these methods, and in understanding how their findings differ to those of traditional probability based surveys. Objectives: 1. Assess social and economic contribution of recreational fishing using multiple methods, including direct and flow-on economic benefits, and market and non-market benefits 2. Identify which approaches to recruiting survey participants and completing surveys produce the most representative and robust results 3. Recommend most appropriate and cost effective survey method to use to track change social and economic aspects of recreational fishing in Australia over time Read moreRead less
Two-Eyed Seeing – A Framework For Cultural Fishery Assessments Supporting Equitable And Sustainable Access To Shared Resources In NSW Inland Rivers
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,460,500.00
Summary
Fish are totemic and a primary food source; and so are part of the deep cultural, spiritual and economic connections Aboriginal communities have to their waterways that are part of ‘Country’. Cultural knowledge tells us that when there’s more water availability cultural fishers experience increased total catches and greater diversity of target species, and they fish more (e.g. increase in recreational and subsistence fishing). These narratives also suggest that as a result of these improved cult ....Fish are totemic and a primary food source; and so are part of the deep cultural, spiritual and economic connections Aboriginal communities have to their waterways that are part of ‘Country’. Cultural knowledge tells us that when there’s more water availability cultural fishers experience increased total catches and greater diversity of target species, and they fish more (e.g. increase in recreational and subsistence fishing). These narratives also suggest that as a result of these improved cultural fishing opportunities, there are flow on socio-economic benefits to household budgets, diets of communities, social behaviours and mental health and well-being.
Water is sacred and living; and central to the cultural, social and spiritual identity of Aboriginal people, as well as to their livelihoods. Conceptual models underpinning western water management frameworks and decision making do not incorporate Aboriginal/First Nations socio-cultural complexity, local knowledge and governance arrangements. These are critical – Aboriginal/First Nations people have strong connections with fish, water, rivers and knowledge to contribute to planning, as well as a fundamental right to participate. Water and fish are central to the way of life, two-way knowledge and planning frameworks will support reciprocity in engagement and participation.
Two-Eyed Seeing Frameworks (Ganma, Yolgnu for two-ways) provide a way forward for cultural fishery assessments supporting equitable and sustainable access to shared resources. In this framework, knowledge systems (western and cultural) contribute in parallel, on an equal footing, and both serve as evidence bases to produce an enriched picture of mutual understanding. Application of this framework can empower Aboriginal communities to participate more equitably and negotiate by using their science and values and providing a method for inclusion.
The overall objective of this proposed project is to empower Aboriginal communities through application of a “Two-Eyed seeing framework” (Reid et al. 2020) to participate more equitably and negotiate for cultural fishing practices and water allocation and management. This project will define the cultural fishery and quantify the socio-economic value of cultural fishing in two NSW river regions, and assist communities to identify water management needs for key cultural fish species to support ongoing planning and negotiations. It will improve our current fishery and water management by providing a pathway for cultural fisheries and cultural science to be included. Overall, it will increase our current knowledge of fish and fisheries, by bridging the gap between cultural science and western science practitioners and knowledge holders to share understandings, insights and skills. The application and extension of this framework to a national project will be considered for future use in addressing cultural fishery allocations and management.
Objectives: 1. Identify suitable NSW riverine cultural fisheries, engage with Aboriginal Communities, Traditional Owners, codesign the project and confirm move to phase 2. 2. Define and quanitfy the cultural fishery and associated totemic, cultura and social values 3. Identify and describe fish objectives and water management needs for cultural fish species using the Fish and Flows Framework. 4. Determine if changes in (2) are related to changes in water availability, policy and operations and/or river restoration activities (e.g. fish passage restoration, cold water passage, screening), if possible. 5. Objectively assess the efficacy and utility of the “Two-Eyed Seeing framework” in assessing the totemic, culutal and social fishing values and linking them to the fish and flows framework, including consideration of National applicability. Read moreRead less