Mapping The Economic And Social Contributions Of The NT Seafood Industry – Part 2
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$295,760.00
Summary
The Northern Territory Seafood Council (NTSC) and the Northern Territory Government (NTG) recognise the vital need to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the economic impact of the NT seafood industry. This gap severely impedes effective advocacy for industry growth and development by the NTSC and hampers evidence decision-making. Without a comprehensive understanding of the industry's economic footprint throughout the supply chain of each major fishery/sector, it is challenging to address critic ....The Northern Territory Seafood Council (NTSC) and the Northern Territory Government (NTG) recognise the vital need to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the economic impact of the NT seafood industry. This gap severely impedes effective advocacy for industry growth and development by the NTSC and hampers evidence decision-making. Without a comprehensive understanding of the industry's economic footprint throughout the supply chain of each major fishery/sector, it is challenging to address critical issues and identify vulnerable points within the sector.
A whole of fishery and sector analysis, will provide essential insights for targeted advocacy and informed decision-making, fostering sustainable growth, enhancing resilience, and addressing critical issues within the Northern Territory's seafood industry.
Understanding the complete value of the NT seafood industry to the local community is crucial for making strategic decisions related to negotiations such as those concerning Blue Mud Bay and infrastructure investments. It will also contribute to ongoing investment in the industry.
The project aims to test economic protocols and processes identified in FRDC Project 2021-034 to establish cost-effective and valued systems beyond its duration. These systems will incorporate socio-economic information into decision-making processes and shift the culture from a government-driven collection process to one driven by the industry.
Without a plan to highlight the wider socio-economic value and benefits of the industry, the industry may face mounting pressure on its social license to operate, impacting access, industry structure, and fees. Moreover, the lack of understanding regarding the consequences of uncertainty surrounding secure access and potential loss of access for commercial fishers may have unintended effects on the NT seafood industry. Additionally, the limited availability of current financial and economic information for NT fisheries hampers economic analysis and the provision of advice to policymakers and decision-makers, hindering opportunities for growth and sustainability.
With that context in mind, NTSC experience to date identifies a number of known issues with existing data, including: - Limitations in the scope of data available which has historically excluded measurement of the contributions made by commercial charter fishing, processing of imported seafood, and activities downstream of immediate seafood processing (i.e. transport to retail markets, retail sector activity). - The poor quality of economic data (such as production, price and employment data) necessary to improve estimates of direct or initial effects from fishing, aquaculture production and processing in some fisheries and for some sub-sectors and seafood processing (where there is a need to further disaggregate ANZSIC categories or investigate alternative means of measurement for fisheries with too few licence holders for data to be reported). - Gaps in data regarding indirect contributions, including downstream production-induced and consumption-induced effects, where key data regarding employment, household-income and enterprise-level cost of production (i.e. expenditure on goods and services as inputs to fishing and aquaculture production) are unknown. - Gaps in data for a range of monetised and non-monetised social, environmental and cultural activities which contribute value to individuals and communities. While previous estimations have referred to the social contributions of fisheries and aquaculture to regional communities this has not involved any primary data collection or analysis of secondary data, requiring further work to select specific indicators and the basis of evidence.
In scoping and analysing the available data, the project will use third party providers to: - Ensure data collection methods are consistent and participant consent and privacy is achieved. The privacy of participants must be protected through adherence to the Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), such that names of individuals are not recorded. Where the explicit informed consent of participants is required this may include a requirement to sign a consent form. Under circumstances where a vulnerable group is consulted, such as Indigenous Territorians, specific consent may be required from a Human Research Ethics Committee to ensure the data collection process causes no harm to participants. - Ensure data storage is secure and access is limited to the reasonable requirements of the project. All digital data (i.e. from an online survey) would be stored on a secure network with file access restricted to the nominated project team through use of file encryption and passwords. Any primary data collected cannot be used for any purpose other than that required to meet study objectives.
Objectives: 1. Understanding of the economic footprint of the NT seafood industry within the NT economy 2. Understanding of the economic footprint of the NT seafood industry within the Australian economy 3. Understanding the economic footprint of the main fishery sectors and their supply chains 4. Improved understanding and valuation of the NT seafood industry 5. Improved understanding of where the vulnerable points in the supply chain are Read moreRead less
Human Dimensions Research Coordination Program 2021-24
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$440,705.00
Summary
The operating environment within which Australian fisheries and aquaculture are positioned is complex, comprising economic, social and political institutions and organisations that are continuously being re-shaped by multiple external and internal drivers.
Addressing these specific drivers requires understanding of the human dimensions of fisheries and aquaculture, along with the biophysical. Human dimensions refers to the social, economic and cultural factors that affect outcomes for b ....The operating environment within which Australian fisheries and aquaculture are positioned is complex, comprising economic, social and political institutions and organisations that are continuously being re-shaped by multiple external and internal drivers.
Addressing these specific drivers requires understanding of the human dimensions of fisheries and aquaculture, along with the biophysical. Human dimensions refers to the social, economic and cultural factors that affect outcomes for both the seafood community and in terms of public good. This includes the attitudes, processes and behaviours of individual people, companies, management agencies, communities, organisations, consumers, and markets. Human dimensions research has been successfully applied to understand how to enable better outcomes for Australia's fisheries and aquaculture (e.g. improved social acceptability, resilience through shocks, inclusive growth, economic productivity), and what are the effective strategies to achieve this (e.g. market based mechanisms, behavioural approaches). It brings together research capability from a broad range of disciplines.
Historically, achieving the level of coordinated investment required to effectively deliver against this need has been hampered by a range of factors, which have included: • effective integration of human dimensions RD&E with biophysical sciences; and • research capability and expertise capable of undertaking such research to ensure end user needs are met.
The FRDC has invested substantively in human dimensions R&D capability in recognition of this need. Ongoing coordination and strategic development of human dimensions R&D activities will support the FRDC to deliver its Fish Forever 2030 vision: Collaborative, vibrant fishing and aquaculture, creating diverse benefits from aquatic resources, and celebrated by the community.
The FRDC considers Coordination Programs as critical to delivering relevant outcomes of the R&D Plan. With respect to Human Dimensions, it is evident that a planned R&D outcome can be achieved more successfully if expertise and related activities are developed and managed in a coordinated manner. Objectives: 1. Identify and coordinate the development of human dimensions R&D priorities through review and consultation with key stakeholders, and assist to develop scopes to address those priorities 2. Ensure quality and relevance of human dimensions R&D through technical and extension advice and support for FRDC management and project teams 3. Support management of external partnerships delivering human dimensions R&D across FRDC 4. Support development of FRDC human dimensions data and analytics 5. Inform FRDC and stakeholders of state of knowledge and capability, and emerging needs, in key human dimensions R&D areas relevant to the FRDC's R&D Plan outcome and enabling strategy areas 6. Support extension and adoption of R&D in key human dimensions R&D areas relevant to the FRDC R&D Plan outcome and enabling strategy areas 7. Develop and foster R&D collaboration on international initiatives in human dimensions research of relevance to Australian fisheries and aquaculture Read moreRead less
Engagement For Success: Evaluation Of Engagement Events To Inform Industry Management Strategies
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$135,450.00
Summary
Commercial fisheries and aquaculture activities with insufficient levels of social support can negatively affect industry member well-being and contribute to restricted resource access. More & appropriate engagement is needed to improve stakeholder and community trust & support, both with those affected by industry activity, and with those who affect industry activity (i.e. decision-makers and influencers).
This project addresses the need to ensure that the range of engagement activitie ....Commercial fisheries and aquaculture activities with insufficient levels of social support can negatively affect industry member well-being and contribute to restricted resource access. More & appropriate engagement is needed to improve stakeholder and community trust & support, both with those affected by industry activity, and with those who affect industry activity (i.e. decision-makers and influencers).
This project addresses the need to ensure that the range of engagement activities and strategies undertaken by organisations and operators within fisheries and aquaculture are effective at: - building relationships and trustworthiness; - understanding concerns and needs arising from industry activity; and - influencing preferences and decisions.
Limited evaluation has been undertaken regarding the effectiveness of engagement strategies and activities in meeting predefined goals. Similarly, limited opportunities exist to transfer knowledge between industry organisations of successful and future engagement practice; or to support improved return on investment of engagement strategies. The NSW Fishing Industry has a need to improve relationships and trustworthiness with key stakeholders, and to achieve specific outcomes for PFA members, which include; improve social license by industry taking the lead on its own imagery, and an increase in the consumption and variety of NSW seafood.
In addition, there is limited feedback on whether communication strategies about to embark on will be effective at achieving the PFA’s desired outcomes, and there is information to help develop long term engagement strategies and direct limited resources to the most effective activities.
Therefore, there is a need to select a range of community engagement strategies and activities, and evaluate these against predefined goals. Engagement successes need to be extended to other industry organisations, and if appropriate, decision support materials to be developed to extend knowledge adoption of the findings and materials.
Objectives: 1. Evaluate these engagement activities and strategies against their predefined goals, applying an engagement evaluation framework developed by Clear Horizon as part of "FRDC project 2018-201" using standardised and defensible monitoring and evaluation methods. 2. Pilot and refine the evaluation framework using the above. 3. Develop materials to support other industry organisations based on the specific case studies, in selecting, designing, implementing and evaluating types of engagement activities and strategies which have been demonstrated to be highly effective at achieving specific engagement goals. (REVIEW with Stop/Go point) 4. Contribute to extension and knowledge mobilisation of these findings and materials. (REVIEW with Stop/Go point) Read moreRead less
Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarship To Study Practices In The Fishing Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$322,000.00
Summary
The Nuffield Scholarship program relates to the 'People' section of FRDC's RD&E program, needed to attract and advance people who will lead fishing and aquaculture towards a sustainable and profitable future. The FRDC has taken a strong role in this area, facilitating access to leadership development for all sectors of fishing and aquaculture.
Unlike many capacity building programs that place focus on working within communities in their own environments, Nuffield Australia seeks to bre ....The Nuffield Scholarship program relates to the 'People' section of FRDC's RD&E program, needed to attract and advance people who will lead fishing and aquaculture towards a sustainable and profitable future. The FRDC has taken a strong role in this area, facilitating access to leadership development for all sectors of fishing and aquaculture.
Unlike many capacity building programs that place focus on working within communities in their own environments, Nuffield Australia seeks to break the cycle of everyday life in primary production. The approach is to organise and facilitate international study tours that allow participants to break away from their normal routine and gain a global perspective on how other producers around the world operate their businesses and apply leadership in their industry.
A Nuffield Scholarship targets young primary producers who are already on the leading edge of production practices and technology uptake in their respective communities in Australia. The program is necessary to further enhance those individuals’ skills, elevate their status as role models and innovative leaders amongst their own broader community, thus having a ripple effect that goes far beyond their immediate participation.
Objectives: 1. To build the capacity of the fisheries industry to overcome the challenges of a global and internationally competitive environment through the provision of FRDC support for five Nuffield Farming Scholarships over the next five years. Read moreRead less
WRL Communication, Education And Engagement Program
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$750,000.00
Summary
The Western Rock Lobster Council’s (WRLC) Strategic Plan defines the organisation’s purpose as providing the community with the economic and social benefits of a sustainable western rock lobster industry supplying its iconic product to local and overseas markets.
It outlines a vision for industry to have the full confidence of government, the community, and members as a well-resourced, self-funded peak body engaged in advocacy and co-management for improved resource security.
O ....The Western Rock Lobster Council’s (WRLC) Strategic Plan defines the organisation’s purpose as providing the community with the economic and social benefits of a sustainable western rock lobster industry supplying its iconic product to local and overseas markets.
It outlines a vision for industry to have the full confidence of government, the community, and members as a well-resourced, self-funded peak body engaged in advocacy and co-management for improved resource security.
One of the key actions outlined in the Strategic Plan under the fourth key objective ‘Ensure the social licence to operate is supported by government, community and industry’ is to develop and implement a revised communications strategy for members, stakeholders, and the community.
While the indications for achieving social licence for the western rock lobster industry are currently positive, consolidating and increasing that support depends on the evolving social and political landscape. Building on the on innovation and lessons learnt during the execution of the previous Communication Program 2020-058, and through the development and application of more mature initiatives drawn out from its updated Communication and Engagement Strategy, the industry will strengthen its connection to the community, continue to increase support from key stakeholders and the general public, and consolidate its Social Licence to operate. This Program application delivers on that commitment. Objectives: 1. Strengthen industry members' engagement: Increase the full participation by internal stakeholders in Council activities, to best enable the Council to represent the industry to government and other stakeholders. This includes industry engagement and communication of WRL IPA activities and R&D outputs. 2. Broaden and deepen relationships with external stakeholders from government and other industries to make the Council and the industry more resilient. 3. Build awareness of the significant contribution the industry continues to make to coastal communities, and the state. 4. Increase community awareness of the availability and accessibility of western rock lobster. 5. Ensure the industry is getting maximum social license benefits from its Marine Stewardship Council certification as a sustainable fishery. Read moreRead less
Indigenous Fishing Subprogram: Mapping Livelihood Values Of Indigenous Customary Fishing
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
The need for this project was identified at the National Forum (Cairns 2011) (see Principles 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,10 - FRDC 2010/401). While commercial and recreational fisher values are fairly well understood, Indigenous values remain elusive to the development of fishing management strategies and policies. Similarly, Indigenous engagement in contemporary fisheries remains limited. These gaps result from a paucity of documented information in a format accessible to fisheries managers, and a sho .... The need for this project was identified at the National Forum (Cairns 2011) (see Principles 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,10 - FRDC 2010/401). While commercial and recreational fisher values are fairly well understood, Indigenous values remain elusive to the development of fishing management strategies and policies. Similarly, Indigenous engagement in contemporary fisheries remains limited. These gaps result from a paucity of documented information in a format accessible to fisheries managers, and a shortage of Indigenous leaders and practitioners seeking to engage in fisheries and fisheries management.
These challenges are recognised in national R&DE plans and by the national FRDC IRG in calls for research to facilitate greater Indigenous engagement in fisheries, as well as more effective inclusion of Indigenous livelihood values in fisheries planning. Livelihood values include social, cultural and economic components. Achieving the longer term national goal of a comprehensive assessment of Indigenous fishing effort and development of catch allocation models will require lead up investment in Indigenous capacity to engage, as well as in documenting Indigenous livelihood values in fishing.
Significant progress has been achieved in mapping Indigenous values and building Indigenous engagement in related areas of natural resource management - particularly in water planning and land and sea management. The Indigenous capacity and expertise from these endeavours are relevant to the challenge of improving engagement of Indigenous people and knowledge in contemporary fisheries. In short, this project brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous expertise from successful Indigenous natural and cultural resource management endeavours to map Indigenous values of aquatic biological resources and build capacity for greater Indigenous participation in fisheries. Further changes to regulations regarding Indigenous access to fisheries have been foreshadowed in two of the jurisdictions during the timeframe of the study. As such the study may allow investigation of the impacts of these changes to Indigenous satisfaction with their level of engagement in fisheries management and fishing activity.
Objectives: 1. Identify cultural, social and economic values of Indigenous fishing at selected case study communities 2. Articulate connections between established Indigenous land and sea management regimes and Indigenous aspirations in fisheries 3. Support the recognition of Indigenous values and use of aquatic resources in fisheries management 4. Build Indigenous and non-Indigenous capacity for collaborative fisheries research and management Read moreRead less