Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE240100131
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$539,000.00
Summary
Federated Omniverse Facilities for Smart Digital Futures. A world-first trans-disciplinary, -domain, and -institutional smart 3D omniverse R&D ecosystem AuVerse will be built in NSW, affiliated with Queensland, and accessible to academia and industry. AuVerse will support cloud-based, reality-virtuality-fused, immersive, interactive and secure future-oriented digital design, development, training and society. In the new era of digital innovation and paradigm shift, AuVerse will substantially boo ....Federated Omniverse Facilities for Smart Digital Futures. A world-first trans-disciplinary, -domain, and -institutional smart 3D omniverse R&D ecosystem AuVerse will be built in NSW, affiliated with Queensland, and accessible to academia and industry. AuVerse will support cloud-based, reality-virtuality-fused, immersive, interactive and secure future-oriented digital design, development, training and society. In the new era of digital innovation and paradigm shift, AuVerse will substantially boost Australia’s pivotal research leadership and business competitiveness in nurturing new-generation, collaborative and transformative digital R&D and talent pipeline. It will enable large-scale strategic business innovation and transformation including smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0.Read moreRead less
Towards Generalisable and Unbiased Dynamic Recommender Systems. This project aims to develop the foundations, including models, methodology, and algorithms for building generalisable and unbiased dynamic recommender systems to facilitate intelligent decision-making, prompt contextualised and personalised strategic plans, and support context-aware action recourse. To ensure that fundamental principles, such as fairness and transparency, are respected, a set of algorithms and techniques are propos ....Towards Generalisable and Unbiased Dynamic Recommender Systems. This project aims to develop the foundations, including models, methodology, and algorithms for building generalisable and unbiased dynamic recommender systems to facilitate intelligent decision-making, prompt contextualised and personalised strategic plans, and support context-aware action recourse. To ensure that fundamental principles, such as fairness and transparency, are respected, a set of algorithms and techniques are proposed to develop recommender systems in a more responsible manner. The result of this project will not only maintain Australia's leadership in this frontier research area, but also serve as an excellent vehicle for the education and training of Australia's next generation of scholars and engineers.Read moreRead less
DAFF National Agriculture Traceability Regulatory Technology Research And Insights Grant: Australian AgriFood Data Exchange - Ag Sector Traceability Transformation Delivered Through An Interoperable Data Platform And Exchange
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
Regulatory efficiency and compliance across agricultural supply chains is hindered by inefficient, incompatible or unavailable data and systems that prevent creation of robust, interoperable traceability solutions. The Australian AgriFood Data Exchange (AAFDX) will solve this challenge by creating a secure, cloud-based platform enabling government, industry and other participants to share, re-use and merge data from disparate systems in a secure, controlled manner. The AAFDX will be a modern, ef ....Regulatory efficiency and compliance across agricultural supply chains is hindered by inefficient, incompatible or unavailable data and systems that prevent creation of robust, interoperable traceability solutions. The Australian AgriFood Data Exchange (AAFDX) will solve this challenge by creating a secure, cloud-based platform enabling government, industry and other participants to share, re-use and merge data from disparate systems in a secure, controlled manner. The AAFDX will be a modern, efficient, internationally recognised data infrastructure enabling regulators and industry to better manage compliance, stimulate innovation and supply chain performance, assure consumers, coordinate biosecurity and export market access, through enhanced traceability. The funding will build the minimal viable product, with expansion to specific traceability and compliance applications. The AAFDX will endure beyond the funding period with partner co-investment and a user pays revenue stream Objectives: 1. Deliver a minimum viable product (MVP) of the Australian Agrifood Data Exchange services 2. Develop a platform that facilitates applications/solutions that increase traceability, productivity, compliance, profitability 3. Develop governance arrangements to ensure that data security, and in turn users trust in ag-tech is not compromised 4. Build digital maturity of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors to engage in the potential, permissioned shared data offers Read moreRead less
Responsible Fisheries And Aquaculture - Activating A Comprehensive Ecological, Social, And Governance (ESG) Reporting Data System To Uplift Sustainability And Traceability
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
Verification of fishing and aquaculture sustainability credentials is essential to increase consumer confidence, market access and community benefit. Sector performance currently centres on monitoring fish stocks & economic benefits. However, markets increasingly require traceable evidence of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) indicators such as provenance, safety, diversity, animal welfare, carbon, biodiversity to inform decisions. To meet this need, this project activates CSIROs Healthch ....Verification of fishing and aquaculture sustainability credentials is essential to increase consumer confidence, market access and community benefit. Sector performance currently centres on monitoring fish stocks & economic benefits. However, markets increasingly require traceable evidence of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) indicators such as provenance, safety, diversity, animal welfare, carbon, biodiversity to inform decisions. To meet this need, this project activates CSIROs Healthcheck ESG Fishing & Aquaculture data system by engaging industry, managers & researchers to identify data gaps and prioritise/collect essential indicators to allow more comprehensive ESG reporting. Data will be compatible and interoperable with existing catalogues/exchanges, for publishing to recognised sustainability frameworks (e.g. Status of Australian Fish Stocks, WhichFish, National Fisheries Plan, UN SDGs). Community surveys will allow adaptive prioritisation of future data/reporting needs. Objectives: 1. Activate an existing ESG data system (Healthcheck) with complementary ESG frameworks (Status of Australian Fish Stocks, Whichfish, Our Pledge, National Fisheries Plan, UN SDGs) and promote data use to increase traceability & sustainability of wild harvest fisheries, aquaculture operations and fish stocks (hereafter, F&A) 2. Increase the number of F&A reporting against ESG frameworks from 20 to 100 stocks (over 90 percent seafood value) 3. Address F&A priority data gaps 4. Increase data access & traceability through use of data exchanges 5. Use feasibility tested data to populate existing/emerging sustainability frameworks (e.g. Status of Australian Fish Stocks, National Fisheries Plan reporting, carbon & nature-based financial disclosure frameworks) and use verified sustainability credentials to demonstrate best practice (e.g. SIAs ‘Our Pledge’, Marine Stewardship Certification) 6. Be interoperable with related frameworks e.g. Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework, ‘Know & Show your Carbon Footprint’ (funded by Agricultural Innovation Australia) 7. Understand community sustainability sentiment to inform future data gap prioritisation and build confidence Read moreRead less
Measuring Non-commercial Fishing Catches (traditional Subsistence Fishing) In The Torres Strait In Order To Improve Fisheries Management And Promote Sustainable Livelihoods
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$250,288.00
Summary
Following the initial groundwork to assess community support and approaches for a non-commercial fishery monitoring program in the Torres Strait (Bedford et al 2021 - https://www.pzja.gov.au/sites/default/files/final_report_-_monitoring_the_non-commercial_catch_in_torres_strait_update_06042021.pdf ), the following five steps were proposed: 1. Community consultation and sign on (engaging community re support for the suggested monitoring method). 2. Assess self-reporting web-based tool/AP ....Following the initial groundwork to assess community support and approaches for a non-commercial fishery monitoring program in the Torres Strait (Bedford et al 2021 - https://www.pzja.gov.au/sites/default/files/final_report_-_monitoring_the_non-commercial_catch_in_torres_strait_update_06042021.pdf ), the following five steps were proposed: 1. Community consultation and sign on (engaging community re support for the suggested monitoring method). 2. Assess self-reporting web-based tool/APP platform design and development options (including data collection and storage options), through co-design with communities and Government to meet stakeholder needs. 3. Develop self-reporting web-based tool/APP platform, database and data flow infrastructure. 4. Community rollout – pilot (in some communities). 5. Community rollout – full-scale (to all communities).
The Torres Strait Scientific Advisory Committee (TSSAC) recommended that steps 1 and 2 (above) be undertaken first and they form the scope of this proposal.
As also noted in the TSSAC committee meeting of June 2021, the project was an initiative of the quota working group subcommittee of the Torres Strait Regional Authority Board, and identified as a priority by the Traditional Inhabitants (https://www.pzja.gov.au/sites/default/files/tssac_79_meeting_record_final.pdf). In particular, by ‘improving estimates of non-commercial catch of commercial species to inform stock assessment and set sustainable catch levels, as well as determine the catch sharing between the sunset sector, and how much to allocate for community consumption, in order to protect Traditional non-commercial catches and help ensure sustainable management.’
As noted in the ‘Opportunity’ section of this proposal, this project help fill a range of needs for Torres Strait communities, including: • More accurate assessment of the Recommended Biological Catches of commercial species from all sources of fishing in the Torres Strait • Reliable assessments of ongoing catches from the substantial non-commercial sectors in the Torres Strait, including knowledge of future change in catches that may be due to pressures from fishing, coastal industry, climate change, other ecosystem regime change • Stronger ownership of marine resource management by Torres Strait communities, including ownership of non-commercial catch information, and supported by improved knowledge of the temporal and spatial dynamics of non-commercial catches.
The previous project also concluded that a non-commercial fishery monitoring program would have the best chance of success by gaining broad and committed acceptance by local communities and their leaders, with a strong co-design component. The need for this level of consultation was re-iterated by Traditional Inhabitants in several PZJA fishery management fora, including the TSSAC. This project is designed to meet that need.
The proposed project aligns strongly with the Torres Strait Fisheries Strategic Research Plan (https://www.pzja.gov.au/sites/default/files/tssac_srp_2018-2022_post_tssac_final.pdf). In particular: • Theme 1: Protecting the Torres Strait marine environment for the benefit of Traditional Inhabitants; which is based on improving effective management of fishery stocks in order to support Traditional Inhabitant social and economic needs; which is an expectation of the improved fishery data outputs from the project. • Theme 2: Social and Economic Benefits; which promotes social and economic benefits for Traditional Inhabitants from Torres Strait fisheries; for example, through increased capacity required to manage the program and increased knowledge of any future changes in catches through space and time in the Torres Strait. • Theme 3: Technology and Innovation; which promotes the development of technology to support the economic, environmental and social benefits from the fishing sector.
This research project is co funded by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority of the Australian Government. Project co- investigators are Kenny Bedford, David Brewer and Timothy Skewes. Objectives: 1. Collate and review existing and new information about the potential options for a non-commercial fishery monitoring program as recommended by Bedford et al. (2021) 2. Assess the level of community need and support (or otherwise) for a non-commercial fishery monitoring program through a comprehensive and equitable community consultation and participation process throughout Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area communities 3. Develop cost and performance options for a non-commercial fishery monitoring program and its components (e.g. self-reporting web-based tool/APP platform; data management, storage and access; complimented surveys) to allow for an assessment of value (e.g. meeting needs, ease of use, maintenance and data use in stock assessments) Read moreRead less
Sailing The Marine Knowledge Landscape: Enhancing The Discoverability, Accessibility, And Usability Of FRDC Investment
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$80,000.00
Summary
Currently, there are only few mechanisms in place that attempt to synthesise the vast amount of research funded by Australia’s Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) in the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors and organisations outside the RDC space. Even fewer mechanisms exist that attempt to synthesise research from across the marine science space specifically, wherein which the Fisheries RDC (FRDC) operates.
The aim of this project is to input FRDC research into the RL ....Currently, there are only few mechanisms in place that attempt to synthesise the vast amount of research funded by Australia’s Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) in the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors and organisations outside the RDC space. Even fewer mechanisms exist that attempt to synthesise research from across the marine science space specifically, wherein which the Fisheries RDC (FRDC) operates.
The aim of this project is to input FRDC research into the RLA platform, thereby making it more discoverable, accessible, and usable. The RLA service offers various knowledge tools, which intend to be explored as part of this project also, to allow the FRDC to explore and better understand the marine science and agricultural innovation landscape. Furthermore, the project aims to make the RLA platform known within the wider marine science community and across different RDCs and encourage the adoption of the new capability to link industry and research.
This project expects to yield several benefits for actors both within and outside the fishing and aquaculture community. The RLA platform acts as a link between government, business, and research sectors. Inputting FRDC research into the RLA platform encourages collaboration and innovation between actors both within and outside the marine science space and facilitates knowledge transfer between these currently disconnected actors.
Objectives: 1. To share Fisheries Research and Development Corporation research project data to be made available on the Research Link Australia platform, thereby making it more discoverable, accessible, and usable. 2. To explore different knowledge tools (i.e., Research Link Australia-generated dashboards or applications of Large Language Models) to better understand the marine science space and explore the agricultural innovation landscape. 3. To make the Research Link Australia platform known within the wider marine science community and across different Research and Development Corporations and encourage the adoption of the tool. Read moreRead less
Privacy-preserving data processing on the cloud. This project aims to address the current lack of privacy of user data processed by common cloud computing web servers, including email, business data, and confidential files. This project aims to develop new techniques in cryptography. The anticipated outcome is a suite of practical tools enabling common cloud computing processing operations such as search, statistical analysis, and multi-user access control, to be performed efficiently while pres ....Privacy-preserving data processing on the cloud. This project aims to address the current lack of privacy of user data processed by common cloud computing web servers, including email, business data, and confidential files. This project aims to develop new techniques in cryptography. The anticipated outcome is a suite of practical tools enabling common cloud computing processing operations such as search, statistical analysis, and multi-user access control, to be performed efficiently while preserving the data privacy. These tools should provide significant benefits to the privacy of cloud users, as well as financial and reputation benefits to the IT industry, by significantly reducing the likelihood of massive user data privacy breaches in the event of a cyber-hacking attack on the cloud server.Read moreRead less
Citizen Science Guidelines In Recreational Fishing
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$98,840.00
Summary
Many aspects of marine systems, including diverse species, habitats, and environmental issues, need expansive research to better understand and manage sustainability of the fishing and aquaculture industry. Unfortunately, data collection is one of the most resource-intensive aspects of science and can hinder the progression of commodity-specific research and development (R&D). This project will develop best practice guidelines for the creation, execution, evaluation, and evolution of citizen sci ....Many aspects of marine systems, including diverse species, habitats, and environmental issues, need expansive research to better understand and manage sustainability of the fishing and aquaculture industry. Unfortunately, data collection is one of the most resource-intensive aspects of science and can hinder the progression of commodity-specific research and development (R&D). This project will develop best practice guidelines for the creation, execution, evaluation, and evolution of citizen science projects that specifically address research data collection in the Australian aquaculture industry, which will contribute to research outcomes that facilitate long term productivity and sustainability of the industry. For more than 50 years, formal citizen science programs have proven to be an effective way for communities to contribute to R&D by collecting scientific data that drives decision making and creates innovative solutions. This project involves a four-stage approach to enhancing R&D practices for recreational fishers, fisheries scientists, and fisheries managers by providing researchers with industry-specific information to design citizen science projects that actively engage recreational fishers. The approach provides flexibility and agility to ensure the project can achieve high quality deliverables, on time, and in budget: 1. Consultation with industry stakeholders to determine current barriers and opportunities to developing, implementing, evaluating, and evolving citizen science projects targeted at recreational fishers. 2. Desktop review and global “environmental scan” to best characterise citizen science programs, projects, and frameworks relevant to recreational fishing. 3. Development of researcher citizen science guidelines for recreational fishing that provides detailed information pertinent to industry challenges and opportunities. The guidelines will be led by the results of Stages 1 and 2, and will be intuitive, user-friendly and easily updated in the future. 4. Industry communication of the guidelines to ensure streamlined adoption by researchers and improved return on investment for this project. Strategies to amplify collaborative and sustainable citizen science opportunities identified during this project will enhance FRDC R&D outcomes 3 (a culture that is inclusive and forward thinking) and 5 (community trust, respect, and value). The guidelines will help build an environment where researchers work directly with recreational fishers, which will promote inclusivity with stakeholders, harness the wealth of local ecological expertise and foster a solution-driven culture throughout the supply chain.
Objectives: 1. Characterisation of citizen science programs, projects, and frameworks relevant to recreational fishing in Australia. 2. Facilitating the identification, design, and impact measurement of marine-based citizen science programs that are of benefit to recreational fishers in Australia. 3. Provision of guidelines to citizen science practitioners to optimise community engagement and outcomes in marine-based citizen science projects. Read moreRead less
Status Of Australian Fish Stocks (SAFS) Reports 2020, And Further Development Of The SAFS Production And Dissemination System
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,383,901.12
Summary
The current application is to produce the SAFS reports in 2020 and address strategic issues outlined above. In order to ensure the continuation of SAFS beyond 2020, it is essential for jurisdictions to develop ownership of the reports and to embed SAFS processes in core business, and for efficiencies in production and report management to continue to progress. A parallel project to develop jurisdictional reporting services is also underway to assist jurisdiction develop their jurisdictional chap ....The current application is to produce the SAFS reports in 2020 and address strategic issues outlined above. In order to ensure the continuation of SAFS beyond 2020, it is essential for jurisdictions to develop ownership of the reports and to embed SAFS processes in core business, and for efficiencies in production and report management to continue to progress. A parallel project to develop jurisdictional reporting services is also underway to assist jurisdiction develop their jurisdictional chapters. As documented in the independent audit of SAFS 2016 (FRDC project 2016-143), the process of compiling SAFS on a co-operative basis between FRDC, Australian government agencies and all fisheries jurisdictions has led to greater joint collaboration, as well as transfers of methodologies and processes, to deliver higher quality and more credible stock status reporting which can be accessed nationally and internationally, as well as assisting in policy decisions regarding changes to particular fisheries management arrangements and in research priorities. Primary drivers for National reporting of the SAFS include: (i) the State of the Environment Report 2011, i.e., ‘lack of a nationally integrated approach inhibits effective marine management’; (ii) a recommendation of the House of Representatives Inquiry into the Role of Science for Fisheries and Aquaculture (Netting the Benefits Report 2012), i.e., ‘producing national status report regularly’; (iii) the Australian Fisheries Management Forum national statement of intent, i.e. a key outcome of ‘Goal 1’ is the National Status of Australian Fish Stocks Report; (iv) the National Fishing and Aquaculture Strategy 2015–20, i.e., ‘Goal 1’ of this strategy will be partially measured by an increased number of fisheries assessed as environmentally sustainable in the Status of Australian Fish Stocks Reports (this includes reducing the number of stocks assessed as uncertain); (v) the FRDC RD&E Plan 2015–20, i.e., key targets for deliverables against National Priority One include (i) “Increase the number of species to 200 in the national Status of Australian Fish Stocks Reports” and (ii) “Reduce the number of species classified as ‘undefined’ from the current figure of approximately Objectives: 1. Continue to develop a set of robust and consistent national stock status reports and a strong sense of report ownership by jurisdictions 2. To produce a fifth edition of the SAFS reports in 2020 3. Increase the number of species in SAFS to provide a comprehensive coverage of species of interest to stakeholder groups that will refer to the reports for information on sustainability and management success. 4. Reduction in the number (percentage) of species classified as 'undefined' where possible using data-poor assessment methodology Read moreRead less