Strengthening partnerships and relationships within the recreational fishing sector

Funded Activity Summary

In a recently completed study (2007/058 and R4041) into strategic funding options for the recreational fishing sector, options for the national peak body, Recfish Australia, appeared limited. In the face of decreased funding from the Australian Government (a three year funding agreement ended on 30 June 2008 with no commitment to continue), the association was advised to seek alternative funding.

An option of seeking funding from the fishing trade and boating industries is currently being investigated but there are several challenges that need to be addressed before funding can be secured.

There is a need for Recfish Australia to build trust with both industry and other recreational fishing organisations not currently part of the association. A clear business case and purpose for Recfish Australia that delivers benefits to recreational fishers and industry partners needs to be formulated and the details of any funding agreement need to be carefully considered.

What is clear is that there is an ongoing need for Recfish Australia to continue as a national peak body advocating on behalf of recreational fishers and engaging with Australian Government agencies and departments. Recfish Australia provides a valuable service and ensures that the needs and rights of recreational fishers are considered in discussions of issues such as marine protected area planning, biosecurity, research and development and in strategies to deal with the implications of climate and environmental change.

Objectives:
1. Recfish Australia to host a preliminary, facilitated, meeting with AFTA, BIA, Sunfish Queensland and the Game Fishing Association of Australia to discuss the conditions of a funding agreement between industry and Recfish Australia and identify issues impacting the formation of a unified peak body.
2. Recfish Australia to host a facilitated, round table discussion of all current, past and potential members to discuss the funding proposal and business environment of Recfish Australia
3. Recfish Australia to review its constitution, business case and strategic plan.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-05-2009

End Date: 31-12-2009

Funding Scheme: Funding Scheme not available

Funding Amount: $20,257.00

Funder: Fisheries Research and Development Corporation

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

There are no FoR codes available for this funding activity

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Animal Health | Aquaculture | Biosecurity | Community | Diagnostic | Disease | Workshop

Related Links