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The
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)
today celebrates 10 years of achievement in leadership, planning and
innovation. FRDC Executive
Director, Mr Peter Dundas-Smith, said that the Corporation had made
significant contributions to the development of the fishing industry and
the sustainability of fisheries resources.
"Among our key achievements is FRDC's
involvement in the development of Australia's Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT)
industry. This began in 1991 when FRDC collaborated with industry and
government partners to fund the world's first research and development
project associated with grow out of SBT.
"The result was an increase in the value
of the SBT industry sector from $12 million in 1990 to $263 million in
2001. Fish previously headed for the canned tuna market now supply
lucrative sashimi markets.
"Another key achievement has been the
reduction of bycatch (unwanted catch) in prawn trawl fisheries through
the development of practical bycatch reduction devices (BRD's). BRD's
are now being used in fisheries around Australia, including 100%
adoption in Northern Australian prawn trawl fisheries.
"FRDC funded research has also led to a
quantum increase in the knowledge of ecosystems-based fisheries
management and factors such as sustainability indicators, effects of
fishing, fishing effort, and socio-economic issues.
"These achievements are particularly
satisfying because, unlike other statutory R&D corporations, FRDC's
funding from its industry stakeholders is voluntary.
"The fact that we have secured increasing
voluntary funding support from industry for over ten years is testimony
to FRDC's commitment to meeting the R&D priorities of its stakeholders.
This was confirmed by one of the seafood
industry's icons, Mr Peter Doyle Snr. "The seafood industry owes the
FRDC a vote of thanks for your tremendous efforts. Congratulations on
all your achievements during your first ten years," said Mr Doyle.
Mr Dundas-Smith congratulated the
Commonwealth Government for it's progressive approach towards, and its
commitment to, planning, funding and managing fisheries R&D.
"FRDC is committed to continuing to
deliver real outcomes to its stakeholders," said Mr Dundas-Smith.
Attachment: A quick look at some of
FRDC's key achievements
Further Information:
Michael Parolin, Communications Manager, Ph: 0407 728 400 or:
Kylie Paulsen, Communications Coordinator, Ph: 0438 630 491
A QUICK LOOK AT SOME OF FRDC'S KEY
ACHIEVEMENTS
- The FRDC funded Effects of Trawling
Subprogram measured the impact of trawling on the marine environment,
developed and facilitated the adoption of cost-effective gear solutions
to minimise effects
- The FRDC funded 'SeaQual' project developed food safety guidelines for
seafood processing. The Australia New Zealand Food Authority described
the guidelines as "a model for others"
- FRDC investment of over $5 million in the western rock lobster fishery
paid off when the fishery received Marine Stewardship Council
certification as the world's first sustainable, well-managed fishery
- Fishmeal-free diets were developed for key aquaculture species through
the Aquaculture Diet Development Subprogram
- The FRDC funded Abalone Aquaculture Subprogram pioneered the
development of abalone aquaculture with breakthroughs in tank design and
feed development
- A national network of Fisheries Research Advisory Bodies was
established to ensure R&D better meets the needs of industry and end
users
- FRDC assisted in establishing the Women's Industry Network Seafood
Community (WINSC) to empower women to take a greater role in the seafood
industry's development
- Seafood Services Australia Ltd was formed by ASIC and FRDC to help the
seafood industry to increase its profitability through value-adding
innovation with emphasis on quality and food safety
DID YOU KNOW?
- Total actual investment in projects
under FRDC management in 2000-2001 was $51million
- For every dollar FRDC directly invests in R&D it levers $1.8 from
other sources
- 670 projects are currently under management
- FRDC has funded $171 million in fisheries R&D
- Since the FRDC's inception, the value of the Australian fishing
industry has increased from $1.37 billion to $2.3 billion
The FRDC is a statutory rural research
and development corporation within the Commonwealth Government portfolio
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia.
ENDS
Further Information:
Michael Parolin, FRDC Communications Manager, Ph: 0407 728 400 or:
Kylie Paulsen, Communications Coordinator, Ph: 0438 630 491
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