The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) Board was in Victoria last week to hear directly from fishers, industry and community leaders to ensure future national research investment reflects changing fishing and aquaculture priorities.
Over four days, the Board met with leaders from the Gunaikurnai people, recreational and commercial wild catch fishers, aquaculture operators, and fisheries managers across Gippsland and Melbourne.
FRDC Chair Dr Beth Woods said the Corporation has an important role in providing robust research and innovation to support the needs fishing and aquaculture sectors and to benefit the community.
“Australians have a strong connection to our aquatic world and enjoy some of the best seafood and most exciting recreational fishing in the world. It’s critically important for FRDC Directors to meet with and hear from stakeholders about the constraints impacting them so as a Board we can ensure our RD&E is best targeted to deliver impact,” Dr Woods said.
“Victoria is one of Australia’s most active and complex fishing environments. With more than 840,900 Victorians participating in recreational fishing each year, it is one of the state’s most popular outdoor activities and a significant contributor to regional communities. ecreational fishing in Victoria generates approximately $7.1 billion, directly and indirectly, in economic activity annually, supporting jobs across coastal and regional towns.
“At the same time, Victoria’s marine environment is evolving. Commercial fishers, a highly engaged recreational sector and emerging industries such as offshore wind farms are operating within shared waters, creating both opportunity and complexity,” she said.
During the visit, the FRDC Board engaged with the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), recreational fishing representatives including VRFish, Seafood Industry Victoria (SIA), Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Lakes Entrance Fishing Cooperative and First Nations representatives involved in the Gippsland native oyster trial.
The visit is designed to better understand what fishers are experiencing on the water and ensure FRDC’s research investment responds to local challenges and emerging opportunities. Insights gathered during the visit will inform the corporation’s 2026–27 operational planning and broader research priorities.
FRDC Managing Director Sean Sloan said Victoria provides an important lens on the future of Australian fishing and aquaculture.
“Victoria is a microcosm of what’s happening around Australia, changing marine conditions, growing demand for access, and new industries sharing the same waters. That makes it a critical place for us to listen and learn.
“Our job is to ensure research investment keeps pace with change. Hearing directly from fishers and local stakeholders ensures national research investment supports coexistence, sustainability and long-term opportunity for all who depend on these waters,” Mr Sloan concluded.
The Board also spent time in Lakes Entrance meeting with fishers and community representatives as part of its regional engagement program.
For more information, visit www.frdc.com.au
