Research & Development
WAFIC works closely with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) to assess and engage with important research and development studies and projects that will build greater understanding about WA’s fisheries.
As part of its Research and Development Plan, the FRDC established a network of Research Advisory Committees (RACs), with one located in each state, territory and the Commonwealth.
The WA Research Advisory Committee (WARAC) comprises a mix of expertise and representatives that assist FRDC in the identification, collation and prioritisation of R&D needs of Western Australia’s commercial fishing, pearling, aquaculture, recreational and indigenous stakeholders.
The RACs have an extremely important role in maximising the efficiency of the FRDC’s planning and investment funding process by providing a pathway to identify and address the research, development and extension needs of the jurisdictions through project funding.
The RAC engagement has been strengthened with the FRDC appointing an ‘extension officer’ to each state. The extension officer provides hands-on support to the research proponents and assists them to better engage with government agencies, businesses and other support organisations.
To further enhance learnings and engagement, the WARAC has also developed open, online workshops and access to RAC meetings during which stakeholders can describe their issues or needs as they relate to the five outcomes set out in the Research and Development Plan.
The WARAC meets twice a year to consider project priorities submitted for consideration as well as out-of-session consideration of priorities deemed with some urgency for funding.
Industry Partnership Agreements (IPAs)
In addition to the WARAC, Western Australian investment is also informed by the priorities and advice of Industry Partnership Agreements (IPAs). IPAs are between the FRDC and a specific fishery to manage a suite of targeted projects over a specified time period against an agreed, industry endorsed, strategic R&D plan.
Current IPAs affecting WA industry sectors include western rock lobster, pearls, abalone, oysters and prawns.