FRDC invested over $42m in 462 projects to deliver innovation and impact

FRDC's 2023-24 Annual Report showcases our commitment to advancing research, development and innovation through our investment of over $42 million in Australia's fishing and aquaculture sectors.

"Our Annual Report 2023-24 outlines how FRDC has effectively utilised the contributions of the Australian Government, state and territory governments, the fishing and aquaculture sectors and research providers, in responding to RD&E priorities, over the past year," says FRDC Managing Director Patrick Hone.

In the 2023-24 fiscal year, FRDC investments generated 115 new research, development and extension projects, strategically addressing the diverse priorities of Indigenous communities, commercial enterprises, and recreational fishers, while also completing a further 86 projects, established in previous years.

"Our portfolio now boasts an impressive 462 projects, driven by the collective efforts of over 1,000 researchers from over 30 research organisations across Australia," Patrick said.

Among the highlights of the work undertaken over the last 12 months was FRDC Project 2019-172 (Closing the Loop: Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology to convert agricultural waste), which successfully implemented Black Soldier Fly technology to convert agricultural waste and reduce manure volumes by 70-80%. This initiative also produced alternative products, such as BSF insect meal fertiliser and soil conditioner, while also mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient leeching.

Additionally, FRDC undertook various research and extension activities aimed at understanding the contributions and challenges faced by women and young people in the seafood sector, enhanced leadership capabilities and increased participation. These initiatives included support for Women in Seafood Australasia's Turn the Tide Program and the launch of the SeafoodCareers website.

FRDC also continued to oversee an $8 million investment from the Australian Government dedicated to coordinating research and development efforts to develop biosecurity measures and establishing a national hatchery network. During the 2023-24 year, FRDC announced funding opportunities for researchers and postgraduate students to address priorities identified by the ASSA and FRDC under the Australian Government Seaweed Initiative. A progress report on the successful funding initiatives will be shared in the 2025 Annual Report.

2023 saw 250 stakeholders logging into eight 'Have you Say' online webinars, allowing new or less-active FRDC stakeholders to have input into RD&E priorities, which were later explored in FRDC's Annual Stakeholder Workshop, held in 2023.

FRDC also shared equally with the South Australian Government, a $5 million investment in the Snapper Science Program, assisting in the recovery of the iconic South Australian Snapper (Chrysophyrs auratus) resource.

Fingerling Snapper released as part of Snapper project

FRDC also launched the Sixth Edition of the Status of Australian Fish Stocks, which assessed 155 fish species and an impressive 503 stocks in Australian waters. Each stock underwent peer review by at least one independent expert, with nearly 90% of commercially caught species now published in the report.

As part of our ongoing commitment to developing and communicating science, FRDC endorsed several conferences and events across Australia, including evokeAG. 2024, The Salmon Science Showcase, Asia Pacific Marine Biotechnology Conference, and the World Aquaculture Conference. In addition, bursaries for stakeholders to attend conferences both domestically and internationally were also offered alongside learning opportunities like the popular Fisheries Management Training Course held in Wollongong.

Group photograph of FRDC bursary holders who attended the Fisheries Management short course 2023. L to R: Tyson Martin, Ruth Sharples, Aaron Moses, Asher England, Robert Chewying, Tessa Ramshaw, Elisha Lovell, Craig William Fox, Matilda Adamson, Alistair McIlgorm, Dr Christine Kershaw (not pictured)

FRDC's 2023-24 activities serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our staff and partners. As we celebrate these achievements, FRDC remains committed to the ongoing pursuit of sustainability and prosperity in Australia's fishing and aquaculture sectors, paving the way for generations to come. 

For a detailed look at our Annual Report 2023-24, click here.

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