The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) Board was in Victoria last week to engage directly with fishers, industry operators and community leaders, ensuring future national research investment reflects changing priorities in fishing and aquaculture.
Over four days, the Board met with Gunaikurnai leaders, recreational and commercial wild-catch fishers, aquaculture operators, and fisheries managers across Lakes Entrance, wider Gippsland and Melbourne.
FRDC chair Dr Beth Woods said the corporation plays a vital role in delivering research and innovation to support the fishing and aquaculture sectors, as well as benefiting the broader community.
“Australians have a strong connection to our aquatic world and enjoy some of the best seafood and recreational fishing in the world,” Dr Woods said.
“It’s critically important for FRDC directors to meet with stakeholders and understand the constraints they face, so our research, development and extension programs are targeted to deliver real impact.”
Dr Woods highlighted Victoria as one of Australia’s most active and complex fishing environments.
“More than 840,900 Victorians participate in recreational fishing each year, making it one of the state’s most popular outdoor activities and a significant contributor to regional communities. Recreational fishing in Victoria generates approximately $7.1 billion 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 all operating within shared waters, creating both opportunity and complexity.”
During the visit, the FRDC board met with the Victorian Fisheries Authority, representatives from VRFish and Seafood Industry Victoria, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Lakes Entrance Fishing Cooperative, and First Nations representatives involved in the Gippsland native oyster trial.
The board’s regional engagement program is designed to better understand the challenges fishers face and ensure FRDC’s research investment responds to local issues 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 a key perspective 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,” he said.
“Our job is to ensure research investment keeps pace with change. Hearing directly from fishers and local stakeholders ensures national research programs support coexistence, sustainability and long-term opportunities for all who depend on these waters.”
The board also spent time in Lakes Entrance, meeting with fishers and community
representatives as part of its regional
engagement program.
