The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) board of directors will meet in Port Stephens 16–17 April 2019 to meet with New South Wales (NSW) industry, researchers and government to discuss key issues.
The FRDC Chair, the Hon. Ron Boswell, said “FRDC considers it essential that the board meet in regional areas where its stakeholders are located.
“Over the past three years alone the FRDC has invested almost $12 million dollars into fisheries research and development projects in NSW”.
“NSW plays a major role in Australia’s seafood production. In 2016–17, the gross value of NSW fishery production increased by 2 per cent to $154 million and volume fell by 7 per cent to 15,425 tonnes.
For the FRDC, it is important to meet with them and listen to what they have to say” said the Hon. Ron Boswell.
FRDC Managing Director, Dr Patrick Hone, said “the Board placed a strong emphasis on engaging with stakeholders at the industry level. We want to hear first-hand about the issues they are facing. The recent investment addressing Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) or the trial of farming Yellowtail Kingfish by Huon Aquaculture are areas we are keen to hear more about.”
“It is also important for the FRDC to come and discuss what investment in research, development and community education has been undertaken to show how it benefits industry and sectors,” he said.
During the visit to NSW the board will meet with stakeholders and undertake site visits with a number of key sectors including:
- Sydney Fish Market
- OceanWatch Australia
- Hawkesbury oyster farmers
- Broken Bay Pearls
- Nelson Bay Fish Market
- Port Stephens Fisheries Institute (PSFI)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries
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