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FRDC acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of land, sea and sky, recognising their deep, enduring connection to these places.

As we navigate an increasingly dynamic operating environment, it’s been valuable to connect directly with stakeholders across the country. At our recent Board meeting in Hobart, we engaged with representatives from across the fishing and aquaculture sectors, hearing firsthand the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Among the issues raised, fuel supply and pricing pressures remain front of mind for many operators, reinforcing the importance of timely research, data and coordinated responses to support resilience across the sector. These conversations continue to inform how FRDC prioritises its investments and delivers impact for stakeholders.

Looking ahead, we are pleased to welcome delegates from around the world to Cairns next month for the ICES/FAO Working Group on Fishing Technology and Fish Behaviour Conference, proudly hosted by FRDC. This is an important opportunity to showcase Australian expertise while strengthening global collaboration in fishing technology and fish behaviour.

I hope you enjoy reading this month’s FRDC News where we track down WA’s missing rock lobsters, explore how eDNA is unlocking new insights, examine innovative approaches to monitoring endangered sharks, bring back global rec fishing lessons from South Africa and chart a new course for fishing on the Great Barrier Reef.

Most people don't know Western Australia's Western Rock Lobster (Panulirus cygnus) fishery is the most valuable wild-catch fishery in Australia. Even fewer would know that in 2011, something quietly happened.

Thirteen Australian fishing leaders travelled to South Africa for the world's largest recreational fishing conference and came home with a clear message: Australia is a leader in the rec fishing space and doing better than it realises. 

Environmental DNA (eDNA), which is fast becoming an effective and leading analysis tool, could help propel fisheries management and ecosystem monitoring to new heights.

Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) sharks in Australia remain endangered and poorly understood, but new DNA-based methods like Close-Kin Mark Recapture offer a feasible way to estimate their population and guide conservation efforts.  

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most treasured natural assets. The surrounding marine region is also home to one of the nation’s most pressing fisheries challenges.

Watch Dr Joanna McMillan launch Two4Life of Channel Nine's Today Show below

Turning forecasts into actions

Marine heatwaves and ecosystem-wide impacts in Australian waters during summer 2024/25

Take a look back at FRDC’s Climate Briefing Series, delivered in partnership with CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.

Read the feature article here

Tickets are selling fast for Australia’s premier seafood industry event. Don’t miss your opportunity to explore how we can respond to evolving consumer expectations, harness emerging technologies, build a resilient workforce and safeguard long-term access to resources.

Get your tickets and find out more information: seafooddirections.com.au

Country of Origin Labelling – changes from 1 July 2026

From 1 July, updated Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) requirements will come into effect, bringing greater clarity and consistency to how seafood is described and sold in Australia. It’s a timely reminder for businesses across the supply chain to review their labelling and menus to ensure they clearly communicate where seafood comes from, whether it’s Australian, imported, or a mix of both. Getting it right not only supports compliance, but also helps build trust with customers who increasingly want to know the origin of their seafood.

Find out more here

The following project were completed in March 2026

2025-020 Workshop on oyster mortalities from diseases of unknown origin

2023-124 Establishing a national end of life fishing/aquaculture gear recovery system for Australia

2023-068 Understanding the feasibility of close kin mark recapture for Scalloped Hammerhead in Australia, SE Asia and the Western Pacific

2022-187 National Seafood Industry Leadership Program 2023/2024 (NSILP)

2022-158 Preparing for Threats and Opportunities of Alternative Proteins

2022-028 Development of resources and equipment to enable best practice in the humane dispatch of sharks caught by commercial fishers in the NT

2021-139 Manage FRDC accreditation as a Standards Development Organisation 2022-2025

2021-096 Southern Rock Lobster Planning and Management for a National Research Development & Extension (RD&E) Program

2020-119 New Opportunities for Abalone Processing Waste

Stay up-to-date with our schedule of exciting and informative gatherings, from conferences to workshops and more. Whether you're looking to network with like-minded individuals, learn from industry experts, or simply have a good time, you'll find it all here. Browse our events calendar, find one that interests you, and join us for a memorable experience! Click here for the latest schedule

For a dynamic catalogue of our current and completed projects, visit our website. You can search by project number using the search bar at the top of the site, or explore projects by filtering for topics, species, organisations and more via the project search page by:

• using the filter list on the right side of the search results page when searching from the desktop or
• navigating to the bottom of any web page and click on View filter section to expand the filter options when viewing on mobile devices

Watch the videos below to learn more

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