RECFISHING Research, established by The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) to provide national leadership and direction into rec fishing research, has received funding until 2013.
Recfishing Research is managed by Infofish Australia and an initiative of both FRDC and Recfish Australia – the peak body representing recreational fishers in the country.
Bill Sawynok, manager of Recfishing Research said, “A key task of Recfishing Research will be to assist in the development of projects that address national priorities identified in the Business Plan.”
“A wide range of new research over the next few years is expected to provide both government and industry with important new information for management, industry investment and to improve fishing practices,” he said.
Key to this at present is the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry’s investment in the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee and $1.5 million worth of funding provided under the auspices of the Recreational Fishing Industry Development Strategy. The funds will be used to develop eight new projects to address some key issues. These include updating national statistics on recreational fishing, developing a leadership development program, identifying the health and wellbeing benefits of recreational fishing and a national education program, as well as a number of other projects.
Recfishing Research will also play a role in getting information from research to those that need it including government agencies, fishing industry bodies and recreational fishers through the appointment of an Extension Manager.
Recfish Australia chair Russell Conway said, “A well informed recreational fishing industry will be better placed to meet the challenges that the industry faces and to engage with government in the development of recreational fishing in the future.”
For more information contact Bill Sawynok, Manager, Recfishing Research on (07) 4928 6133 or (04) 1707 5277.