Many readers will be familiar with the RecFishing Research Coordination Program. Operating for over many years, it has played a key role in advancing research to benefit recreational fishing in Australia, with several notable achievements along the way. In just the past two years, the program has helped secured over $1.2m funding for new projects through the FRDC\u2014clear evidence of its effectiveness.<\/p>\n
The current phase of the program, which began in October 2022 and is scheduled to conclude later this year, has taken things a step further. It has highlighted the growing ability of the recreational fishing community to lead strategic research and development on a national scale.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
This recent phase of RecFishing Research was jointly delivered by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF). ARFF, as the national community-based representative body, led the coordination and management of program activities, supported by FRDC\u2019s technical and organisational strengths. This partnership has proven highly successful.<\/p>\n
Dr Andrew Rowland, the program\u2019s Principal Investigator, commented on the scale of the challenge:<\/p>\n
\u201cCoordinating research priorities for such a large and diverse sector is a tough job. That\u2019s why we made sure to put the right structures in place and engaged the best people for the task.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the key decisions was to form a Steering Committee closely connected to grassroots recreational fishers. This approach helped ensure that the research focused on delivering real, practical benefits to Australia\u2019s 4+ million recreational fishers.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A central goal of the program was to set clear, long-term research and development (R&D) priorities for recreational fishing over the next 5 to 10 years.<\/p>\n
To help with this, FRDC engaged Dr Mark Stafford-Smith to lead a Theory of Change exercise that resulted in the creation of the RD&E (Research, Development and Extension) Strategic Frame. This framework defines a long-term vision, outlines the major challenges facing the sector, and identifies the outcomes needed to overcome them. It also details six focus areas\u2014called \u201cPathways\u201d\u2014that link research outputs to short-term outcomes and longer-term goals.<\/p>\n
Mr. Danny Simpson, RecFishing Research Coordinator explained;<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Strategic Frame provides a clear sequence of actions and results needed to achieve national goals for recreational fishing. It allows us to bring together strategic research in a way that delivers strong value to both the sector and the FRDC.\u201d<\/p>\n
You can view the full RecFishing Research RD&E Plan 2024\u20132029, including the Strategic Frame, by following this link.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A New Approach to Setting Research Priorities in Recreational Fishing Many readers will be familiar with the RecFishing Research Coordination Program. Operating for over many years, it has played a key role in advancing research to benefit recreational fishing in Australia, with several notable achievements along the way. In just…<\/p>\n