West Australian fishers and aquaculturists can now access a state-based officer appointed by Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) to strengthen the exchange of information with end users and increase the uptake of research and development (R&D).
Fisheries manager Felicity Horn, who is based in Perth, has been appointed to work with Indigenous, commercial and recreational fishers and aquaculturists as the WA representative of FRDC's new national extension officer network.
She was formerly executive officer of the Shark Bay Prawn Trawler Operators' Association and part time administrative officer for the Aquaculture Council of WA. She has also served as a Board member of the WA Fishing Industry Council and the Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries and worked for the WA Fishing Industry Council for 14 years, including as executive officer.
FRDC Managing director Dr Patrick Hone says the extension officers are helping to increase FRDC's engagement with people at the grassroots.
"We have established the network in response to feedback from our stakeholders, who said they wanted more regionally based staff to help accelerate the adoption of R&D outcomes and drive practice change," he says.
"The broad remit of the extension officers is to work with people and stakeholders to extend R&D outputs that meet user needs, incorporate their input into R&D priorities and bring people together to solve problems," he says.
"They are looking at solutions for regional issues in ways that can be adapted across the country, and will help all stakeholders tap into previous, current and future research to find workable solutions."
Felicity is passionate about ensuring that WA's seafood industry is recognised by the broader community as sustainable, responsible, and valuable and is keen to support industry and other stakeholder groups to access R&D opportunities in her role as FRDC extension officer.
"I think it's fair to say that there's been a gap in this area for a while with many across our sectors wanting to invest in research but not having the time to look into it or knowing how to go about it," she says. "I'd like to see my role bridge that gap."
Felicity says as a Board member for the Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries, she saw the practical value of investment in research on topics such as onboard processing and is keen to help other seafood sectors reap similar benefits.
"The seafood industry is facing a lot of challenges now, such as the loss of the Chinese market, reductions in some government services, the huge cost of diesel and the rollout of marine parks," she says.
"People in the industry have had their heads down in survival mode, so I'm keen to support them to maximise R&D in areas that will make a tangible difference to their future."
While working for fishing and aquaculture industry associations, Felicity travelled extensively throughout WA to meet with stakeholders in recreational and commercial fishing, Traditional Owners, conservation groups and government representatives.
Among her achievements, Felicity played a key role in assisting commercial, recreational and charter fishing interests to reach agreement on resource sharing issues and had a lead role in the Shark Bay Prawn Fishery's Marine Stewardship Council certification program.
Key Facts:
West Australians involved in all aspects of fishing and aquaculture have a new state-based contact for R&D.
Felicity Horn is working with people at the grassroots to gather their input on R&D priorities and boost the adoption of research outcomes.
Felicity was formerly executive officer of the Shark Bay Prawn Trawler Operators Association and a Board member of the WA Fishing Industry Council.
About us:
FRDC invests in research, development and extension activities to increase economic, social and environmental benefits for Australian fishing and aquaculture and the wider community.
