C-AID Consultants Projects
Research & Development
- Coinvestigator FRDC Project 2016/116, ‘Development of a 5-year RD&E Plan for Northern Territory fisheries and aquaculture based on priority needs of major stakeholder sectors’. This will be achieved via workshops or meetings and surveys to determine sector priority RD&E areas. Outcome will be to leave each stakeholder group with the tools and a process to conduct repeatable, cost effective surveys of their membership’s RD&E needs so that priorities and strategic plans can be updated and fed into the 5-year NT Strategic Plan (2017-2019).
- Co-investigator FRDC Project 2014/218, ‘Building precision into the Australian Industry Live Mud Crab Grading Scheme (AILMCGS) through addressing grading and regional anomalies’. Project seeks to attain a defined and precise assessment method of shell hardness using the current AILMCGS and identify objective technologies and/or develop methodologies to support grading assessment (2014 – ongoing). View AILMCGS Grading Scheme Flowchart
- Undertake a wide ranging independent review of the Northern Territory Commercial Barramundi Fishery, on behalf of the NT Government, working with Industry and Regulators to identify options to improve the viability, efficiency, security and strategic market access of the Fishery. Included identification of key management, operational and development issues and provision of solutions to identified constraints or issues, including assessment of potential new management models. (2014).
- Oversee Seafood Industry Victoria FRDC project 2013/209, ‘Optimising processes and policy to minimise business and operational impacts of seismic surveys on the fishing industry and oil and gas industry’. The project sought to develop consistent processes and policies, supported and adopted by the fishing and oil and gas industry sectors, to minimise negative operational impacts between seismic survey operations and fishing businesses (2013 – 2016) view report
- Facilitate Forum CRC and FRDC project 2012/733. ‘Driving Commercialisation R&D Forum’. In association with the Australian Prawn Farmers Association (APFA) and the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA) undertake a forum to allow cross-industry collaborative discussion around the topic of Driving Commercialisation (2012) view report
- Principal Investigator FRDC project 2011/225 – ‘Using Industry Expertise to Build a National System for Grading of Live Mud Crabs’. The project sought to develop a national scheme across key states and territories and along the entire supply chain within Australia to address the differing interpretations of live mud crab grades. The scheme was developed through a consultative forum that brought together key national participants in the industry to develop an industry driven scheme. (2011-2012) view report. Additional mud crab information
- Coinvestigator FRDC 2010/302 ‘Equipping the mud crab industry with innovative skills through extension of best practice handling’. The project sought to improve the economic return along the national live mud crab supply chain through maximum adoption of best practice. The project developed a wide range of material that is essential for those involved in the live mud crab industry to be aware. (2010-2012) view report. Additional mud crab information
- Lead in working with State, Territory and Commonwealth Fishery Agencies and industry to resolve a long-standing industry issue relating to loss of export accreditation of Western Australian based Northern shark fisheries. (2010 – 2016)
- Co-investigator FRDC 2009/300 ‘Empowering Industry RD&E: Developing an Industry driven RD&E model for the Australian fishing and seafood industry – partnerships to improve efficiency, profitability and performance’. The project gathered the best industry RD&E ideas, on a national or regional scale, and linked them with the most suitable RD&E providers to develop projects through a range of appropriate funding sources. A web-based project registry (www.empoweringindustry.com) was developed to ensure a transparent process to link industry people with RD&E service providers (2009-2013) view report
- Principal Investigator FRDC Project 2009/216 ‘Tracking the impacts on seafood consumption at dining venues arising from the Northern Territory’s seafood labelling laws’. Country of Origin labelling project to track the impacts on seafood consumption at dining venues arising from the Northern Territory’s seafood labelling laws. (2009-2011) view report
- Coinvestigator FRDC Project 2007/304 ‘Empowering Stakeholders to Initiate and Advance R&D Projects in the Seafood Industry’. National project which Identified opportunities and provided assistance and guidance on project development, funding and matching project partners. The project covered all sectors: commercial harvest, aquaculture, processing, indigenous and recreational and led to the development of almost thirty industry focused projects. (2007-08) view report
- Provided advice to the NT crab industry regarding stock assessments and management arrangements, as well as documenting the history and the social and operational impacts arising from Government management interventions. (2006-2008)
- Undertake an extensive literature review on mud crab (Scylla serrata) recruitment for the National Mud Crab Fishery Research Strategy Workshop – Darwin 2007. Mud-Crab-Recruitment-Literature
- Facilitated strategic planning sessions for the commercial seafood sector with a view to developing agreed goals and visions for the NT seafood industry. (2007)
- Facilitated multi-sector workshops in the NT to develop a structured and agreed management process incorporating commercial, recreational and indigenous fishing aspirations and needs. (2007)
- Undertook a scoping project for the NT Government on the implementation of a vessel monitoring system (VMS) for the NT fishing industry. (2006)
- Prepared a National Research Strategic Plan for Australian Fisheries and Aquaculture Research and Development for consideration by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum, Research Subcommittee. (2006)
- Strategic Plan for Northern Australian Sharks for the Western Australian, Northern Territory, Queensland and Commonwealth Governments which covered existing status of domestic and foreign fisheries that interact with northern shark and the provision of strategic directions for the management, compliance and research for northern shark stocks. (2005) view report
- Facilitate inaugural workshop to develop a national strategy for mud crab research in Australia. (1999) view report
- Three projects that followed on from FRDC project 2009/216 assessing the impacts and benefits of the introduction of Country of Origin Labelling in the Northern Territory dining sector:
- Consumer Survey 2013 – Awareness of the Northern Territory seafood labelling laws and the commercial seafood industry (2013) view report
- Consumer Survey 2014. Awareness of the Northern Territory seafood labelling laws and the commercial seafood industry (2014) view report
- Report on the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Consumer Surveys: Awareness of the Northern Territory seafood labelling laws and the commercial seafood industry (2016) view report
Environment
- Steering Committee Member ‘Cumulative impacts across fisheries in Australia’s marine environment’. The project will review the state of play of Ecological Risk and Cumulative Effects Assessments, characterise issues complicating assessments, develop a framework that structures the sequence of analyses and perform an Australia-wide cumulative impacts assessment, with fishery-specific results (2020 ongoing)
- Steering Committee FRDC project No. 2015/208 ‘Developing a National Bycatch Reporting System’. The project compiled and synthesized all available reports/papers/datasets on fisheries bycatches, discards and TEP interactions (2016-2018).
- Coinvestigator Project in project to assess exotic disease risk for barramundi, FRDC Project 2015-040 ‘An assessment of the risk of exotic disease introduction and spread among Australian Barramundi farms and the broader ecosystem from the importation of Lates calcarifer products. The project sought to identify pathogens causing infectious diseases that could enter Australia with imported Barramundi products, pathways and likelihood estimates. In addition, there were recommendations on risk mitigation strategies and identification of gaps of information to accurately estimate the risks (2016-2017) view report
- Facilitated a Caring for our Country project for the NT Seafood Council to improve Environmental Performance in the Northern Territory Mud Crab Fishery through the development of an industry lead EMS. The EMS, which included risk analysis and risk management measures, delivered practical methods of dealing with environmental risks to fishing ecosystems and promotes bycatch reduction strategies. The project also involved facilitating in field introductions of initial findings to fishers in the Roper River and Borroloola region. (2011-2012). view report
- Facilitated a Caring for our Country project ‘Moreton Bay Tunnel Net Fishery, co-management for harvest sustainability’ for the Moreton Bay Seafood Industry Association (MBSIA)’. The project developed an industry driven code of best practice to manage bycatch and models of effective co-management for the tunnel net fishery which operates within the Marine Park of Moreton Bay. Through this industry optimised their commercial practices to reduce interactions with threatened, endangered and protected (TEP) species, reduced bycatch of non-targeted species, and their overall carbon footprint. (2011-12) View booklet
- Provided one on one assistance to the NT fishing industry through the NTSC and ABARES to assist members to undertake socio-economic surveys relating to the impacts of proposed marine reserves on their businesses (2011).
- Providing facilitation services and workshop support to a National Landcare Programme – Sustainable Practices Grant project in conjunction with Government, commercial fishers and indigenous sea rangers to determine mud crabs recruitment patterns in the NT fishery. (2008-2009) view report
- Development of environmental assessments for mud crab fishery and trepang fishery for the Department of Environment and Heritage under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (the initial assessment was one of the first fisheries in Australia to be granted export approval under the Act). (2001 and 2003) view mudcrab report | view trepang report
- Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA). On a contract basis undertake the Executive Officer role for the group (2012 – 2018). This involved;
- overseeing and developing strategic and operational plans, governance, facilitation of the organisation’s activities and operations, including meetings, conferences, events and marketing
- representing the industry at high level meetings
- overseeing and developing strategic and operational plans, facilitation of the organisation’s activities and operations, including conferences, events and marketing
- management of the FRDC IPA RD&E Projects
- oversaw the Seafood CRC partnership and ABFA/CRC projects
- coordinate Industry branding and marketing program (see http://www.australianbarramundi.com.au/)
- Steering Committee FRDC project No. 2015/208 ‘Developing a National Bycatch Reporting System’. The project compiled and synthesised all available reports/papers/data sets on fisheries bycatches, discards and TEPs interactions (2016-2018). Report Pending
Capacity Building
- Consultant to Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) (with Affectus P/L) to develop the Industry ‘Our Pledge’ the industry commitment to the community that takes into account issues the community holds as important and presents the seafood industry position and perspective (2018).
- Executive to the NT Offshore Net and Line Fishery Licence Committee (NTONFLC), overseeing and developing strategic and operational plans, facilitation of the organisation’s activities and operations, including meetings and representing the industry at high level meetings and Government liaison (2017 – ongoing).
- Independent Chair, Northern Territory Mud Crab Licence Committee providing developing strategic direction, professional advice and assistance, including representing the industry at high level meetings and Government liaison (2016 – ongoing)
- Co-facilitate delivery of the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program (NSILP) with AFFECTUS P/L. The NSILP equips individuals with skills, networks and a whole of industry perspective across all sectors, including; Indigenous, commercial and recreational. The program comprises three residential sessions over 6 months. The program focuses on developing skills that participants can apply at three levels – personal, business and industry. The program has produced over 200 graduates. (2008-2019).
- Lead Consultant on Agrifood Skills Project that sought to gather data and information on workforce participation and needs within the NT Seafood industry, barriers to employment, key skills and training needs, and better understanding the capability of the training system to provide courses to address skill needs and barriers. In addition, gather evidence to support a case for additions to the NT Occupational Shortage List. Project involved desk-top research and face-to-face discussions with Darwin-based industry representatives, employees from the wildcatch fishing, farming, and processing sectors, RTOs, NTSC (2014) view report
- Co facilitate FRDC project 2012/512, ‘Opportunities for a peak body for the Queensland seafood industry’. The project involved reviewing and reporting on structure and funding models used for other industry associations, and then undertaking a number of workshops and port visits with the broader industry (wild catch, marketers and aquaculturists) to liaise and develop a preferred option for a Queensland peak body structure. (2013 – 2016). view report
- Provide training, facilitation and capacity building program for a Fiji based mud crab operation (wild harvest and aquaculture). Key roles related to staff capacity building through a formalised training program (hands-on and class), development of training material and appropriate manuals for staff inductions and ongoing training. Also provided advice on post harvest controls and protocols including improved product flow and processing room requirements and protocols to ensure product quality and consistency. (2012)
- Facilitate meetings between the East Coast Crabfisher Network (ECCFN) and the Sydney Fish Market (SFM) to discuss and resolve issues surrounding current arrangements for live mud and spanner crabs. (2011/2010)
- Coinvestigator with Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation FRDC 2010/302 ‘Equipping the mud crab industry with innovative skills through extension of best practice handling’. The project sought to improve the economic return along the national live mud crab supply chain through maximum adoption of best practice. The project developed a wide range of material that is essential for those involved in the live mud crab industry to be aware. (2010-2012) view report | Additional mud crab information
- Provided one on one assistance to the NT fishing industry through the NTSC and ABARES to assist members to undertake socio-economic surveys relating to the impacts of proposed marine reserves on their businesses (2011).
- Project for the Agrifood Skills Council to gather evidence, review the status and then identify if it was appropriate to add two seafood industry occupations, fishing hands and seafood workers, to the 2011 NT Occupational Shortage List. (2010)
- Providing facilitation services and workshop support to a National Landcare Programme – Sustainable Practices Grant project in conjunction with Government, commercial fishers and indigenous sea rangers to determine mud crabs recruitment patterns in the NT fishery. (2008-2009) view report
- Co-contributor FRDC project 2008/310 ‘Future seafood leaders: taking stock’. The project saw an online survey and workshop of past graduates and program sponsors of the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program. The project sought to critique the program, identify its strengths and make recommendations on how it could be improved. (2008) Leadership Development | Future Seafood Leaders
- Facilitating and co-ordinating a multi-sector delegation FRDC project 2008/301. ‘Moving to a common vision and understanding for equitable access for Indigenous, recreational and commercial fishers:- Northern Territory fishing and seafood industry delegation to New Zealand’. The guided and supported Indigenous, commercial and recreational representatives, to New Zealand to gain an understanding of how best to incorporate indigenous participation in best practice fisheries resource management, taking into account indigenous commercial operations, along with recreational use of fish stocks, monitoring, compliance and enforcement issues 2008 Openness, Transparency, Clarity and Trust | 2008 Delegation to New Zealand
- Provided expert advice to the Garngirr Fishing Aboriginal Corporation (GFAC) in north east Arnhem Land in the NT as part of assisting to develop a culturally appropriate and economically viable structured business model – the first in the NT. (2014 – 2018).
- Co-investigator FRDC Project 2014/233. ‘Improving Indigenous Australian access to and involvement in the management and use of Australia’s fisheries resources’. Project will develop a method for assessing the risk factors associated with the possible impacts of commercial and recreational fisheries on indigenous cultural fisheries. Will seek to build capacity indigenous people and relevant fisheries managers in the processes and protocols for the use of the ‘methodology’ in indigenous communities so as to be able to apply the risk assessment of fisheries management plans. (2014 – 2018) view report
- Executive Support to the NT Offshore Net and Line Licence Fishery Committee (ONLFC) to oversee and develop strategic and operational plans, facilitation of the organisation’s activities and operations, including meetings and representing the industry at high level meetings and Government liaison (2017 – ongoing).
- Consultant to Seafood Industry Australia (with co-facilitator Affectus) to develop the Industry ‘Our Pledge’ which is industry commitment to the community that takes into account issues the community holds as important and presents the seafood industry position and perspective (2018 – 2019).
- Coinvestigator FRDC Project 2016/206, ‘Business Nous – Indigenous business development opportunities and impediments in the fishing and seafood industry’. The project is seeking to develop an analysis tool to assess the success elements of indigenous fishing businesses and non-fishing, undertake a gap analysis of skills available and skills needed, develop a business template and enhance the business skills of indigenous fishing communities through the delivery of workshops, community conversations and virtual information sharing sessions (2016- 2019).
- Coinvestigator FRDC Project 2016/116, ‘Development of a 5-year RD&E Plan for Northern Territory fisheries and aquaculture based on priority needs of major stakeholder sectors’. Outcome will be to leave each stakeholder group with the tools and a process to conduct repeatable, cost effective surveys of their membership’s RD&E needs so that priorities and strategic plans can be updated and fed into the 5-year NT Strategic Plan (2017-2019).
- Technical Advisor to Honey and Fox P/L, FRDC project 2016/244 ‘Assessing direct export feasibility, marketing and branding opportunities for Torres Strait Fisheries derived products’. Seeking to develop a viable marketing and brand strategy option with implementation examples to improve the profitability of Torres Strait Fisheries products (2017-2018).
Indigenous
- Principal investigator and Subprogram Leader FRDC project 2017-132 ‘Ensuring that fishing and seafood industry focused RD&E delivers improved economic, environmental and social benefits to Australia’s Indigenous people – IRG and Indigenous Subprogram Support’. This project provides the support and resourcing for the IRG to manage and oversee the annual Subprogram budget on behalf of the FRDC to ensure there is greater Indigenous input, engagement and inclusivity in the development of the revised national and FRDC’s RD&E plan (2018-2021).
- Coinvestigator FRDC Project 2016/206, ‘Business Nous – Indigenous business development opportunities and impediments in the fishing and seafood industry’. The project is seeking to develop an analysis tool to assess the success elements of indigenous fishing businesses and non-fishing, undertake a gap analysis of skills available and skills needed, develop a business template and enhance the business skills of indigenous fishing communities through the delivery of workshops, community conversations and virtual information sharing sessions (2016- 2019).
- Consultant to the Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) as part of their Aquaculture Feasibility on the Groote Eylandt Archipelago – precis on mud crab aquaculture (2018).
- Technical Advisor to Honey and Fox P/L, FRDC project 2016/244 ‘Assessing direct export feasibility, marketing and branding opportunities for Torres Strait Fisheries derived products’. This project sought to develop a viable marketing and brand strategy option with implementation examples to improve the profitability of Torres Strait Fisheries products and assess the feasibility of exporting fisheries products directly from the Torres Strait (2017-2018).
- Consultant to the Northern Land Council (NLC) providing an Assessment for the purpose of purchasing NT fisheries licence, including a market assessment and overview of fisheries, fishing effort, and the current status of commercial licences in the NT to make recommendations regarding licence purchases that would offer optimal returns as well as capitalising on any emerging fishery that may be of benefit to TOs or coastal communities (2018).
- Co-investigator FRDC Project 2014/233. ‘Improving Indigenous Australian access to and involvement in the management and use of Australia’s fisheries resources’. Project will develop a method for assessing the risk factors associated with the possible impacts of commercial and recreational fisheries on indigenous cultural fisheries. Will seek to build capacity indigenous people and relevant fisheries managers in the processes and protocols for the use of the ‘methodology’ in indigenous communities so as to be able to apply the risk assessment of fisheries management plans. (2014 – 2018) view report
- Principal and Subprogram Leader FRDC Project 2014/404; ‘Planning, developing and coordinating Indigenous input to the Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) for Australia’s fishing community – Indigenous RD&E Subprogram (IRDES) management’. This project provides the support and resourcing for the IRG to manage and oversee the annual Subprogram budget on behalf of the FRDC to ensure there is greater Indigenous input, engagement and inclusivity in the development of the revised national and FRDC’s RD&E plan. (2014-2017) view report
- Provided expert advice to the Garngirr Fishing Aboriginal Corporation (GFAC) in north east Arnhem Land in the NT as part of assisting to develop a culturally appropriate and economically viable structured business model – the first in the NT. (2014 – 2018).
- Engaged by Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) to work with an Indigenous client to develop a business proposal to develop a commercial fishing operation (barramundi and Spanish mackerel) in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Involved undertaking pre business feasibility and discussion, identifying necessary permits, licences and qualifications, and scope and development of business plan, and also providing other assistance, including cash flow projections and modelling (2013).
- Principal Investigator AFMA Project 2011/808 ‘Empowering Torres Strait Islanders to Have Greater Engagement in the Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) Process’. The project identified a means for Torres Strait Islanders and RD&E providers to assess opportunities for greater collaborative RD&E through the development of procedures and processes that encourage greater real involvement and engagement of Torres Strait Islanders in the RD&E process. (2011-2012) view report
- Principal investigator FRDC project 2010/405, 2012/405; ‘Facilitation of the FRDC Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) to Progress Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) Outcomes’. The project provided support to the IRG to develop an RD&E action plan, build capacity of the IRG and broader network to increase involvement in RD&E and provide advice to the FRDC and the National Priorities Forum. Also involved identification of RD&E priorities annually and developing projects to address those priorities, management of a portfolio of projects with significant benefit to, or impact on, the Indigenous fishing sector and encouraging coordination and co-investment in RD&E which benefits the Indigenous fishing community. Under this program to date there were a number of key outputs, including:
- Eleven Key RD&E Principles for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – developed at Cairns Forum 2011
- Eleven Key RD&E Principles, Context and RD&E Outputs – endorsed at Cairns Forum 2012
- Five Indigenous RD&E Priorities for Fishing and Aquaculture – endorsed at Cairns Forum 2012
- Summary of the Second FRDC Indigenous Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) Forum – November 2012, Cairns, Queensland
- A Final report and Summary Outline (2010-2015) (view report).
- Principal Investigator FRDC Project 2010/401 ‘Shaping advice for Indigenous fishing and aquaculture RD&E within the national strategy’. The project brought together the members of the Indigenous Reference Group, plus a wider group of people, to identify and address a range of specific issues around indigenous fishing and seafood based RD&E. (2010-2011) view report
- Extensive review for Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) on a Commercial Fishing Business Plan for an integrated barramundi, mud crab and coastal line fishery operation. The report provided opinion and advice in respect to operational and financial assumptions in the Plan for each fishery operation as well as the operation as a whole. (2010)
- Principal Investigator FRDC Project 2009/323. ‘Scoping study to assess the potential to develop an indigenous Fisheries Centre of Excellence (IFCoE) assessed the feasibility of establishing an IFCoE to cover northern Australia. (2009-2010) view report
- Develop key elements of the NTG’s strategy to build on the outcomes from the Government’s Indigenous Fisheries Framework identified in C-AID report (2009) to develop a model for consultation and engagement with the Indigenous sector, to analyse and identify key factors for successful Indigenous economic development in the fisheries sector, including a capacity audit and needs analysis for commercial involvement in the sector. (2010) view report
- Develop key elements of a strategy, including stakeholder liaison, as part of moving forward from the Blue Mud Bay High Court decision. The project involved liaising with relevant stakeholders including Land Councils, Traditional Owners, Northern Territory Seafood Council, Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT, NT Guided Fishing Industry Association and the NT Government to build a framework for future development. (2009) view report
- Facilitating and co-ordinating a multi-sector delegation FRDC project 2008/301. ‘Moving to a common vision and understanding for equitable access for Indigenous, recreational and commercial fishers:- Northern Territory fishing and seafood industry delegation to New Zealand’. The guided and supported Indigenous, commercial and recreational representatives, to New Zealand to gain an understanding of how best to incorporate indigenous participation in best practice fisheries resource management, taking into account indigenous commercial operations, along with recreational use of fish stocks, monitoring, compliance and enforcement issues (2008 – 2009) 2008 Openness, Transparency, Clarity and Trust | 2008 Delegation to New Zealand
- Providing facilitation services and workshop support to a National Landcare Programme – Sustainable Practices Grant project in conjunction with Government, commercial fishers and indigenous sea rangers to determine mud crabs recruitment patterns in the NT fishery. (2008-2009) view report
- Providing expert advice to the Northern Land Council’s (NLC) Inshore Indigenous Fishing Industry Advisory Group, to achieve long term strategic direction for increasing indigenous participation in commercial fishing. (2007 – 2008)
- Facilitate a targeted training program and capacity building opportunities for Indigenous aquaculturists, processors and government agents in the Federated States of Micronesia, to assist in developing a sustainable, financially and logistically viable crab farming operation. Matters covered establishing a quality control system, processing and packing of live mud crabs, transport and freighting of live mud crabs along with general strategies to minimise crab mortalities through the supply chain. (2007).
- Principal investigator and Subprogram Leader FRDC project 2017-132 ‘Ensuring that fishing and seafood industry focused RD&E delivers improved economic, environmental and social benefits to Australia’s Indigenous people – IRG and Indigenous Subprogram Support’. This project provides the support and resourcing for the IRG to manage and oversee the annual Subprogram budget on behalf of the FRDC to ensure there is greater Indigenous input, engagement and inclusivity in the development of the revised national and FRDC’s RD&E plan (2018-2021).
- Coinvestigator FRDC Project 2016/206, ‘Business Nous – Indigenous business development opportunities and impediments in the fishing and seafood industry’. The project is seeking to develop an analysis tool to assess the success elements of indigenous fishing businesses and non-fishing, undertake a gap analysis of skills available and skills needed, develop a business template and enhance the business skills of indigenous fishing communities through the delivery of workshops, community conversations and virtual information sharing sessions (2016- 2019).
- Consultant to the Anindilyakwa Land Council a part of their Aquaculture Feasibility on the Groote Eylandt Archipelago – precis on mud crab aquaculture (2018).
- Technical Advisor to Honey and Fox P/L, FRDC project 2016/244 ‘Assessing direct export feasibility, marketing and branding opportunities for Torres Strait Fisheries derived products’. Seeking to develop a viable marketing and brand strategy option with implementation examples to improve the profitability of Torres Strait Fisheries products (2017-2018).
- Consultant to the Northern Land Council (NLC) providing an Assessment for the purpose of purchasing NT fisheries licence, including a market assessment and overview of fisheries, fishing effort, and the current status of commercial licences in the NT to make recommendations regarding licence purchases that would offer optimal returns as well as capitalising on any emerging fishery that may be of benefit to TOs or coastal communities (2017-18).
Aquaculture
- Principal – Review of the NT Pearl Industry Compliance Plan to ensure the plan addresses key compliance areas of:
- Monitoring and reporting on ESD performance
- Addressing excessive seeding of pearl oysters
- Adherence to quarantine/translocation disease management protocols and requirements
- Operations to be in line with conditions of pearl licence and/or lease
- Completion and submission of appropriate documentation (2020).
- Consultant to the Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) as part of their Aquaculture Feasibility on the Groote Eylandt Archipelago – precis on mud crab aquaculture (2018).
- Development of a greenfield mud crab fattening and farming business in Madagascar. This involved an initial in country feasibility study to assess the economic potential for such a business and assessing key aspects including market analysis, post-harvest advice and hatchery and farming feasibility and pond design and construction. (2016 – 2017).
- Provide training, facilitation and capacity building program for a Fiji based mud crab operation (wild harvest and aquaculture). Key roles related to staff capacity building through a formalised training program (hands-on and class), development of training material and appropriate manuals for staff inductions and ongoing training. Also provided advice on post harvest controls and protocols including improved product flow and processing room requirements and protocols to ensure product quality and consistency. (2012).
- Principal investigator CRC Project 2014/708, ‘Stamping quality across the Australian Farmed barramundi industry’. Development of a whole of industry Quality Scheme for the Australian farmed barramundi industry (2013-2014) (view report)
- Principal investigator CRC project 2013/752, ‘Setting directions for the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA). Through a highly consultative approach, work with the ABFA to develop a whole of industry Strategic RD&E Plan and a process for managing, updating and resourcing the Plan through face to face meetings with all famers around Australia and facilitation of a whole of Industry workshop to set priorities and directions (2013-2014) (view report) strategic plan
- Undertake extensive pre-feasibility business analysis for the development of a Mud Crab Farming Business in SE Asia to assess the socio-economic potential for such a business to supply local and export markets, including assessment of;
- Suitability of the region, optimal sites, design specifications and estimated costs for farm, hatchery, nursery, processing and packing facilities
- Summary of post-harvest techniques appropriate for area
- Mud crab marketing situational analysis and market appraisal
- Human resource and related training requirements
- Business model options.
- Feasibility report accepted and hatchery and farm development commenced (2015).
- Provide professional advice on mud crab hatchery and farm development. Development of a new mud crab farming business in Malaysia. This involved an initial in country feasibility study to assess the socio-economic potential for such a business in Malaysia to supply local and export markets. This included assessing all key aspects of the industry including market analysis, post-harvest advice and hatchery and farming feasibility. This has led to the building and commissioning of the hatchery, farm development and an integrated farm to plate program for hard and soft shell mud crabs. This has involved in country work, desk top analysis and expertise linking. The farm is in production. (2015 – 2018)
- Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA). On a contract basis undertake the Executive Officer role for the group (2012 – 2018). This involved;
- overseeing and developing strategic and operational plans, governance, facilitation of the organisation’s activities and operations, including meetings, conferences, events and marketing
- representing the industry at high level meetings
- overseeing and developing strategic and operational plans, facilitation of the organisation’s activities and operations, including conferences, events and marketing
- management of the FRDC IPA RD&E Projects
- oversaw the Seafood CRC partnership and ABFA/CRC projects
- coordinate Industry branding and marketing program (see http://www.australianbarramundi.com.au/)
- Facilitate Forum CRC and FRDC project 2012/733. ‘Driving Commercialisation R&D Forum’. In association with the Australian Prawn Farmers Association (APFA) and the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA) hold a forum to allow cross-industry collaborative discussion around the topic of Driving Commercialisation (2012) view report
- Develop a funded business entity model to run a Barramundi Breeding Program CRC project 2009/730. ‘Development of a Barramundi Selective Breeding Entity’. Project characterised broodstock available to the BBP and identified foundation stock, ran a pilot scale trial of synchronized spawning to check/demonstrate feasibility of its use with the BBP (2009-2013) (view report)
- Work with the Northern Territory Barramundi Farmers Association (NTBFA) to identify cooperative opportunities to improve efficiency, logistics, pond productivity, production, quality standards, marketing and return to industry. (2008-2009)
- Facilitate a targeted training program and capacity building opportunities for Indigenous aquaculturists, processors and government agents in the Federated States of Micronesia, to assist in developing a sustainable, financially and logistically viable crab farming operation. Matters covered establishing a quality control system, processing and packing of live mud crabs, transport and freighting of live mud crabs along with general strategies to minimise crab mortalities through the supply chain. (2007)
- A program to bring an aquaculture facility back on line, including managing the process with various Agencies such as the EPA, Lands, Fisheries and Health; including the preparation of funding applications, Notice of Intents, Development Applications, Construction and Operational Environmental Management Plans and R&D Plans. (2006-2008)
- Development of a new mud crab fattening and farming business in Madagascar. This involved an initial in country feasibility study to assess the economic potential for such a business and assessing key aspects including market analysis, post-harvest advice and hatchery and farming feasibility and pond design and construction. (2016 – 2017)
- Consultant to the Anindilyakwa Land Council a part of their Aquaculture Feasibility on the Groote Eylandt Archipelago – precis on mud crab aquaculture (2018)
Awards/Nominations
- Northern Territory Seafood Industry Ambassador – 2017
- National Industry Ambassador Award Finalist 2017
- Queensland Seafood Award Research and Development Award – 2013
