WA fisheries research and development has netted funding for almost one third of the 51 projects approved nationally in the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation’s funding grants for 2003.
While the FRCD does not undertake research itself, it identifies research and development needs and addresses them through a planning process and by contracting with researchers.
The $4 million shot in the arm for Western Australian fisheries research will benefit five Western Rock Lobster studies and the breeding of saucer scallops by Elmwood Holdings.
Murdoch University was allocated a significant slice of the funding pie, receiving $878 000 for members of Murdoch University’s Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research.
Director of the Centre Professor Ian Potter said the recipients of the grants were deputy director Associate Professor Norm Hall, Dr Margaret Platell, Dr Glen Young and himself.
"The funding will benefit five new projects commencing July this year and will last for two or three years depending on the project." Mr Potter said
These projects include a study into the impact of environmental changes on the biota of Western Australian south-coast estuaries; while two projects deal with the management of fisheries in north-western Australia and mulloway and silver trevally fisheries for WA.
One project to develop models
of recreational fisheries is urgently needed as the level of recreational fishing activity increases.
Another study will seek a more thorough understanding of the interactions between commercial and recreational fish species and their prey.
