Diverse benefits from aquatic resources to be consistent with shared principles
Ethical performance is now big business worldwide, with benefits including improved reputation, reduced risk, competitive advantage, access to new markets and value creation. Industries and sectors are responding by adopting practices that have less impact on the environment or are even regenerative. they also consider the wellbeing of workers, communities and consumers, conserve non-renewable energy, sustainably manage natural resources, minimise stress in animals, and do not compromise the needs of future generations.
The FRDC will explore opportunities to invest in, manage and promote adoption of R&D to:
- minimise impacts on non-target species and ecosystems,
- better understand and increase wellbeing, equity and safety of workers within each sector,
- develop innovative ways to conduct and communicate independent validation of sustainable practices and outcomes to markets and consumers,
- improve animal welfare outcomes,
- promote learning and sharing among sectors and industries, including identifying, documenting and promoting Indigenous traditional fisheries management systems and practices,
- inform effective management of climate change impacts through adaptation and mitigation,
- explore ways to capitalise on new opportunities presented by climate change,
- develop improved decision-making tools better able to respond to biological variability and increased revenue volatility and risks.
THE FUTURE: Reducing the environmental footprint of commercial wild-catch fisheries
Fishing has evolved through the ages, yet is still based on the same basic elements: hooks, nets, traps and hand collection, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Developments in robotics, sensors, artificial intelligence and automation present opportunities to explore new ways to harvest seafood while reducing impacts on the environment and improving economic returns.