Purposes and objectives of the Southern Bluefin Tuna Aquaculture Subprogram
The Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) Aquaculture Subprogram was initiated in 1997 by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) to promote the orderly planning and management of research and development (R&D) associated with the aquaculture of SBT. The Subprogram was supported by the SBT aquaculture industry and provided a link between key stakeholders to plan, initiate, coordinate, manage and disseminate R&D. Its success was measured in the level of stakeholder participation and the outcomes achieved.
The role of the Subprogram was to:
- develop and regularly review, in association with stakeholders, a strategic plan that provides a focus for R&D and yet is responsive to changing circumstances;
- set R&D priorities to maximise investment in that field, avoid duplication and achieve greatest potential return;
- invite R&D applications to address these priorities;
- maximise collaboration between researches, aquaculture and fisheries managers, and aquaculture and fishing interests;
- attract other R&D funding and influence the way in which other funding entities apply investments in that field;
- standardise on the best scientific methods;
- communicate regularly with potential beneficiaries; and
- facilitate the adoption of R&D results.
The SBT Subprogram fulfiled its role through the following:
- A Steering Committee consisting of people with relevant skills and expertise that met quarterly to facilitate the delivery and communication of primary outcomes. Its key objectives were to oversee Subprogram operational plans, budgets and communications.
- A project Coordination Committee that met twice yearly to ensure that the use of R&D resources is optimised and duplication is avoided. Its key objectives were to facilitate R&D project collaboration and coordination by developing optimised operational and budget plans; reviewing project methodology, progress and direction; and optimising and coordinating communication of research results to stakeholders.
- A Subprogram Leader with the necessary skills, linkages and in-kind resources to provide leadership, administration support and facilitate communication.
- The Subprogram utilised as required the services of independent scientific advisers to facilitate R&D that is world’s best practice, to deliver desired outcomes and to optimise synergies with other researchers and relevant programs. A key objective was to provide advice on enhancing existing and new proposals. Their core competencies included expertise, impartiality and collaborative linkages.
- The Subprogram, through its communications strategy, promoted its roles, responsibilities, structure and membership to existing or potential stakeholders with interests in SBT aquaculture.
