Transformation in Commonwealth Fisheries Management Policy: connecting research, policy and practice in addressing shifting expectations

The "Transformation in Commonwealth Fisheries Management Policy" project addressed significant challenges within Australia’s fisheries management system, including threats to the resilience of small-scale operators and increasing pressures on the sector. Conducted over a short duration of six months, the project aimed to identify transformational strategies that could be supported sustainably by industry and fisheries managers. It provided insights into ongoing policy reviews such as the Nature Positive and Fish Harvest Strategy. Led by the Commonwealth Fisheries Association (CFA) in collaboration with Australian government agencies AFMA and DAFF, as well as Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), the initiative employed collaborative action research methodologies, including technical workshops and case study scenario testing. A two-day residential workshop facilitated in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, and scenario testing of alternative management approaches across three fisheries scenarios. The project aimed to foster understanding among stakeholders, evaluate proposed fisheries policy measures, identify new policy options for effective management, test practical impacts through scenario testing, and publish key outcomes and insights from the workshops.