IMPROVE EXTENSION TO RECREATIONAL FISHERS

Desired Outcome: The benefits of new knowledge from research and development are available and taken up by recreational fishers, government and the community.

PRIORITY AREAS FOR INVESTMENT

The following are the priorities for extension:

 Existing material on best practices in released fish continues to be distributed;

 Development of partnership with research projects to extend new knowledge;

 Market research into the effectiveness of Recfishing Research.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ISSUE

Improving the extension and uptake of new knowledge is recognised as a key issue underpinning all the other priority areas. The success of changing management or fisher behaviour is very much dependent on the effectiveness of the extension.

CURRENT STATUS

Extension is carried out to some degree as part of most recreational fisheries research projects. However, the effectiveness of that extension is dependent on the how well the researchers have engaged recreational fishers during the planning and conduct of the research. Many projects and researchers still see extension as an “add on” following the completion of the research and fewer resources and time are committed to this important aspect of the work. Often researchers have poor engagement skills and do not utilise others who have the required skills.

RECFISHING RESEARCH STRATEGIC RESPONSE

Recfishing Research sees extension as a critical element underpinning everything else that this Business, Investment and Extension Plan sets out to address. Extension is the one area where it is taking an operational or “hands on” role, rather than a strategic approach. A Recfishing Research Extension Service is being established to improve the extension and uptake of new knowledge obtained from research.

The Recfishing Research Extension Service will focus on getting information into recreational fishers’ existing information networks rather than on the employment of people and development of new infrastructure. The Released Fish Survival website is being revamped into a Recfishing Research website but will retain the approach of using simple fact sheets and providing a least-path approach to assist users seeking access to information.

The Released Fish Survival program established links with information networks that are used by recreational fishers including websites, fishing magazines, fishing television presenters and fishing tackle outlets. Recfishing Research will continue to build its contacts with these networks and will support the development of new methods of providing access to information.

An important part of the information network is the National Fisheries Communicators Network (NFCN) which encompasses the fisheries extension service of all State Fisheries agencies. Recfishing Research has worked with the NFCN in the extension of Released Fish Survival material and will expand it to include the broader range of products to be produced in the future.

In developing the Recfishing Research Extension Service it is proposed to seek partnerships with current and new research projects relevant to recreational fisheries to assist in the development of information products and in the distribution of those products. To establish the service we have sought funding from FRDC on a sliding scale over three years to provide Recfishing Research with the ability to enter into joint arrangements with researchers. At the end of the three years the extension service will need to be self funding to continue.

Summary of Recfishing Research Extension Service funding:

Year FRDC funds Other contributors
 

PROJECTS RECFISHING RESEARCH IS MONITORING

All national projects are currently being monitored for the development of information products in partnership with others.

FRDC project 2009/312: "Educating through Escape with ET" Escape with ET: Lisa Campbell Timeframe: May 2009 - June 2011 Segments on the "Escape with ET" TV show promoting research and the results of research.