The project identifies a means for Torres Strait Islanders and Research Development and Extension (RD&E) providers to assess opportunities for greater collaborative efforts through the development of procedures and processes that encourage greater real involvement and engagement of Torres Strait Islanders in the RD&E process. 2011-2012.
Project objectives were:
1. Assess the costs and benefits of Torres Strait Islander engagement in fisheries research, development and extension (RD&E);
2. Identify future RD&E benefits and opportunities for Torres Strait Islanders;
3. Development of a best practice model for supporting indigenous fee for service and employment opportunities in RD&E in the Torres Strait; and
4. Draft a basic business plan and pathways to implement the best practice model in the Torres Strait.
Key outcomes listed in the final report were:
A means for Torres Strait Islanders and RD&E providers to identify opportunities for greater collaborative RD&E;
Research providers will benefit from the project as it has shown that, if the aim is greater involvement of Torres Strait Islanders in the RD&E process, there is a need to identify opportunities to develop and adjust procedures and processes that will encourage involvement;
Real involvement and engagement of the Torres Strait Islander community has the potential to enhance acceptance and adoption of findings which can lead to cost effective R&D and improved management arrangements in the region;
Many of the R&D opportunities that were the basis for this project have now been taken up by the TSRA LSMU and therefore opportunities for those outside of this system appear limited.
The TSRA LSMU does not have current capacity to undertake additional tasks focussing on fishing and seafood related R&D. This type of R&D generally falls outside of existing TSRA scope and currently funded LSMU roles/tasks. There would need to be arrangements made (legal and operational), and resourcing/funding opportunities identified, to build capacity and organisational structures, if the TSRA were to consider taking on such tasks as part of their day to day activities.
A possible (untested) concept/model for fee for service, outside of the TSRA LSMU arrangement, has been identified but it would appear cost ineffective at this stage.
Draft a basic business plan and pathways to implement the best practice model in the Torres Strait.