Bond University's Associate Dean of Research Dr Daryl McPhee has been appointed a director of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) by Federal Agriculture Minister, Barnaby Joyce and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Richard Colbeck.
Along with fellow directors Dr Renata Brooks, Professor Colin Buxton, Mr John Harrison, Dr Lesley MacLeod and Mr John Susman, Dr McPhee will help guide the investment and research efforts of the FRDC and play an important role in investing producer and taxpayer funds to help increase long term returns to Australian fisheries and aquaculture.
Dr McPhee will share his knowledge based on extensive research on the 'coastal zone', the area where most human settlements are located in Australia, and how the integration of ecological, economic and social information can be applied to the diverse and cumulative challenges these zones face.
He has a long history of research in the area and has published the only book solely dedicated to fisheries management in Australia, titled Fisheries Management in Australia. He is also a high profile recreational angler in the southeast Queensland region.
Dr McPhee said the FRDC’s role is to plan and invest in fisheries research, development and extension activities in Australia.
"The FRDC has a significant responsibility in ensuring, on behalf of the Australian Government, that research is undertaken to assist in the management of the fisheries and aquaculture resource for ongoing sustainability," he said.
"I hope to bring my extensive multi-disciplinary experience along with my grassroots understanding of fisheries to the table, drawing on this knowledge to ensure research investments are the best value for money and are addressing the needs of the national peak bodies representing commercial fishing, recreational fishing and aquaculture.
"It is important for me to address the lack of understanding of the harvesting and farming practices that produce Australian seafood and the associated management regimes.
"I hope to contribute to a better understanding of the need for fresh seafood in a healthy balanced diet, and the role of recreational fishing in contributing to positive physical and mental health of the population."
Professor Raoul Mortley, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Society and Design at Bond University, said Dr McPhee's expertise and research into fisheries made him an excellent contributor to the board of the FRDC.
"We are delighted at Daryl's appointment to the FRDC and at his recognition by senior Government members Minister Joyce and Senator Colbeck," said Professor Mortley.
"His past experience undertaking research across the three key fishery sectors of commercial fishing, recreational fishing and aquaculture means he has a broad understanding of the industry and an abundance of research to deliver tangible outcomes for the Australian fishing industry.
"As Daryl is a non-executive director, this new position will not affect his ongoing work at Bond so we will continue to work closely with him into the future and wish him the best of luck in his new role with the FRDC."