Introduction to the Futures of Seafood study
Tuesday 30th April, 2024
11.30am – 12.30pm (AEST)
Seafood Industry Australia and the Blue Economy CRC are offering Australia’s seafood and ocean estate stakeholders a front-row seat in telling the seafood story.
Hear from the Futures of Seafood study team as they take a deep dive into how the study will deliver an industry informed program of work to support a secure, resilient and thriving Australian seafood community. It will reinforce the seafood stakeholders’ commitment to fair and equitable access, industry-led research and innovation, and trusted stewardship of our coasts and oceans.
Futures will foster an understanding of the seafood industry, ensuring it is deeply valued by all.
Through the 18-month study, we will map, model and describe the spatial, economic and social impacts of the full suite of government policies and targets that impact ocean access on the seafood industry and will seek to answer:
- What is the future of seafood production and therefore is availability under threat?
- What if we are at tipping point? As competition for ocean space intensifies, how can we measure and manage the cumulative impacts of Government’s policy decisions on seafood as an existing industry/operator?
By securing funding co-contributions from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Blue Economy CRC, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the Department Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water; we expect this work will be used as a single source of truth that can inform government priorities, activities and decisions around the use of the ocean estate, while reducing the duplication and burden on contributors.
This is a time-critical opportunity and a ‘once in a decade’ co-designed, multi-disciplinary and collaborative study on Australian seafood. This collaborative approach is fundamental to ensure this study achieves its ambitious suite of outputs while representing the industry members’ data, experiences and insights with respect and integrity.
The study is founded on an enduring data collation and management platform, an inclusive stakeholder engagement schedule of events and activities and a strong outreach program that will be undertaken by a series of expert commissions and overseen and supported by a strong and inclusive governance framework.
PRESENTERS
Name: Ben Eade
Affiliation: Independent
Ben joins Futures of Seafood as the Independent Chair of the Oversight Committee.
Ben has been CEO of Manufacturing Australia – Australia’s peak body for large enterprise manufacturing – for the past decade.
Ben is a respected public commentator on manufacturing, industrial investment and Australia’s energy and emissions transition. He participates regularly in domestic and international forums on industrial investment in Australia, and by Australian companies globally.
As founder of Ten Colours and co-founder of Principle Advisory – both strategic advisory firms – Ben’s consulting career has spanned public and private sectors in Australia and the USA, where he works with government departments as well as large corporations and not-for profit sectors.
Ben has served on numerous industry working groups and forums, including as a member of the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission (NCCC) Manufacturing Taskforce, and Chair of the Industrial Net Zero industry conference in 2023 and 2024.
Name: Veronica Papacosta
Affiliation: Co-Principal Investigator | Futures of Seafood
Veronica is the CEO of Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), Managing Director of Sydney Fresh Seafood (Aust) Pty Ltd, a member of the Agriculture Industry Advisory Council, a member of the National Fisheries Advisory Council, and a passionate advocate for the Australian seafood industry. She joins Angela Williamson as the Co-Principal Investigator for the Futures of Seafood study.
Veronica led the membership drive to establish SIA – the first ever national peak body to represent the interests of the wildcatch, aquaculture and post-harvest sectors of the Australia seafood industry. Established in May 2017, SIA is the uniting voice of Australian seafood. Social licence, resource access and positive media representation are key strategic activities of SIA.
Veronica has a Bachelor of Economics (major in Marketing and Accounting) from Sydney University, a Diploma in Event Management from University of Technology, Sydney and is a very proud graduate of the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program (NSILP) 2015.
Name: Clayton Nelson
Affiliation: Chair | Futures of Seafood
Clayton was appointed to the SIA Board in October 2020. He was elected to the role of Chair in September 2022. He is the General Manager – Policy and External Affairs at Austral Fisheries.
Clayton has been involved in the Australian fishing industry since 1980. He has extensive experience in the seafood industry, with roles including Skippering prawning vessels, partner and Executive Director of ASX listed Deep Sea Fisheries Ltd, and Director of Operations for Tiger Fisheries. In 2008, Clayton launched Jamaclan Marine Services to provide consultancy services to the Australian fishing industry. In 2011, he established a small boutique fishing company to fish for Rottnest Island Scallops out of Fremantle, WA. Clayton was a Director of the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council from 2011 – 2017 and also served as Chairman in 2017. Clayton has played a significant role in establishing Austal’s newest fishing operation in the Timor Reef Fishery.
Throughout 40 years of hands on experience in the Seafood Industry, Clayton has been active in roles from operations, catching, marketing and business development in primarily the Wildcatch sector. Industry representation in both state and commonwealth sectors has built networks throughout Australia based on trust, reputation and integrity.
Name: Angela Williamson
Affiliation: Co-Principal Investigator | Futures of Seafood
Angela Williamson is the Blue Economy CRC Director of Blue Policy & Planning. She brings a passion for sustainable oceans development and a wealth of experiences in government, political and private sector gained over the past two decades. She joins Veronica Papacosta as the Co-Principal Investigator for the Futures of Seafood study.
Having studied a Bachelor of Applied Science (Fisheries) and Bachelor of Antarctic Studies (honours), Ange’s career has included roles in the Antarctic Division, National Oceans Office, Parks Australia and Marine Division in the Federal Environment Department. She is also a former political adviser. Most recently, Ange was responsible for communications, engagement, government relations and spearheading the ESG agenda for Australia’s largest seafood producer, the ASX listed Tassal Group.
Ange is also a representative on the Seafood Industry Australia’s (SIA) Aquaculture Advisory Committee and Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Course Advisory Committee. Her experiences include marine spatial planning, oceans policy, ocean and fisheries focused international relations in the Asia Pacific region and the design and deliver ESG and sustainability work programs.
Name: Dr Shane Roberts
Affiliation: Project Lead | Futures of Seafood
Dr Shane Roberts has more than 20 years experience in fisheries & aquaculture research and policy, and joins the Futures team from his previous position at PIRSA as General Manager of Aquaculture. Shane’s experience includes fisheries and aquaculture management, marine research, aquatic animal health & biosecurity, science based policy & regulation, science communication, emergency management and marine spatial planning. Shane prides himself on effective leadership, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.
Name: Jessica McInerney
Affiliation: Engagement Manager | Futures of Seafood
Jessica McInerney is a seasoned communications and engagement professional with more than fifteen years of experience dedicated to advocating for the agricultural sector and food and fibre producers. Having served as the Manager of National Rural Issues at AgriFutures Australia, she excels in establishing effective relationships with key stakeholders, and addressing national challenges and opportunities through collaborative research and adoption strategies.
Previously, as Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Seafood Industry Australia, Jessica led national initiatives, government engagement, and policy development efforts, contributing to significant achievements such as securing grant funding and helping to influence landmark legislation, including country of origin labelling for seafood sold in hospitality.
