Specimens from the Australian National Fish Collection in Hobart are helping improve the monitoring and management of fisheries thousands of kilometres away, through a project developed by CSIRO.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews has toured the fishIDER (fish Identification Database and Educational Resource) during a visit to CSIRO’s Hobart site, saying it shows how Australian research improves industry outcomes worldwide.

“The benefits of this innovative research reach far beyond Tasmania and the mainland - it’s an initiative that’s going to benefit researchers and industry around the globe,” Minister Andrews said.

“fishIDER is a prime example of Australia and Indonesia working together through CSIRO’s partnership with Indonesia’s Centre for Fisheries Research, funded by the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research."

The tool will improve data quality by boosting the fish identification skills of fisheries data collection staff in markets and fish landing locations, helping to ensure national and international fish stocks are sustained at healthy levels.

“The Coalition recognises the importance of these types of scientific collections to Australia’s research capabilities – that’s why we allocated $43 million for the development of a new National Collections building in Canberra in the 2018-19 Budget,” she said.

fishIDER will be used by Indonesian fisheries staff in the field, and was launched at the recent Our Ocean conference.

The Coalition Government is investing in critical research infrastructure to help Australian businesses embrace technology so they can expand and create more jobs. Investment in science and technology boosts productivity, leading to more and better paying jobs for Australians, and allows businesses to be more globally competitive. That’s why we’re investing $2.4 billion in growing Australia’s research, science and technology capabilities in this year’s Budget.

Along with fishIDER and the National Fish Collections, the Hobart site is also home to the state-of-the-art research vessel, the RV Investigator, which helps solve the mysteries of the deepest part of our oceans.

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070