Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Role of the Director Fisheries Science and Assessment

The Director Fisheries Science and Assessment at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides leadership and advocacy to guide the delivery of science to underpin aquatic and fisheries resource management in Western Australia.

The Director Fisheries Science and Assessment at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) provides strategic leadership and advocacy to guide the delivery of science which underpins aquatic and fisheries resource management in Western Australia (WA). 

Fostering collaboration with scientists and stakeholders, the Director works with the Fisheries Science, Monitoring and Assessment team to develop, maintain and provide world-class scientific advice to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of WA’s fisheries resources.

Focus areas

Leadership and guidance

The role has a leadership function, which includes:

  • leading a team of more than 100 people; providing leadership, direction, setting strategic work priorities and programs, and identifying coaching and mentoring opportunities for the team to promote career development opportunities
  • identifying funding opportunities to remain world-class and deliver the bestscience possible to meet government and stakeholder priorities
  • providing strategic and professional advice that will inform Government on aquatic management and provide policy advice on developments impacting the aquatic resources and management systems in WA
  • providing strategic and scientific leadership to the fisheries and aquatic resource assessment area and at a State, national and international level on methodologies that meet third party certification requirements.

Our work

The Fisheries Science and Assessment Director is involved in several programs and initiatives.  

  • Scientific assessments of status of exploited stocks and species, as mandated under the Fisheries Resources Management Act 1994.
  • Exmouth Gulf taskforce
  • Independent accreditation of WA fisheries against the Marine Stewardship Council’s sustainable fisheries standard
  • WA Marine Science Institution
  • Recreational fishing in marine protected areas
  • Westport - planning for a new port to service WA’s future international freight requirements