The Chief Fisheries Scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) provides leadership, advice and advocacy to guide the provision of robust scientific advice for fisheries and aquatic resource management in Western Australia (WA), along with pursuing strategic approaches for resourcing of research.
Collaboration with scientists and stakeholders to develop and maintain world-class scientific advice scientific to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of WA’s fisheries resources is a key aspect of the role.
Focus areas
Leadership and guidance
The role has a leadership function, which includes:
- identifying funding opportunities to remain world-class and deliver the best science possible to meet government and stakeholder priorities
- providing leadership and guidance to promote career development opportunities
- determining priorities
- understanding policy questions that science can inform
- communicating targeted results.
Engagement with fisheries managers and sector bodies
The Chief Fisheries Scientist has a strong focus on the development and maintenance of relationships with other government and non-government scientists.
The Wadjela (‘non-Aboriginal’ in Noongar language) Chief Fisheries Scientist has a responsibility to ensure the delivery of contemporary science to meet the current, emerging and future aquatic management needs of WA. This involves:
- embracing the expectations and aspirations of Aboriginal peoples in WA regarding aquatic resource management
- committing to better understand the cultural priorities and aspirations of Aboriginal peoples in WA
- embracing the importance of connection to country in aquatic resource management processes