Ocean Watch Australia Limited
In the 20222023 financial year OceanWatch Australia continued its obligations as the national organisation responsible for the delivery of the Australian Government s marine natural resource management (Marine NRM) related programs. All activities in receipt of public funds related to this role are reported in the following manner; Directly to Commonwealth, State and Local grant makers via program/project reporting to our members via our AGM To our stakeholders through our Marine NRM eNewsletters. Updates at attendance at various AGMs, meetings workshops and events. In seeking to achieve our vision of an Australian marine environment that is healthy, productive, valued and used in a responsible way, OceanWatch Australia’s activities were focused on two themes; Community and Industry. The following are examples of our FY 20222023 achievements, and include 11 new projects, 5 continuing projects, and 4 completed projects, which restored and protected from degradation the coastal and marine ecosystem on which the Australian seafood harvest depends. Industry: In FY 20222023 OceanWatch: Engaged with an estimated 2,352 seafood professionals (fishermen/farmers/processors). Assisted 1,079 fishing and farming entities through 94 meetings and workshops, presentations, and partnerships. Conducted 294 industry workshops and 40 industry marine cleanups. 55 training events to improve awareness and demonstration of responsible fishing/farming practices Community: In FY 20222023, OceanWatch: Attended 65 community meetings Presented at 15 conference/seminars. Participated in 142 field day activities Hosted 507 planning events. Through the 65 community meetings and 294 industry events and the 507 planning meetings attended, along with the use of social media platforms, OceanWatch engaged with over 1,000,000 community members in FY 20222023. These community members were based throughout coastal Australia, and reached in person and via social media, and national TV networks demonstrating community support for the restoration and protection from degradation of the ecosystems on which the Australia seafood harvest depends. Over 800 coastal community members responded to the Marine NRM Plan 20232028 survey conducted in early 2023, which preceded the finalisation of OceanWatch s national Marine NRM Plan 20232028. Continued support from funders for OceanWatch programs were displayed through $1,022,139 of grant funding in FY20222023, which contributed to the protection and restored the ecosystems on which the seafood harvest depends and helped towards providing continued access to sustainable seafood harvest for consumers and the community as a whole.