Research & Development
TACL supports research that informs sustainable harvest management, stock assessment, environmental understanding, biosecurity and aquatic disease response, market access, industry efficiency and long-term planning.
Research and development overview
Research is supported through collaboration with organisations including IMAS, NRE Tasmania, FRDC and Abalone Council Australia.
Research focus
- Sustainable harvest management
- Stock assessment
- Environmental understanding
- Biosecurity and aquatic disease response
- Market access
- Industry efficiency
- Long-term planning
Abalone Industry Development Fund
The Abalone Industry Development Fund was funded by $200,000 per year from government revenue provided to TACL. The Fund closed in June 2024.
TACL was responsible for choosing and managing applied research projects funded through the AIDF.
Grant funds were used for approved purposes including biological research, stock assessment, economic efficiency, climate change, aquatic disease, biosecurity, marine pest mitigation, market outcomes, industry capability, industry adjustment, supply chain efficiency, innovation, data collection and management, trade and market access.
AIDF project portfolio
- Australian Wild Abalone Program
- Centro Removal Program: Urchin diving subsidy
- Abalone Biotoxin Management Plan
- Environmental Monitoring Plan for lower Channel and Actaeons
- Accelerated Centro Urchin Removal Program
- New Diver GPS and depth data loggers
- Indirect effects of climate change on blacklip abalone
- Urchin waste utilisation
- RHH Hyperbaric Chamber capability
- Processor Assistance Package
- Abalone Diver Documentary Guide
Abalone Industry Reinvestment Fund
The Abalone Industry Reinvestment Fund supports the sustainability and productivity of the abalone fishery, both biologically and economically.
It also addresses the impact of the long-spined sea urchin, Centrostephanus, on the marine environment.
The AIRF was established in 2019 with a $5.1 million allocation over five years, and has enjoyed continuing funding into 2026-27.
The AIRF Committee has reviewed a number of projects to further the objectives of the fund. Seventeen projects have been approved and have either commenced or are about to commence.
FRDC
The Tasmanian abalone industry contributes 0.25% of its annual Gross Value of Production as a levy to the Commonwealth Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.
These funds are administered through an Industry Partnership Agreement by Abalone Council Australia for research projects of national significance.
Abalone Council Australia
TACL is a member of Abalone Council Australia, the national peak industry body representing wild-harvest abalone industries from Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales.
Abalone Council Australia oversees and manages national research and development investment in abalone-related research.
IMAS
Marine research in Tasmanian waters is conducted by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies.
TACL works with IMAS through research, stock assessment and industry advisory processes to support informed management of the Tasmanian abalone resource.
Safe diving resources
TACL provides guidance to support safe diving practice within the Tasmanian abalone industry. The Diver Guide provides practical information for divers, supervisors and operators, including:
- Legal responsibilities
- Risk management
- Dive planning
- Emergency procedures
- Equipment care
- Operational safety
- WHS obligations
Explore reports, statistics, safe diving resources and useful industry resources.
