The Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s Research Committee has opened its annual call for proposals, inviting researchers to bid for projects aligned with fishery-specific priorities earmarked for potential funding in 2026–27.
The committee met in August to review priorities put forward by individual fisheries Resource Assessment Groups and Management Advisory Committees. A suite of research needs has now been set for the 2026–27 funding round, and applicants must submit full proposals that address those priorities.
AFMA has published fishery-specific project scopes to guide applicants in shaping their bids. Researchers are encouraged to discuss proposals with the relevant Fisheries Manager and/or AFMA’s Research Section before submitting, to ensure alignment with the identified priorities.
Applications must be prepared using AFMA’s research application form and include:
– projected costs, expected funding source and any alternatives
– the proposed contractor’s full legal identity, including each corporation’s full description and Australian Company Number, or the full names of all partners/joint venturers. Any trading name and/or Australian Business Number should also be provided, where registered to the relevant parties.
Completed proposals are due by 1 November 2025 and should be emailed to [email protected]. AFMA says the timetable allows time to consult relevant RAGs and MACs before the committee meets in early February 2026 to assess bids and recommend a final 2026/27 research budget.
Applicants will be notified in late February 2026 whether their proposals have been endorsed for funding.
Further details, including the project scopes and application form, are available on the AFMA website. The AFMA Research Committee advises on and prioritises research to support evidence-based management of Commonwealth fisheries.
