Dataset for: Key research priorities for the future of fish and fisheries in Australia

In Australia, the health of our marine, estuarine and freshwater fishes are of critical importance. Each species has a role in our country’s ecological, economic, cultural and social wealth. Climate change, resource overexploitation, invasive animals and diseases, and habitat degradation are just a few of the burgeoning threats that researchers and managers must address. In addition, differences in legislative frameworks among jurisdictions hinder our ability to coherently manage fish resources scales that are relevant biologically, ecologically and socially. Here we investigate the key research priorities for fish and fisheries research in Australia, across seven thematic fields of study. The priorities identified will enable researchers and policy makers to identify critical knowledge gaps, develop collaborative research programs, investigate novel approaches, and to improve transparency around decision-making processes.In Australia, the health of our marine, estuarine and freshwater fishes are of critical importance. Each species has a role in our country’s ecological, economic, cultural and social wealth. Climate change, resource overexploitation, invasive animals and diseases, and habitat degradation are just a few of the burgeoning threats that researchers and managers must address. In addition, differences in legislative frameworks among jurisdictions hinder our ability to coherently manage fish resources scales that are relevant biologically, ecologically and socially. Here we investigate the key research priorities for fish and fisheries research in Australia, across seven thematic fields of study. The priorities identified will enable researchers and policy makers to identify critical knowledge gaps, develop collaborative research programs, investigate novel approaches, and to improve transparency around decision-making processes.