Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Annual Review 2012

AEBAR 2012: Appendices
15. While the prioritisation of research is outside the scope of the work of the RAGs, the
proposals will include information on potential cost and feasibility to guide decisions on
prioritisation. Cost estimates should be specified as ranges so as to not unduly influence
subsequent research provider costings.
16. Where the RAG identifies more than one desirable option for scientific research to meet
management and information needs, the RAG’s proposals will cover those options, their
relative pros and cons, their respective potential costs, and the RAG’s recommendation as to
the preferred option.
17. Once prioritisation decisions have been made on the initial set of research proposals, the RAG
may be asked to produce more fully developed project proposals for inclusion in the relevant
Annual Operational Plan, and for the purposes of cost recovery consultation and tendering.
Membership
18. Membership of RAGs is expertise-based.
19. Membership will be by invitation from MFish only.
20. A RAG will consist of a core group of one MFish scientist and one manager from the relevant
Fisheries Plan or Standards team, with the option to “call in” relevant technical expertise
(internal and/or external) as needed.
21. External participants will be paid for their time. This will include preparing for and attending
RAG meetings, and any time spent writing proposals.
Protocols
22. All RAG members will commit to:
• participating in the discussion in an objective and unbiased manner;
• resolving issues;
• following up on agreements and tasks;
• adopting a constructive approach;
• facilitating an atmosphere of honesty, openness and trust;
• having respect for the role of the Chair; and
• listening to the views of others, and treating them with respect.
23. RAG meetings will be run formally with agendas pre-circulated and formal records kept of
recommendations, conclusions and action items.
24. Participants who do not adhere to the standards of participation may be requested by the Chair
to leave a particular meeting or, in more serious instances, will be excluded from the RAG.
Chairpersons
25. The Chair of each RAG will be a MFish scientist with appropriate expertise.
26. The Chair commits to undertaking the following roles:
• The Chair is an active participant in RAGs, who also provides technical input, rather than
simply being a facilitator.
• The Chair is responsible for: setting the rules of engagement; promoting full participation
by all members; facilitating constructive questioning; focussing on relevant issues;
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