Mr Rob Lewis established, through his research, the sustainable biological basis of the $70m SA Rock Lobster industry. As Research Leader and later Director of Fisheries, he has provided leadership in fisheries research and management, particularly through the establishment of the SA Aquatic Science Centre.

As Chief Executive of the then newly-formed SA Research and Development Institute, he successfully developed it as the first multi­disciplinary state government R&D Institute in Australia.
He continues to contribute to the fisheries industry as a Director of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Chairman of the Australian Maritime College and numerous other appointments.