Brilliant, great & superb were just some of the words used to describe the 3rd World Recreational Fishing Conference held in Darwin from 21 – 24 May. With more than 190 delegates attending from 17 countries around the world the conference has taken the recreational fishing industry on a new road to development.

“It was exceedingly pleasing for the organising committee to have a successful event. The long lead up planning process was worth the effort and commitment” Mr John Harrison, Co Chair of the Conference said today.

The event was co-hosted by the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory and the Fisheries Group of the Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development. Principal sponsor was the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation with major sponsorship coming from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia.

“The support from all sponsors was one of the main reasons for the success of the conference. With both financial and in-kind support from a broad range of sponsors (University of British Columbia, Department of Fisheries WA, Primary Industries and Resources SA, Woodside Energy, NT Government, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration USA, Castlemaine Perkins, Department of Primary Industries Qld, Reidy’s Lures, Alvey Reels, NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts, The Exhibitionists & Hotspot Fishing Tours) we were able to deliver a memorable experience to the delegates” Mr Harrison said.

“With in excess of 80 papers presented and two workshops the range of topics and discussions surrounding the recreational fishing industry was very broad. The two workshops looked at an international code of conduct and the formation of an international forum. Both will proceed and be developed over the course of the immediate future. The challenge of a code of conduct is enormous considering the diversity and complexities in the 192 countries around the world.” Mr Harrison said.

Most of the delegates indicated that the ideas and networking resulting from the conference is something that will prove to be invaluable. The diverse range of themes and speakers meant that conference had something for all delegates and people returning to their workplace will have substantial benefits from attending.

“Many of the international guests to the Northern Territory stayed on and enjoyed the fishing and scenery around the Top End. It was a unique opportunity for many interstate visitors to also experience what we have in the Territory”

With such a broad spectrum of speakers many topics invoked strong debate and diverging views. The benefits or otherwise of stocking waterways was one such issue. The question of who owns the fish was also an interesting viewpoint. A paper exploring the total users of the fish resources made many realise how complex the fisheries industries are.

Proceedings from the conference will be compiled and distributed to all delegates and it is expected that the demand from libraries, universities, fisheries agencies, researchers and others will be substantial.

“The host of the 4th conference was announced on the last afternoon of the conference and delegates will head to Norway in 2005. It is very important that this gathering of industry, managers and scientists becomes a regular event on the world stage. With Norway agreeing to host the event it is set to ensure that recreational fishing is afforded the importance that it should be.” Mr Harrison concluded.

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Media enquires to John Harrison 08 89456455, 0415 471600
or afant@afant.com.au