Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.

Holding a national conference was identified as a priority project by the Federal Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and developed as part of "Recreational fishing in Australia - 2011 and beyond: a national industry development strategy".

The conference was held on 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre (GCCEC). The conference was a joint program of Recfish Australia and Australian Fishing Trade Association with the support of Recfishing Research.

The conference commenced with an ABT Pro-Am Fishing Tournament on 17 August and was followed by the AFTA Tackle Trade Show on 20-22 August. The conference was attended by 160 delegates and formal and informal feedback indicated delegates thought that the conference was very successful.

An online survey completed by 350 people in early 2012 was used to assist in determining the location, timing, duration, cost and themes for the conference. The overall theme for the conference was "Casting Towards Tomorrow - Keep Australia Fishing".

There were then 36 presentations that addressed the conference themes. The presentations covered a broad range of issues faced by recreational fishing and included perspectives from government, fisheries agencies, recreational fishers and researchers. There were many good news stories told of recreational fishers doing great things at the coal face, particularly in education, habitat restoration, fishing practices and safety.

Keywords:  National Recreational Fishing Conference, Recfish Australia, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Recfishing Awards, Strategic Actions.

Conference handbook for the National Recreational Fishing Conference held between 17-19 August 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Conference is one of the most significant events on the Australian recreational fishing calendar, and the program provides a forum for discussions that will chart the course for the future of recreational fishing. The Keynote Presenters provide their knowledge on how they see the future from an international perspective, how to bridge the gap between the current and upcoming generation of leaders and a view of fishing from the younger generation. The number of workshop sessions also provide a great overview on where recreational fishing is headed for the future.

The outcome of the Conference is to take on three defined themes that will set the ground work for the ongoing development of the future of recreational fishing and the role that the next generation will play in ensuring a healthy and sustainable industry.