The University of Maine has requested advice about crab tagging and the application of tags manufactured by Hallprint Pty Ltd (South Australia) for study of the red crab (Chaceon quinquedens), a slow growing species for which there is a limited entry fishery. The fishery has recently been MSC certified for exemplary environmental performance. The crab tag manufactured by Hallprint was developed by the applicant Dr Andrew Levings, during FRDC project 93/220 and has proven to be extremely durable, as demonstrated by recent recaptures of tagged giant crabs after 15 years at large; and is ideal for long lived crab species.

The crystal crab (Chaceon albus) fishery in Western Australia is based on a similar species and is caught at similar depths to C. Quinquedens. Western Australian Deep sea crab fishermen have expressed an interest in obtaining information about the pathway taken by the New England fishermen to MSC certification and the harvest technologies of this fishery.

There is also a need to extend the results of research to new generation WA deep seas crab fishermen and encourage them to continue to assist research by reporting recaptures of tagged crabs.

The World Aquaculture Society has been was founded in 1969 and is active in over 100 countries and boasts over 3000 members. It has a history of running conferences throughout the world for many years and they have been proved extremely beneficial for the aquaculture community as a whole. It is understood by the Principle Investigator that individual sessions devoted solely to aquaculture/fisheries training and education has been rare or non-existent in the past. This conference provides an excellent opportunity to bring education and training into the spotlight. It is envisaged that type of environment will lay the foundations for meaningful engagement other educational and training institutions, government and non government organisations and commercial enterprises.

The Australian fishing industry requires the development of people that will assist in ensuring the sustainability of Australia’s fish resources. Such development must include aspects that will enhance leadership capabilities, industry capacity and the transfer of knowledge throughout the sector. One of the most important aspects of fisheries biology is the ageing of fish for use in fisheries management plans. This is a rapidly expanding area of research and leading scientists convene each 4-5 years to present and discuss recent developments in this field, with the 4th International Otolith Symposium to be held in Monterey, California in August 2009. Murdoch University’s Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research is Western Australia’s peak fisheries research training centre and thus it is necessary for staff to continue to be skilled in the most up-to-date techniques and methodology to enable the centre’s high calibre training to continue. My attendance at the 4th International Otolith Symposium is thus important not only for personal professional development, but also for the development of future fisheries researchers in Western Australia.