The Otolith Symposium is the only symposium dedicated to research in the hard structures of aquatic organisms. The symposium is only held every five years, resulting in large attendance of some of the top peers and leaders in this field, offering a unique opportunity for me to present my research to these relevant international peers and leaders .
As an early career researcher, selecting the right conferences to attend can be fundamental in establishing future career pathways and networking connections. By attending and presenting at this conference I’ll be presenting to those with similar interest in this area of research, expanding potential opportunities for future collaboration, in addition, I’ll be able to discover other breakthroughs in this area of research which I will be able to bring back with me and apply of our own research and study programs in Australia.

Harmful algae pose a serious threat to human health, with significant economic implications for aquaculture and wild-harvest sectors. The IOC Intergovernmental Panel on Harmful Algal Blooms (2013) identified “likely intensification of problems associated with eutrophication and stress on coastal marine ecosystems”. Priorities identified included “developing and enhancing expertise for monitoring purposes”, and ”the pivotal role of taxonomy in scientific research, monitoring and management activities” related to HAB events.

Recent Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PST) events in Tasmania affected many seafood sectors (wild harvest and aquaculture), resulting in an estimated wider economic loss of $25 million, and on-going risks to trade. Industry and regulators highlighted the need for timely and accurate identification of potentially harmful species, and the value of phytoplankton testing as a cost-effective predictive early-warning tool. Identifying the presence of HAB species typically triggers further levels of testing, and/or active management strategies to reduce risk. The PST Review (FRDC 2012/060) defined international best practice, including access to “technically competent laboratories, and laboratory scientists and taxonomists.” The review specifically identified the IOC training course, and the importance of proficiency testing programs for analysts and laboratories involved in phytoplankton identification and research. Taxonomists need to be familiar with all potentially toxic species, especially in light of changing environmental conditions, and range expansions of marine species.

SafeFish have indicated that contemporary information on IOC standards and protocols are urgently needed to develop standardised methods for counting and identification, and ASQAAC ranked this as the highest priority at its recent meeting (April 2014).

Recreational Fishing is gaining a high profile in Australia and the need for well informed and educated discussion about policy and management is needed for the recreational sector. Government agencies dominate fishing policy and the need to have experienced views, both from a local and an international prospective is vitally important for future management. GFAA and ARFF represent recreational fishers in Australia, development of strategies and people within these groups will enhance all stakeholders of fisheries.