The demand for recreational fishing is increasing across the globe. More people are seeking to experience recreational fishing or are seeking an improved fishing experience. Greater demands are being placed on fisheries management, research and the development of this industry sector. Within the next few years, the debate on the allocation of resources, access to resources, environmental issues and a range of other concerns of the industry will only increase. With issues such as improved fishing efficiency, (eg sounders and GPS systems), it is unlikely that the simple management techniques currently used will continue to afford the same level of protection to fisheries resources over the longer term.

There is a wealth of information available from the experiences of other Countries, States and Agencies, and all countries can learn from the advances of others. A conference environment provides an opportunity to share these experiences, create networks, link research projects and share new approaches to mangement.

The 3rd World Conference on Recreational Fishing will bring together fishery scientists, managers and stakeholders to discuss current trends and issues confronting the management of recreational fisheries. The conference will advance our understanding of these key issues and provide benchmark information for future directions in recreational fisheries development, research and management.

The need for the research lies in the fact that no guideline values exist for pectenotoxins in shellfish. To produce these guidelines toxicological data need to be produced and currently there is a lack of knowledge of the PTX metabolism and mechanisms of toxicity. There is currently no oral toxicology data on the PTX2- seco acids and thus their inpact on human health cannot be assessed. There have been no published works of their metabolism in mammals or humans, and their chronic effects on health are unknown. The clinical symptoms are non-specific to DSP poisoning and it is believed that cases of bacterial poisoning and DSP are mis-diagnosed due to lack of toxicological information.

The presence of pectenotoxins can impose significant economic burden on the shellfish industry. Clear toxicological data on pectenotoxins will be used to undertake a risk assessment of pectenotoxins to enable the shellfish industry and regulators to make informed decisions about the withdrawal of product from sale or closure of farms in the presence of pectenotoxins in shellfish.

All substances that fit the definition of agricultural and veterinary chemicals under the Chemical and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 must be registered by the National Registration Authority before they can be supplied, sold or used in Australia. In addition, any produce derived from livestock that has been treated with such substances must comply with Maximum Residue Limits as specified in Part 14 of the ANZFA Food Code.

The cost of generating data and assembling submissions for registration of substances is high. Aquaculturists frequently suffer from a lack of legal access to livestock protection products. The problem is hath whilst their produce is valuable, the industries are too small individually for agrochemical or veterinary companies to bear the high cost of registering products for use on them.

Growers affected by the problem are increasingly trapped in a situation where they face severe losses from pests and diseases if they do nothing to protect their fish, or have their produce rejected by the marketplace if they use a product that is not registered. Poor publicity arising from such occurrences would severely damage the "clean and green" image that the industry wishes to a project. The lack of access to registered products that employ new technologies is also likely to hamper the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry in the future.

There is a need to establish a system in which the needs of the aquaculture industry sectors are met on a continuing basis through industry consultation, cost sharing and efficient project direction and execution.