Australian Society for Fish Biology: Scientific networking, early career development and international engagement
In the face of mounting pressure on Australia’s marine and freshwater ecosystems, there is a need for robust scientific information to support the sustainable development and management of our aquatic resources. The ASFB is Australasia’s premier professional association for fish and fisheries researchers. The annual science conference and associated workshop/s makes an important and tangible contribution to skill development of people involved in fish and fisheries research and management, particularly offering students and early career researchers opportunities to present their work, interact with peers and develop collaborative links. The ASFB has a strong commitment to promoting and communicating science, encouraging sustainable management practices, encouraging excellence in fisheries research, and recognizing outstanding contributions of scientists and professionals through various awards and scholarships. In addition the ASFB has recognised the need for increased international engagement in particular via increased active involvement with World Council of Fisheries Societies.
This proposal is seeking sponsorship support for the annual science conference in 2016 (Hobart), 2017 (Western Australia) and 2018 (location to be decided but possibly Victoria) and a series of conference associated awards that support student travel and recognise research excellence. The proposal addresses three people development program goals, namely (i) to encourage knowledge transfer and R&D adoption (ASFB annual science conference) and (ii) to recognise and promote achievements (ASFB student research awards) and (iii) to enhance industry leadership (bringing together a range of people for the annual conference). These activities will encourage participation and exchange of information and provide an opportunity to develop networks and collaborations with outside organisations. In addition this proposal seeks support for one senior ASFB office bearer to attend the 7th World Fisheries Congress (WFC) in Busan as part of an Australia-New Zealand team bidding to host 8th WFC in 2020.
Handbook
The 2019 ASFB conference was held in Canberra from 14 to 17 October, 2019 at the National Library of Australia, ACT. The conference theme of “Communicate to illuminate & inspire" encouraged the 251 delegates (including 62 students) from across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa, the USA and Fiji to find new ways to share our passion for fishes, and raise their profile among the many people who depend on them for their everyday health and wellbeing.
Project products
2005 Australian Society for Fish Biology Workshop & 2005 International Barramundi Workshop
Fish movement and migration - an ASFB workshop
Most fish and other exploited aquatic species exhibit movement and / or migrations during some part of their life cycle. In recent years the importance of these migrations to fish and fisheries management has been increasingly realised. Changed fish behaviour due to varying environmental conditions has significant impacts on species availability/catchability and hence the interpretation of abundance indices. In freshwater, improved fish passage is seen as one of the major areas for river rehabilitation to be conducted over the next decade. Spatial models which take into account, explicitly or implicitly, fish movements are now widely used. Recent technological developments allow for greatly improved analysis of the patterns of fish movement and migration. This Australian Society for Fish Biology workshop will be the first time that migration and movement has been considered in a national forum.
The workshop will bring together scientists, managers and other stakeholders with general or specific interests in movement and migration. The workshop will cover theoretical aspects; techniques for measuring movement and migration, particularly new approaches and technologies (such as radio-telemetry, smart tags and otolith micro-chemistry); environmental determinants, barrier and human interference; analysis and input into spatial models; and management implications.
Final report