World-wide, shark fisheries are reputedly unsustainable. The NPOA Sharks and IUCN list over-fishing as a major threat to Australian shark populations. In NSW, the OTLF catches most sharks. Both the FMS and EIS recognise this component as requiring urgent research due to the perceived high risk to targeted whaler sharks resulting from their known low fecundity and resultant susceptibility to over-fishing.

The OTLMAC and NSW SIAC reiterated concern following the rapid expansion of the large shark fishery during the mid-2000s. The impact of this expansion on the so-called ‘historical shark fishers’ was queried.
Recently, an independent review by CSIRO on behalf of DEWHA highlighted the lack of knowledge to effectively manage this fishery. Subsequently, a new overtly precautionary TAC was determined. This reduced TAC has the potential to negatively affect regional socio-economics. Data enabling a viable and sustainable shark fin fishery, while supporting the conditions for EPBC Act WTOs, are urgently required.

Significant investment by I&I NSW is providing data on shark species composition, their biology, fishing gear details, and spatio-temporal catch information. Although these data will substantially contribute to enabling suitable management protocols, I&I NSW fisheries managers have called for more information on:
(1) stock structure and effective population size to enable sustainable TACs to be set; (2) methods to reduce unwanted catch thereby minimizing environmental impact; (3) movements of target species to enable equitable State-wide access to the resource for fishers while providing temporal-spatial management options to improve risk-management of this fishery.

Considering the OTLF catch levels and historical collapse of other fisheries internationally targeting dusky and sandbar sharks, I&I NSW fisheries managers have requested particular focus on these two whaler shark species. This proposal aims to address the management needs through innovative new techniques utilizing linkages with several laboratories, national research programs and management agencies.

Inland fish stocking programs in NSW are administered by NSW DPI under the NSW Freshwater Fish Stocking Fishery Management Strategy (FMS) which outlines the rules, regulations and programs for fish stocking. The FMS is due for review in the near future and it is an opportune time to investigate the strategies used by international agencies for the management of their stocking programs. An extensive worldwide network of scientists and fisheries managers will be in attendance at the FSBI conference in Hull and it will be most beneficial to gain exposure on an international scale, obtain up to date information and share perspectives on inland fisheries management with experts from international agencies. In addition to attendance at the conference, I have made contact with several staff members from the Environment Agency and the Angling Trust to gain further insights into the management of inland fish stocking programs in the UK. I have organised to meet with these experts at various locations including Brampton, Reading and Frimley outside of the conference to gain further exposure and directly observe management practices and perceptions from both Government and non-Government organisations which may be transferable to existing NSW programs and other Australian jurisdictions developing or refining stocking policies. The project will assist in bridging the gap between management and research by potentially identifying key research priorities for stocking programs. The project will importantly enhance my international presentation, networking and analysis skills which are essential for my development as a future leader in fisheries management.

There is a growing need not only to assess recreational fisheries throughout Australia, but to undertake these assessments in a cost-effective manner and produce deliverables that management and the recreational fishing community can readily adopt. The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey was undertaken in 2000-2001, and since this survey, most fisheries agencies have been grappling with how to complete robust and cost-effective surveys within their jurisdiction. There is a strong need for greater collaboration among scientists, managers and stakeholders from the different jurisdictions, to review and critique existing and new methods so that future surveys produce better outcomes at lower costs.

ASFB workshops have been held each year since 1985. The 2008 ASFB workshop is an ideal and timely opportunity for researchers, managers, students and stakeholders to cooperatively critique and strategically develop a framework for testing methodologies and designing assessments of recreational fisheries throughout Australia.