There is a need for a forum for discussion that is organised and supported by recreational fishers. While other conferences such as ASFB allow the scientific community to meet and discuss aspects of fisheries science, there is no national forum which brings together fisheries managers, recreational fishers and industry representatives.

There is a need to recognise volunteers and other paid individuals involved in sustainable management of recreational fisheries. This is best achieved through a well publicised awards ceremony.

The Next Generation of Leaders program has identified a resource of future fisheries leaders at both the national and state level. There is a need to harness the creative strength of these individuals.

Representatives of the recreational fishing sector met in August 2005 “to develop a more strategic approach to setting research and development priorities” for the sector. The workshop’s main outcomes were the development of 12 priorities and the formation of Recfishing Research to promote and coordinate their implementation.

However, while progress is being made on some national R&D priorities, there is a clear lack of strategic direction and detail on what the current needs are.

Two things are needed:
• a review of the 3-year old R&D priorities and,
• more explicit details of the most immediate and pressing needs under each priority.

An examination of what is being achieved under each priority will help to identify key areas of under-investment and to refocus project development and investment on topics of greatest strategic need. The workshop will place special emphasis on involving young people in industry and research. As well as assisting industry and researchers, the outcome of the workshop will inform FRDC’s immediate investment in recreational fisheries R&D projects and the development of its R&D plan beyond 2010.