World fisheries governance is rapidly evolving in response to modern imperatives both for improved environmental and natural resource management and for economic efficiency in an increasingly global economy. In re-examining the relationship between man and fishery resources, new forms of relations, more conducive to sustainability, are being conceived and tested.

Key questions we must ask are: Who should have access to the resources? What options are there for the form and the price of access rights? These difficult questions have very fundmental social, conomic, and political implications - and it is unlikely that a unique solution would fit every situation. Thus it is vital to exchange information on these situations, on new fisheries governance and rights approaches, and on the difficulties and outcomes of their implementation.

Property rights are a powerful institutional framework which society has evolved to enable people to exploit the natural environment in an orderly fashion. They constitute an institutional framework which operates according to rules of definition and conduct. Depending on the actual management regime, these may be formal and explicit or informal and implicit. There is a need to bring these differing views into open debate and explore avenues of common interest.

Informational exchange is vital as property rights (and the associated rules) define powers, duties and responsibilities for individuals or groups. As such they have the potential, when well defined, to enable conflicts between different users of a resource to be resolved, including resolution by market transaction involving the transfer of property.

This conference intends to contribute to this exchange of information on use of property rights in fisheries management by exploring the strategic, political, and operational issues of different forms of rights-based fisheries management worldwide.

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.