In the face of mounting pressure on Australia’s marine and freshwater ecosystems, arising from environmental and human factors, there is a need for robust scientific information to support the sustainable development and management of our aquatic resources. The Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB) is Australia’s premier professional association for fish and fisheries researchers in Australia. The annual science conference (and workshop) 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, develop collaborative links and obtain new ideas. 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.

This proposal is seeking sponsorship support for the annual science conference in 2011 (Townsville) and 2012 (South Australia) and a series of conference associated awards that support student travel and recognise research excellence. The proposal addresses two people development program priorities, namely (i) to encourage knowledge transfer and R&D adoption (ASFB annual science conference) and (ii) to recognise and promote achievements (ASFB research awards). Focus of the latter is clearly on early career researchers, not only in providing encouragement to strive for research excellence but to encourage participation in the exchange of information and to provide opportunity to develop networks and collaborations with outside organisations.

The Australian seafood industry operates in a diverse and dynamic environment and although the volume produced in Australia is small by world standards, the value and quality of our product and sustainability of our practices are globally recognized. For the Seafood industry to continue to be a world leader in seafood production and quality there must be an opportunity to learn from each other and plan for the future.
The role of Seafood Directions is to provide a significant opportunity for fisheries researchers,fisheries managers and others who work in support of the seafood industry, to examine key contemporary and strategic issues and develop blueprints that will ensure a sustainable, profitable and socially resilient seafood industry in Australia. As stated previously, this function of Seafood Directions is particularly valuable in the absence of a National Peak Body representing the interests of the Australian seafood industry as a whole.

The need for Seafood Directions is indicated by the ongoing support of key stakeholders of the seafood industry, as is evident by the level of industry sponsorship and attendance at this conference series.