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.

The need for the research lies in the fact that no guideline values exist for pectenotoxins in shellfish. To produce these guidelines toxicological data need to be produced and currently there is a lack of knowledge of the PTX metabolism and mechanisms of toxicity. There is currently no oral toxicology data on the PTX2- seco acids and thus their inpact on human health cannot be assessed. There have been no published works of their metabolism in mammals or humans, and their chronic effects on health are unknown. The clinical symptoms are non-specific to DSP poisoning and it is believed that cases of bacterial poisoning and DSP are mis-diagnosed due to lack of toxicological information.

The presence of pectenotoxins can impose significant economic burden on the shellfish industry. Clear toxicological data on pectenotoxins will be used to undertake a risk assessment of pectenotoxins to enable the shellfish industry and regulators to make informed decisions about the withdrawal of product from sale or closure of farms in the presence of pectenotoxins in shellfish.