There is general agreement between government, environment groups, researchers and various industry groups that interactions between users of the marine environment and large marine animals are already a problem, and that interactions are likely to increase as populations of marine mammals recover and industries further develop. There is considerable public concern about such interactions, both nationally and internationally, as recent incidents have demonstrated. There is a growing interest from consumers in buying “clean and green” seafood, and in “ecotourism”. The problems have been well documented; however, there has been less focus on solutions. The most effective way to deal with the problems is to summarise existing information, identify the most pressing issues (including scientific, conservation and industry perspectives), and determine the status of efforts to resolve these issues. The next step is to select key issues to workshop. The workshop is needed to develop solutions and suggest policies which will prevent interactions from occurring in the first place if possible, and minimise harm. Where interactions cannot be prevented, innovative technologies should be identified that may minimise impact. The discussion paper will inform the workshop. Both the discussion paper and the workshop are expected to provide data for the development of appropriate government policies.