The Australian fishing industry requires the development of people that will assist in ensuring the sustainability of Australia’s fish resources. Such development must include aspects that will enhance leadership capabilities, industry capacity and the transfer of knowledge throughout the sector. One of the most important aspects of fisheries biology is the ageing of fish for use in fisheries management plans. This is a rapidly expanding area of research and leading scientists convene each 4-5 years to present and discuss recent developments in this field, with the 4th International Otolith Symposium to be held in Monterey, California in August 2009. Murdoch University’s Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research is Western Australia’s peak fisheries research training centre and thus it is necessary for staff to continue to be skilled in the most up-to-date techniques and methodology to enable the centre’s high calibre training to continue. My attendance at the 4th International Otolith Symposium is thus important not only for personal professional development, but also for the development of future fisheries researchers in Western Australia.