The recreational fishing industry is facing a shortage of people willing and able to assume positions in advocacy and representation for the increasingly complex environment for which the industry impacts and is impacted upon. This shortage of people is hindering the advancement of the goals and needs of the recreational fishing community.

This program will assist in growing the capacity within the recreational fishing community for the future and to provide a preferred pathway for succession planning and capacity building for the recreational fishing sector.

Similar successful programs have been run by Recfishwest (2008), The Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW (2009) and Recfish Australia (2007). Participants from these initial courses are currently filling important roles in recreational fishing advocacy; including the National RFAC, Recfishing Research, Recfish Australia and state peak bodies.

The current situation relies upon a small group of people to do an ever expanding range of tasks, projects and strategic issues at the national state and local levels. The issues include Bioregional Marine Planning, Marine Protected Areas, Animal Welfare, Resource Allocation and Reallocation, Extension and Communication, Research and promotion of best practices, etc…

The project proposes to construct a consistent model for Future Leaders programs that can be implemented across the nation. Continuity in programs being delivered will be of great benefit to participants and the wider recreational fishing community. The Future Leaders program will be a stepping stone for further leadership development opportunites such as the National Seafood Leadership Program.