The World Fisheries Congress (WFC) is the key international fisheries conference held every 4 years to advance and promote international developments and cooperation in fisheries science, conservation and management. This includes encouraging sustainable management practices, inspiring excellence in fisheries research, and promoting the beneficial use of fishery resources. There is strong cross-jurisdictional agreement to bid for the 8th WFC to be held in Australia in 2020. An Australia-New Zealand bid team has been established and the Australian Society for Fish Biology and jurisdictions have agreed to support Adelaide as the host city. Hosting WFC 2020 will enable the strength and reputation of Australia-New Zealand in fisheries science and management to be showcased internationally, while domestically demonstrating the sustainability of our fisheries to the broader community.