News
NEATFish on the World Stage
(13/04/2009)
The 5th World Recreational Fishing Conference was held between November 10-13, 2008 at the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) Fishing Hall of fame at Dania Beach, Florida. The conference is recognized as a focal point for sharing ideas between internationally prominent scientists, fisheries managers and industry luminaries, all of whom are actively working on a range of topics encompassing every major issue facing the recreational fishing sector around the world. A FRDC Bursary allowed Dr Ben Diggles to attend the conference to give a presentation on NEATFish, the world’s first environmental standard for fishing tournaments.
The NEATFish paper was presented on Monday 10th November and well received. Ben fielded several enquiries regarding NEATFish and its potential for implementation in the US from organizations such as The Fisheries Conservation Foundation Ocean Conservancy, The Billfish Foundation, Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.
Besides the opportunity to present NEATFish to a worldwide audience, the conference provided a glimpse into the future of what we should expect in Australia on a range of issues relating to recreational fishing development and management. It was a great opportunity to get to know other researchers and members of the recreational fishing industry a little better, learn from each others experiences, and better equip us all to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
