Twenty-two countries were represented at the Fifth World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC) held Nov. 10 - 13, an event devoted as an international forum to better understand recreational fisheries.
Deemed a highly successful event with over 150 oral papers and posters being presented by representatives from across the globe the conference was hosted by the IGFA and held at its Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
This was the first time it has been held in the United States, said IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser. "The WRFC series was spawned by the First World Angling Conference held in Cap d'Agde, France in 1984. The first WRFC was held in Ireland in 1996, with successive conferences held every three years in Canada, Australia and Norway."
The very diverse gathering included fisheries scientists and managers, non-governmental organizations, representatives from the tackle industry and recreational anglers all interested in the current state and future of recreational fisheries worldwide.
"The seminar program included something for almost anyone interested in the management and policy of recreational fisheries," added Schratwieser.
Among the highlights were:
" a dynamic keynote address by Dr. James Balsiger from NOAA Fisheries, the presenting conference sponsor who discussed new policies and challenges in managing federal recreational fisheries.
" Jim Martin, from the Berkley Conservation Institute, described what he considered to be the four mammoth hurtles that recreational fishing faces. According to Martin, one of these hurtles is the capricious implementation of No Fishing Zones as "the answer" to everything.
" Dr. Carl Walters from the University of British Columbia, an avid angler who has previously criticized the use of No Fishing Zones, followed up Martin's address telling the audience that he's rethinking the concept and believes that they may have potential benefit to recreational fisheries.
" Noted marine artist, conservationist and IGFA Trustee, Guy Harvey with a captivating talk that was backed by footage from his Portraits from the Deep television series.
"Several presentations," said Schratwieser, "focused on animal welfare laws in Europe that have made catch and release fishing illegal in several countries even though it has both economic and conservation contributions."
Other topics such as Sustainable Fisheries Development, Recreational Fishing's Impact on the Environment, Economics and Marine and Inland Protected areas were discussed in detail with the diverse participant base giving many perspectives on a variety of issues affecting recreational fisheries globally.
Germany was chosen as the site for the next conference in 2011. The WRFC now has a permanent website at www.worldrecfish.org for timely updates
