During 2005/06 the concept of a national strategy to provide leadership and direction in Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) in relation to recreational fisheries in Australia was developed in consultation with recreational fishing national and state bodies, fisheries agencies and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

A document titled “Implementing a National Strategy for Recreational Fisheries RDE” was developed and adopted in May 2006. An application titled “ Recfishing Research : National Strategy for Recreational Fisheries Research, Development and Extension” was developed to seek funding from FRDC to establish and develop Recfishing Research from 2007/08 to 2009/10.

An interim Steering Committee was established in August 2005 which was replaced by a formal Steering Committee from October 2007. The Steering Committee is responsible for developing and implementing the Business, Investment and Extension Plan. The functioning of the Steering Committee is outlined in a document titled “ Recfish ing Research : Steering Committee Terms of Reference and Engagement”.

As part of the development of Recfishing Research a number of national priorities were identified at a workshop in August 2005 and this investment plan outlines, in broad terms, how these issues will be addressed through Recfishing Research.

NATIONAL RECREATIONAL FISHERIES RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND EXTENSION PRIORITIES

The national workshop in August 2005 identified a number of national R,D&E priorities and these were subsequently refined to:

Establish and promote the social and economic importance of recreational fishing

Assume a greater responsibility for and develop the RDE capacity of the industry

Develop young people and industry leaders

Continue to collect recreational fishing data especially in relation to attitudes, motivation, demographics, participation, fishing methods, catch and effort

Develop a framework for the definition of recreational fishers' rights in fisheries and related management arrangements

Continue the research and promotion of best practices in recreational fishing (to ensure that fishing is sustainable, ethical and humane)

Understand the effects of access limitation on recreational fisheries and fishers (eg MPAs)

Improve the performance of fishing competitions

Understand ESD effects of marine and freshwater stock enhancement and stock recovery

Improve fish welfare

Understand the impacts of climate change on recreational fishing and fisheries

Improve the communication of research results and outcomes to recreational fishers and others

In addition, Recfishing Research will complement and add value to RDE conducted by fisheries agencies, particularly in the areas of resource security and sustainable fisheries.