MattBarwick

NATIONAL RECREATIONAL FISHING CONFERENCE - 17 to 19 August 2012 Last change to register as an early bird and go into the draw to win one of 25 places in the ABT Pro-am Fishing Tournament - go online at www.recfishing2012.com.au and register today! As part of the Recreational Fishing Industry Development Strategy, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in conjunction with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, have provided funding for this National Conference on Recreational Fishing. A program with a combination of keynote speakers, industry presenters and practical workshops will showcase recreational fishing moving into the future. A number of activities will be aimed toward the younger fishers. The Gold Coast provides an excellent destination for delegates and their families and a fun day of activities is planned for the Friday in conjuction with the ABT Pro-am Fishing Tournament. The venue is the Gold Coast Conference and Exhibition Centre which provides an excellent opportunity for exhibitors and sponsors to network with delegates in a relaxed atmosphere. The Convention Centre is located in Broadbeach which offers an extensive range of accommodation. Special rates have been secured for delegates so please ensure you book your preference online when you register. CONFERENCE PROGRAM A current Conference Program is available to download online as well as further information you made require relating to the Conference. A partner program has been arranged and details are also available online and can be booked during the registration process. For any enquiries please contact the Conference Secretariat on (07) 5562 0164 or email info@destinationconference.com.au FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE CONFERENCE WEBSITE AT: www.recfishing2012.com.au

Congratulations to the following winners who have scored passes to the National Recreational Fishing Conference on the 17th, 18th and 19th of August on the sunny Gold Coast. Thanks to all who participated in the survey we ran a few months back, your feedback has helped to ensure the National Recreational Fishing Conference will cover interesting issues of importance to Australia's rec fishos. *Richard Dax - Carlton River TAS *Tony Astuto - Batman VIC * Jacob Crisp - NSW * Scott Mitchell - Harvey Bay QLD * Gary Bowkett - Tamworth NSW Those who missed out on the free passes still have a chance to win a ticket to participate in the ABT Fishing Tournament on the day prior to the conference, simply register to attend the conference before May 31st and you're in the draw!

Hi guys - a quick research update: A recent statewide survey conducted by Fisheries Queensland has been looking at participation rates, where people fish and the species people catch, and confirms that fishing is still close to the hearts of Queenslanders. Approximately 700,000 Queenslanders (roughly 17% of the population aged 5 years and older) went fishing, crabbing and prawning between 2009 and 2010. This is much higher participation compared to other popular outdoor activities such as golf, cycling and swimming (ABS catalogue 4177.0). However whilst these numbers may be high, participation in rec fishing has dropped since 2000. In 2000 there were 747,000 Queensland recreational fishers representing 23% of the population aged 5 years and above, compared to 703,000 recreational fishers representing 17% of Queenslanders 5 years and above in 2010. Click on the link below for a detailed fact sheet summarising results: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/documents/Fisheries_RecreationalFishing/SWRFS-Phase-1-factsheet-May.pdf An interesting short article on the survey and its findings is also provided on the Fisheries Queensland FB page: http://www.facebook.com/FisheriesQueensland

Hi all The National Recreational Fishing Conference “Casting Towards Tomorrow, Keeping Australia Fishing” will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 17 – 19 August 2012. The national conference will be one of the most significant events on the Australian rec fishing calendar, providing a forum for rec fishos nation-wide to come together and chart a course for a vibrant future for recreational fishing in Australia. For all the info go to www.recfishing2012.com.au To see what's on, click on the link to the program below: http://recfishing2012.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/NRFC-eRegistration-3.pdf There will be some fascinating presentations from speakers from all around Australia and internationally, on a range of subjects relevant to rec fishing in Australia. There will also be interactive workshops, product demonstrations, casting clinics and a whole lot more. Plus if you register before 31 May you go in the running to win a spot fishing in an ABT Pro-Am fishing tournament!!! To register simply click on the link below. http://recfishing2012.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/RecFish-2012-Booking-Form.pdf Hope to see you there!