The 10th World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC) has brought together the world’s finest recreational fishing professionals from 21 countries at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny opened the conference, which attracted approximately 350 managers, scientists, and academics from Australia and beyond, including Mongolia, Belize, Belgium, Italy, and The Bahamas, to share the most recent developments in the field.
“There’s never been a better time to go fishing in Victoria, and this conference showcases the world-class experience we have on offer to delegates from across the country and abroad,” Minister Kilkenny said.
The conference features world-renowned specialists’ presentations on staying up in a dynamic and demanding world with evolving fisheries.
International speakers include Keep Fish Wet executive director Sascha Clark Danylchuk and Trout Unlimited’s Steve Moyer from the United States, Norwegian fisheries expert Keno Ferter, South African scientist Christopher Bova, and UK actor and host of the Extreme Fishing TV series Robson Green.
The Victorian Government won hosting rights thanks to a bid spearheaded by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) in collaboration with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and recreational fishing organisations such as VRFish, FutureFish Foundation, and Women in Recreational Fishing Network.
Stan Lui, whose keynote talk will focus on First Nations peoples and their relationships with recreational fisheries, OzFish Unlimited founder Craig Copeland and recreational fisheries scientist Dr Matt Taylor, will draw on Australia’s rich recreational fishing experience.
The conference comes on the heels of the Ultimate Fishing Expo, which drew anglers from across the state to see the latest gear from more than 50 exhibitors and hear tips and tricks from a variety of presenters, including international fly-fishing expert April Vokey and VFA Ambassadors Bachar Houli and Lee Rayner.
According to the State Government, Victoria is an ideal venue for the conference because it is home to some of Australia’s best recreational fishing, from snapper, whiting, and calamari in Port Phillip to catches of southern bluefin tuna and kingfish along the coast, wild trout in high country streams, and the iconic Murray cod in northern waters.
“With Port Phillip on its doorstep, Melbourne is the perfect place for the 10th World Recreational Fishing Conference, playing host to this significant global gathering of professionals, academics, scientists and industry,” Minister Kilkenny said.
These experiences are supported by record investment in improving recreational fishing.
