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Darwin has been confirmed as host of the 3rd World Recreational Fishing Conference next year after major sponsorship for the event was secured this week.
Primary Industry and Fisheries Minister Mick Palmer and Amateur Fishermen’s Association Executive Officer John Harrison today welcomed the news.
"The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has agreed to be the principal sponsor for the World Recreational Fishing Conference to be held in Darwin in May 2002.
"With FRDC sponsorship we can now confirm that the conference will proceed - their sponsorship was essential to ensure the success of the conference and we are delighted that the FRDC have come aboard as principal sponsor," Mr Harrison said.
"We have secured one other major sponsor for the event – the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. In addition, a number of other sponsors are supporting the conference including Woodside Energy, Castlemaine Perkins and the University of British Columbia," Mr Harrison said.
Jointly hosted by the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory, the conference will bring together about 300 people from around the world to discuss relevant issues about recreational fishing.
The goal of the conference is to provide a basis for recognition of recreational fishing as an important sector of the world’s fishing industry.
Mr Palmer said the conference would bring together a broad spectrum of people from within the recreational fishing industry worldwide.
"The range and quality of the theme speakers for the conference is exceptional and will ensure that the program is both challenging and meaningful for conference delegates," Mr Palmer said.
The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Tony Pitcher, from the University of British Columbia. This will be followed by theme speakers including Rex Hunt, Sir Tipene O'Reagan from New Zealand, Margaret Moore from World Wide Fund, Dr Ian Cowx from the UK, Carl Walters from Canada who has done work for Fisheries NT and Ken Pollock from the USA.
"The quality of these speakers is testament to the importance now placed on recreational fishing around the world," Mr Palmer said.
"The Territory Government is delighted to be co-hosting this conference with AFANT, and I look forward to it being a successful event that will not only showcase the NT but pave the way for a regular world conference on recreational fishing."
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
MINISTER FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRY & FISHERIES
Mick Palmer
AMATEUR FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF THE NT
John Harrison
http://www.sportsfishaustralia.com.au/news/world.asp |
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