Greetings from the 6th World Recreational Fishing Conference: Berlin Germany

Greetings from Germany! I'm here attending the 6th World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC), which is being held at Humboldt University in Berlin. The theme of this year's conference is "Toward Resiliant Recreational Fisheries; it is meant to emphasize the need for a more interdisciplanary and adaptive approach to recreational fisheries science, management, and development. Approximately 290 delegates from 33 countries are attending, participants include fisheries scientists and managers, biologists, human dimension specialists, economists, outdoor recreation researchers, policy makers, NGO representatives and avid anglers. The aim of the conference is to increase dialogue and knowledge about the diversity, dynamics and future prospects of recreational fisheries, and provides a platform for exchange of and discussion on cutting-edge management-orientated recreational fisheries science. I will be giving a presentation later in the week on my work in developing educational workshop.

It is truly fascinating to meet and chat with other fisheries professionals from around the world. I attended several excellent presenations today. Many of the sessions revolved around the biology, management, economics, and ethics associated with catch and release fishing. Did you know that in some European countries catching and releasing fish for sport is considered animal cruelty and in some cases is against the law? This is considerably different than countries like the U.S. and Australia where catch and release fishing is an important management strategy.