As an investor in one of the few new-build tuna longline vessels on the East Coast, Hayley Abbot has a strong personal interest in the future sustainability of the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF). Given the highly migratory nature of the target species (including yellowfin, bigeye, albacore and billfish) the future of the ETBF is inexorably linked to the status of the resource in the western Pacific and decisions made at the Western and Central Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
With this connection, there is a need for fishers to have an understanding of, and where possible have industry input into, the international aspects of the management of the fishery.
Hayley has the potential to become a young industry leader in Australian fisheries. To achieve her potential, there is a need to expose her to a wide variety of relevant fisheries experiences - this opportunity will provide one of those experiences
At a personal level, Hayley will benefit greatly from gaining an understanding of the wider international context management of the fishery, the major industry players, researchers (SPC )and managers (FFA and other national delegations). Hayley will be able to use this knowledge, and especially the interaction with researchers, to enhance my input into ComRAC. The experience will build both her leadership experience and confidence.