The practical integration of social and economic elements in assessments is important in Australia, and is also an international challenge. Recent research in Australia (2010/040 and the Integrated EBFM workshop held in March 2014) which contributes to developing this field should be shared internationally and used to leverage further knowledge. To this end, the applicant is recognised as one of the leads in this field in Australia and accordingly can bring benefit from developing further aligned international connections. There are events occurring in September and October 2014, being two sessions at the ICES conference and a workshop in Canada with the CFRN that provide unique opportunities to progress the development of integrated EBFM methodologies.

To maximise progress in this domain, it is necessary to draw together as many sources of knowledge and experience as possible. Consequently, participation in the activities proposed here and through the development of the Community Of Practice by the CFRN, FRDC and Australia's exposure will be increased to new and emerging approaches that can address the current integration challenge, while also profiling the already significant progress we have made in Australia.

Inland fish stocking programs in NSW are administered by NSW DPI under the NSW Freshwater Fish Stocking Fishery Management Strategy (FMS) which outlines the rules, regulations and programs for fish stocking. The FMS is due for review in the near future and it is an opportune time to investigate the strategies used by international agencies for the management of their stocking programs. An extensive worldwide network of scientists and fisheries managers will be in attendance at the FSBI conference in Hull and it will be most beneficial to gain exposure on an international scale, obtain up to date information and share perspectives on inland fisheries management with experts from international agencies. In addition to attendance at the conference, I have made contact with several staff members from the Environment Agency and the Angling Trust to gain further insights into the management of inland fish stocking programs in the UK. I have organised to meet with these experts at various locations including Brampton, Reading and Frimley outside of the conference to gain further exposure and directly observe management practices and perceptions from both Government and non-Government organisations which may be transferable to existing NSW programs and other Australian jurisdictions developing or refining stocking policies. The project will assist in bridging the gap between management and research by potentially identifying key research priorities for stocking programs. The project will importantly enhance my international presentation, networking and analysis skills which are essential for my development as a future leader in fisheries management.

SALTAS is the home of the Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon selective breeding program (SBP). This small industry owned company located in the Derwent Valley runs 2 freshwater hatcheries and is responsible for the production of the majority of the broodstock for the industry. The Tasmanian SBP has been in operation since 2005 and has been providing genetically improved eggs and smolt for commercial production to the shareholders since 2012. The genetically improved stocks that have been sent to sea already have performed beyond expectations and as such there is now greater concern for the biological protection of the breeding program, and the commercial gains that it is providing to the Tasmanian industry.

In 2013, SALTAS has embarked upon a strategy to continually upgrade biological protection of the SBP and as such it is essential that key staff are able to become exposed to worlds best practice approaches to biosecurity. The opportunity for Mr Hilder to travel to Canada during their spawning season in November would allow him to see first hand, the approach taken to protect valuable broodstock in an environment where the disease threats are more real and immediate than those here in Tasmania.