Abstract scope
In the spirit of Sharing global experiences to promote resilient recreational fisheries, the organising committee would like to invite researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and representatives from NGOs, industry, and angling bodies to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations at the upcoming conference. Abstracts across a broad range of topics across the biological, human and governance dimensions are welcome, and we are particularly interested in contributions that are transdisciplinary and involve teams spanning the recreational fishing industry, managers, and researchers. Abstracts on the use of novel technology and the development of novel solutions are particularly encouraged.
Abstract themes
While this call for abstracts is extremely broad, it is a deliberate attempt to foster a diverse array of abstract submissions. Based on all submissions, your abstracts will be retrospectively assigned to thematic areas and sessions that the International Scientific Board (ISB) will determine. On the acceptance of your abstract, your presentation will be allocated to a primary thematic area along with other similar topics. If you would like to give your talk in a different thematic area, you are welcome to engage with us to discuss a more appropriate option.
Early Career and LMIC researchers
Early career delegates and those from middle- and lower-income countries are particularly encouraged to submit abstracts. There will be ECR and LMIC funding which can be accessed through an application process to assist with the costs associated with attendance, this will be communicated during the registration period.
Meeting format
The 2026 World Recreational Fisheries Conference will employ an in-person meeting format, with recordings of all talks uploaded onto the conference website to allow asynchronous viewing for those who are unable to travel to South Africa.
Talks will be 15 minutes slots with a 10-minute talk and 3 minutes for questions. Presentation guidelines and additional instructions will be provided in future correspondence. All accepted presenting authors will be required to register for the 2026 World Recreational Fisheries Conference. Poster formatting will be at the discretion of the presenter.
Submissions for closed special sessions
If invited to submit an abstract by a session organizer, please indicate that in the abstract (this will not count towards your word count). Contributed abstracts can select an appropriate symposium topic to be considered for inclusion in an organized session. Abstracts submitted to symposium that are not selected for inclusion in that session will be considered for inclusion in a contributed topic session.
VISA requirement timeline
For those needing a visa to travel to South Africa, you can request an expedited review during the submission process, and we will work to get you an acceptance letter within three weeks your submission date. Please email us for this type of assistance: info@wrfc11.com