Dr. Andy Danylchuk, Department of Environmental Conservation, recently participated in a UN FAO Expert Consultation in Berlin, Germany, aimed at the development of technical guidelines for responsible recreational fisheries on a global scale. During the meeting, the invited experts and observers agreed on the immense benefits of recreational fisheries and the important contribution of recreational fishers to maintaining aquatic biodiversity and conserving endangered species, their habitats and aquatic ecosystems in general. Dr. Danylchuk and the other participants also acknowledged the potential contributions of recreational fishing to economic growth in developing countries, but only if such an industry reflects responsible and sustainable management of ecological and cultural resources. The final FAO Technical Guidelines for Responsible Recreational Fisheries will be available for distribution in early 2012. For more information on the Expert Consultation, see http://www.fao.org/fishery/nems/39974/en