Barry Torkington was Chairman for the New Zealand Fisheries Symposium 2016. He has a background in commercial fishing and aquaculture. He served as a director of the local commercial operation, Leigh Fisheries Ltd, specialising in quality assurance and innovation. He has also been closely involved in New Zealand’s fisheries management for over 30 years and contributed to two management plans for the largest snapper fishery in Area 1. Barry is an advisor to the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and LegaSea.