AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY


THE MISSION OF AFS:

To improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic sciences and by promoting the development of fisheries professionals.


ABOUT THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) is the oldest and largest professional society representing fisheries and aquatic scientists in the world. AFS promotes scientific research and enlightened management of resources for their conservation, as well as their optimal use and enjoyment by the public. It also encourages a comprehensive education for fisheries scientists and helps provide continuing on-the-job training.

The American Fisheries Society is uniquely qualified to provide peer-reviewed, science-based information on issues affecting the world's fisheries and aquatic resources. The breadth and depth of expertise among its members on issues affecting freshwater and marine ecosystems is unparalleled within any other organization.

The American Fisheries Society website can be found at:

http://www.fisheries.org/


PUBLICATIONS:

The AFS produces a number of scientific publications, including the monthly magazine "Fisheries," several research journals, many textbooks, and a number of symposium proceedings. The journals currently published by the society are:

  • Transactions of the American Fisheries Society

  • North American Journal of Fisheries Management

  • North American Journal of Aquaculture

  • The Journal of Aquatic Animal Health

Books published by the society cover a wide range of topics for both the expert and the layperson. A complete list of books can be viewed at the online AFS bookstore on the AFS Website. Some recent publications include:

Historical Changes in Large River Fish Assemblages of the Americas
John N. Rinne, Robert M. Hughes, and Bob Calamusso, Editors

The Behavior and Ecology of Pacific Salmon and Trout
Thomas Quinn

Black Carp: Biological Synopsis and Risk Assessment of an Introduced Fish
Leo G. Nico, James D. Williams, and Howard L. Jelks

Monitoring Stream and Watershed Restoration
Philip Roni, Editor

Benthic Habitats and the Effects of Fishing
Peter W. Barnes and James P. Thomas, Editors

Sustainable Management of North American Fisheries
E. Eric Knudsen, Donald D. MacDonald, and Yvonne K. Muirhead, Editors

Aquatic Protected Areas as Fisheries Management Tools
J. Brooke Shipley, Editor

Black Bass: Ecology, Conservation, and Management
David P. Philipp and Mark S. Ridgway, Editors

Geographic Information Systems in Fisheries
William L. Fisher and Frank J. Rahel, Editors

Common and Scientific Names of Fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Sixth Edition
Joseph S. Nelson, Edwin J. Crossman, Hector Espinosa-Perez, Lloyd T. Findley, Carter R. Gilbert, Robert N. Lea, and James D. Williams



ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The society is organized into units that represent geographical interests (Division and Chapters) as well as units that represent disciplines and issue-oriented interests (Sections and Committees).

The leaders of the society analyze issues and develop policies and recommendations through a cooperative relationship with AFS subunits and special committees. The AFS headquarters in Bethesda, MD coordinates information exchange between state, provincial, national, and international agencies and organizations. Our proximity to Washington D.C. enables AFS to serve as a resource to policy-makers and facilitates the goal of bringing sound fisheries science to those who need it.

The AFS is governed by a Governing Board, which is composed of the elected officers, Executive Director, Division presidents and presidents-elect, Section and Chapter presidents, and the Constitutional Consultant. The Governing Board decides Society policies, approves the annual budget, and transacts other necessary Society business.

Divisions and Chapters

AFS is composed of four geographical Divisions across North America. The Divisions facilitate information exchange, outreach, and aquatic stewardship at regional levels, as well as maintain a liaison with regional resource stakeholders. The officers of each division serve on the society's Governing Board and are active leaders in directing AFS advancement of goals and activities.

Within the four divisions, there are 52 local chapters and several student subunits that serve member needs in local and provincial/state areas. Chapters execute a large number of programs and services, including running annual scientific meetings, offering educational courses and clinics, and providing technical information relating to fisheries and aquatic science issues for policy makers.

Sections

The society also has 21 sections organized by discipline and topical interests. The Sections stimulate information exchange and activities related to specific interests and provide expertise to AFS and other organizations. The sections illustrate the breadth of expertise that AFS represents.

Committees

AFS has a number of standing and special committees that serve a variety of interests of the society. While some committees address internal organizational needs (e.g., arrangements for conferences, awards, membership and membership concerns) other committees address scientific topics and professional needs (e.g., names of aquatic invertebrates, resource policy, endangered species, North American Fisheries Action Plan, etc.).