The American Fisheries Society is seeking nominations and applications for several 2012 awards.  Award recipients will be honored at the Annual Meeting in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) Minnesota, on August 19-23, 2012. Nominations typically require a candidate’s name, full contact information, biographical information and/or history of service to the Society. Some awards require additional nomination materials. For more information on how to nominate an individual, or organization, see descriptions below or contact the award chair. You may also contact Gail Goldberg, AFS awards coordinator, at ggoldberg@fisheries.org, or 301-897-8616 X 201 for more information. You may check the AFS web site at: http://fisheries.org/awards for updates as they become available.

Award of Excellence

The Society’s highest award for scientific achievement is presented to a living AFS member for original and/or outstanding contributions to fisheries and aquatic biology. Nomination materials can be sent via electronic, mail or fax. Materials should include a detailed letter of nomination to address award criteria, vitae of nominee, and additional supporting materials as needed. See the main awards page for criteria for selection and other important nomination information.

Nomination deadline: April 15, 2012
Contact: Christine Moffitt, Committee Chair
Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
USGS-Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
104C CNR, Sixth and Line Street
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID 83844-1141
Phone: 208-885-7047
Fax: 208-885-9080

Email: cmoffitt@uidaho.edu

Carl R. Sullivan Fishery Conservation Award

Presented to an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to the conservation of fishery resources. Eligibility is not restricted to AFS members, and accomplishments can include political, legal, educational, scientific, and managerial successes.  Nominations should include a synopsis of fishery conservation contributions; a description of the influence of those contributions on improved understanding, management, or use of fishery resources; and at least one additional supporting letter.  Nominations may be submitted electronically via email or as hard copy delivered by mail.

Nomination deadline:  April 1, 2012
Contact: John Boreman, Committee Chair
John Boreman, President-Elect
23 Covington Lane
Durham, NC 27712-8967
TEL: (919) 768-7198
Email: jboreman@nc.rr.com

Distinguished Service Award

Recognizes outstanding contributions of time and energy for special projects or activities by AFS members. The number of recipients may vary. A single member, a group of members, and AFS staff are eligible candidates. Nominations should include description of the outstanding contributions by the candidate(s) and may be submitted electronically via email or as hard copy delivered by mail.
Nomination deadline: January 31, 2012

Contact: John Boreman, Committee Chair
John Boreman, President-Elect
23 Covington Lane
Durham, NC 27712-8967
TEL: (919) 768-7198
Email: jboreman@nc.rr.com

Excellence in Public Outreach

Presented to an AFS member who goes the “extra mile” in sharing the value of fisheries science/research with the general public through the popular media and other communication channels. Two or more individuals may act as nominators, but at least one nominator must be an AFS member. Entries must include a biographical sketch of the nominee (not to exceed 3 pages) and supporting evidence of communicating the value of fisheries issues/research to the general public through the media and other communication channels, plus any evidence of teaching others about communication with the public.

Nomination deadline: April 15, 2012
Contact: Walt Duffy, chair
CA Cooperative Research Unit
Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA 95521-8299
Phone: (707) 826-5644
Fax: (707) 826-3269
Email: wgd7001@humboldt.edu

Honorary Membership

Presented to individuals who have achieved outstanding professional accomplishments or have given outstanding service to the Society. Honorary Members must be nominated by at least 100 active members and elected by a 2/3 majority of active members online.

Nomination dateline: May 1, 2012
Contact: Gail Goldberg
American Fisheries Society
5410 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 110
Bethesda, MD 20814
ggoldberg@fisheries.org
Meritorious Service Award

Presented annually to an individual AFS member for loyalty, dedication, and meritorious service to the Society over a long period of time and for exceptional commitment to the programs, objectives, and long-term goals of the Society.

Nominations should include the candidate’s name, full contact information, biographical information and/or history of the nominee’s service (not to exceed 3 pages) to the Society. Letters supporting the nomination are welcome. Nominations and any supporting letters may be sent electronically via email or as hard copy delivered by mail, or fax (email, in PDF format preferred).

Nomination deadline: May 11, 2012
Contact: Bob Curry, Committee Chair
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Division of Inland Fisheries
1721 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Phone: (919) 707-0221
Fax: (919) 707-0028

robert.curry@ncwildlife.org

Outstanding Chapter Award

Recognizes outstanding professionalism, active resource protection, and enhancement programs, as well as a strong commitment to the mission of the Society.  Three awards are given, one for small chapters, one for large chapters and one for a student subunit of a chapter. Chapters should submit an application to their division presidents to be considered. Division presidents must nominate two best chapters from their divisions, one with less than 100 members and another with 100 members or more by May 1, 2012

Applications can be obtained from the AFS website See the main awards page for more information –to be updated when available

Nomination deadline: May 1, 2012
Contact: Chair, Lori Martin
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
711 Independent Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81505
Phone: (970-255-6126
Fax: (970)-255-6111
Email: lori.martin@state.co.us

President’s Fishery Conservation Award

Presented in two categories: (1) an AFS individual or unit, or (2) a non-AFS individual or entity, for singular accomplishments or long-term contributions that advance aquatic resource conservation at a regional or local level. The award is administered by the Past President’s Advisory Council. A nomination package should include a strong and detailed letter describing the nominee’s contribution and the evidence for accomplishment at a regional or local level. If the nomination is for an individual, include a CV if possible. Nominations may be supported by multiple individuals by signing one nomination letter, or by submitting supporting letters in addition to the main nomination letter. Include the nominee’s title and full contact information (address, email, and phone).

Nomination deadline: April 15, 2012

Contact: Wayne Hubert, Past President
1063 Colina Drive
Laramie, WY 82072
TEL: (307) 760-8723
whubert@uwyo.edu

William E. Ricker Resource Conservation Award

Presented to any entity (individual, group, agency, or company) for accomplishment or activity that advances aquatic resource conservation that is significant at a national or international level. The award is administered by the Past President’s Advisory Council. A nomination package should include a strong and detailed letter describing the nominee’s accomplishments and the evidence for being “significant at a national or international level”. If the nomination is for an individual, include a CV if possible. Nominations may be supported by multiple individuals by signing one letter, or by submitting supporting letters in addition to the main nomination letter. Include the nominee’s title and full contact information (address, email, phone).

Nomination deadline: April 15, 2012

Contact: Wayne Hubert, Past President
1063 Colina Drive
Laramie, WY 82072
TEL: (307) 760-8723
whubert@uwyo.edu

Retired Members Travel Award for the AFS Annual Meeting

The American Fisheries Society has established this travel award to encourage and enable members of the Society to attend annual meetings, particularly those members who might play a more active role in the meeting. The Society recognizes that some retired members who desire to participate in the annual meeting might be inhibited for financial reasons. Retired members may not have funds for travel to meetings that were available to them while employed. Therefore, this award is meant for those members who truly have a need for financial assistance. The Society has neither means nor desire to verify financial need, so that your request for support is based on an honor system. However, you must be a dues-paying retired member of the American Fisheries Society to apply. A maximum of $1,500 may be awarded for reimbursable expenses. See the main awards page for the application form on the AFS website.

Please send applications to Wayne Hubert, Chair, Past President’s Advisory Council.

Deadline: June 1, 2012

Contact: Contact: Wayne Hubert, Past President
1063 Colina Drive
Laramie, WY 82072
TEL: (307) 760-8723
whubert@uwyo.edu

The Emmeline Moore Prize

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) has established a new career achievement award, named after the first female AFS president, Emmeline Moore (1927-1928), to recognize efforts of an individual member in the promotion of demographic diversity in the society. This award will be presented to an individual who demonstrates strong commitment and exemplary service to ensuring equal opportunity access to higher education in fisheries and/or professional development in the broad range of fisheries science disciplines. Qualified nominees must exhibit clear evidence of service and commitment to diversity initiatives, including a strong research or fisheries management leadership background, public understanding of diversity issues, technical and popular writing, and inspirational leadership. Candidates should also have enunciated principles that lead to greater involvement of under-represented groups in fisheries science, education, research or management. Nominees for the award are restricted to AFS members. A nomination package should include a detailed letter of support (maximum three pages) describing the nominee’s accomplishments and including evidence of involvement in diversity initiatives given the criteria noted above. The main letter of nomination can be supported through several signatures or up to three additional letters of support can be submitted. Please include in the nomination letter, the nominee’s title and full contact information (i.e. address, e-mail, phone etc.) to complete the package.

Nomination Deadline: May 31, 2012

For more information about the Emmeline Moore Prize, or to submit nominations (electronic format preferred),

Contact: Larry A. Alade, Chair

National Marine Fisheries Service
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Woods Hole Laboratory/Population Dynamics
166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543
Phone: 508 495-2085

Fax: 508 495-2393
E-mail: larry.alade@noaa.gov

Student Writing Contest

Recognizes students for excellence in the communication of fisheries research to the general public. Undergraduate and graduate students are asked to submit a 500- to 700-word article explaining their own research or a research project in their lab or school. The article must be written in language understandable to the general public (i.e., journalistic style). The winning article will be published in Fisheries. Students may write about research that has been completed, is in progress, or is in the planning stages. The papers will be judged according to their quality and their ability to turn a scientific research topic into a paper for the general public and will be scored based upon a grading rubric.

(check the AFS web site on the main awards page for the grading rubric)

(For examples of past winning papers, see Fisheries 32(12):608&609 and Fisheries 34(1):39)

Submission deadline: April 15, 2012
Contact: Walt Duffy, chair
CA Cooperative Research Unit
Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA 95521-8299
Phone: (707) 826-5644

Fax: (707) 826-3269
Email: wgd7001@humboldt.edu

____________________________________________________________________

Awards Administered by Sections

 Education Section

Excellence in Fisheries Education Award

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) Excellence in Fisheries Education Award was established in 1988. The award is administered by the Education Section and is presented to an individual to recognize excellence in organized teaching and advising in some aspect of fisheries education. Nominees may be involved in extension or continuing education, as well as traditional college and university instruction. Nominees must be AFS members, have been actively engaged in fisheries education within the last five years, and have had at least 10 years of professional employment experience in fisheries education. Two or more people may act as nominators, but at least one nominator must be an AFS member. The nominator(s) is responsible for compiling supporting material and submitting the application. The suggested format for applications can be found on the Education Section web site. Application materials should be sent to Jason Vokoun (jason.vokoun@uconn.edu) in digital form.

Nomination deadline is April 15, 2012. Additional information can be obtained from:

Jason Vokoun
Chair, Excellence in Fisheries Education Committee
Dept. of Natural Resources and the Environment
University of Connecticut
Phone: (860) 486-0141

Email: jason.vokoun@uconn.edu

John E. Skinner Memorial Fund Award

The John E. Skinner Memorial Fund was established in memory of John Skinner, former California-Nevada Chapter and Western Division AFS President.  The fund provides monetary travel awards (up to $800 per award) for deserving graduate students or exceptional undergraduate students to attend the AFS annual meeting.  The 2012 meeting will be held in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, August 19-23.

Any student who is active in fisheries or related aquatic disciplines is eligible to apply.  Awardees are chosen by a committee of the AFS Education Section.  Selection is based on academic qualifications, professional service, and reasons for attending the meeting.  In addition to travel assistance to attend the AFS annual meeting, award winners will also receive a one-year paid membership to the American Fisheries Society.

Applications forms for 2012 for the student and advisor (separate forms) are available at
student form: http://fisheries.org/docs/award_skinner1.doc
mentor form: http://fisheries.org/docs/award_skinner2.doc
Completed applications (for both student and advisor) must be received no later than May 11, 2012.

For more information about the Skinner Award,

Contact:Dan J. Daugherty

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center
5103 Junction Hwy.
Mountain Home, TX 78058
Phone: (830) 866-3356 x 211
Fax: (830) 866-3549

Email: Dan.Daugherty@TPWD.state.TX.us

Equal Opportunities Section

J. Frances Allen Scholarship Award

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted until March 15, 2012, for the J. Frances Allen Scholarship for a female doctoral fisheries student. The J. Frances Allen Scholarship was established in 1986 to honor Allen, who pioneered women’s involvement in the AFS and in the field of fisheries. The scholarship fund was established with the intent of encouraging women to become fisheries professionals.

Eligibility: The qualified applicant must be a female PhD student who was an AFS member as of December 31, 2011. The applicant must be conducting aquatic research in line with AFS objectives, which include “all branches of fisheries science, including but not limited to aquatic biology, engineering, fish culture, limnology, oceanography, and sociology”. Typically, this award is given to a student who has completed preliminary exams.

Application: To apply, submit items A through D:

A.Resumewith information in the following format:

- Educational history: degrees, grade point average for each degree (overall and in major), relevant courses taken

- Professional experience: positions held, levels of position, years of experience at each level

- Publications: separated into refereed and other

- Presentations: “first author” implies you presented it, “second author” assumes you did not, specify if otherwise

- AFS participation: year joined, meeting attendance and participation, committee involvement, presentations at AFS meetings

B. Transcripts from all institutions of higher education: include enrollment in PhD program. Please include transcripts with your application, do not have them sent separately. You may scan an official transcript as long as it is of high quality.

C. Dissertation research proposal: do not exceed 4 single spaced pages (excluding title page, abstract, and references). The proposal must be submitted in the following single-spaced format with headings:

- Title page: with project title, area of research (genetics, modeling, ecology, etc.), applicants name and affiliation

- Abstract: not to exceed one-half page, describing research proposed

- Introduction: Including project justification and background

- Specific objectives and hypotheses if appropriate

- Summary of procedures/methods: justification for choices including preliminary testing and references

- Expected and preliminary results

- Significance of research: include anticipated application of findings

- Literature cited: follow Transactions of the American Fisheries Society format

D. Three letters of recommendation: One must be from the applicant’s major advisor and one must be from an AFS member. Each letter should address 1) the applicants promise as a fisheries scientist, 2) the potential of the applicant to complete their proposed work and 3) significance of the applicants proposed research to the advancement of fisheries science. If those writing letters prefer- they may email letters separately to the address below, but they must be received by the deadline and should contain the applicants name along with J.F. Allen Scholarship in the subject heading.

Please contact the Committee Chair if you have any questions. Send electronic applications and recommendations (preferably in one mailing), to be received by March 15, 2012, to:

Marie-Ange Gravel, Chair

EMAIL: marieange.gravel@gmail.com
Subject: J. Frances Allen Scholarship

PHONE: (613) 258-8418

An application will not be reviewed if any part is missing or it is received after the deadline.

Criteria for selection: Selection will be made by the J. Frances Allen Scholarship Committee of the AFS Equal Opportunity Section. Proposal reviews by scientists in appropriate fields will be solicited by the committee. Awardee will be selected on a competitive basis with an emphasis placed on research promise, scientific merit, and academic achievement. Submission of an application acknowledges the applicant’s acceptance of the Committee’s decision as final.

Public Announcement and Notification: Public announcement of the recipient will be made at the 2012 AFS Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition a written announcement will appear in Fisheries and the recipient will receive an official letter of award. The recipient is encouraged to present the results of their research at an Annual Meeting of AFS. It is expected that the research findings will be published in an appropriate fisheries journal upon project completion, at which time the support from this scholarship and AFS will be acknowledged.

Marine Fisheries Section

The Steven Berkeley Marine Conservation Fellowship

This fellowship was created by AFS in 2007 to honor the memory of Steven Berkeley, a dedicated fisheries scientist with a passionate interest in integrating the fields of marine ecology, conservation biology, and fisheries science to improve fisheries management. Berkeley was a long-time member of AFS and a member of the first Board of Directors of the Fisheries Conservation Foundation. The fellowship comprises a competitively based $10,000 award to a graduate student actively engaged in thesis research relevant to marine conservation. Research topics may address any aspect of conservation; a focus on fisheries issues is not required. Please use the current application requirements at the link below, as revisions have been made recently.

For more information and application requirements see: http://fishweb.ifas.ufl.edu/mfs/index_files/Berkeley_Fellowship.htm

Send electronic applications and recommendations, to be received no later than

February 1, 2012 to: Howard Williams, hwilliams@fisheries.org