The American Fisheries Society (AFS) today released its publication, Future of the Nation’s Fisheries and Aquatic Resources: The Challenges We Face in 2017 and Beyond, offering short and long-term solutions for protecting American aquatic habitats and helping fisheries professionals facing ongoing challenges. With recommendations for the new Presidential Administration, the document offers viable ways to prevent future negative impacts to the nation’s rivers, lakes and coastal areas.
“Every four years we have a chance to influence policies that affect fisheries and aquatic resources. Our document will provide a starting point for discussions with the Trump administration plus Congress and the private sectors. I look forward to the challenge to apply the best available science to our new priorities. With a new strategic approach, AFS is more prepared than ever to make a difference for fish and fisheries,” said Tom Bigford, AFS Policy Director.
For example, action items on effective fisheries management include: enhancing state and federal partnership approaches toward natural aquatic resource management through increased funding to the states; including a regular collaborative review of authorized purposes for federal projects; and encouraging collaborative, adaptive management planning, supported by the best available natural and social science, to address environmental issues.
“As the oldest scientific society working on fisheries issues, the American Fisheries Society is perfectly situated to provide the next administration with the best available information to address the pressing issues surrounding fisheries and aquatic resources. With input from dozens of public and private sector partners, our document will guide the next presidential administration on top line items that need to be addressed to conserve, enhance and sustainably manage our nation’s fisheries,” said Joe Margraf, President, American Fisheries Society.
The document offers additional action items on Angling and Fisheries Conservation, Climate-Related Impacts on Coastal and Marine Systems, Climate-Related Resiliency for Inland Aquatic Systems, Advancements in Aquaculture, Medications for Aquaculture Programs, Conservation Science Funding, Management in Ecosystems Context, Imperiled Species, Habitat Protection and Restoration, Hydroconnectivity, and Invasive Species.
Through an analysis of the proven benefits robust fisheries have on the American economy and way of life, this document hopes to provide positive solutions for state and federal agencies, and partner nonprofit organizations, in the form of calls to action.
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The American Fisheries Society (AFS) is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources. AFS has more than 8,000 members around the world representing fisheries managers, biologists, ecologists, aquaculturists, economists, engineers, geneticists, and social scientists, along with industry, governments, academics, and other nonprofit organizations. Our mission is to promote science-based management of sustainable fisheries resources.
Contact: Tom Bigford, email: [email protected], (301) 897-8096.