Now, more than ever, our fisheries and aquatic resources and the people who manage them need the support of a strong scientific community. Together we’ve seen the benefits of our work in action—the Wallop-Breaux Sport Fish Restoration Act and Magnuson-Stevens Act transformed fisheries management. Today, as these programs face unprecedented threats, it’s crucial for AFS to ensure the best science is considered in all decisions. Advancing fisheries and aquatic science is and will always be the foundation of our work. Right now, we need your support to advance this work.

We invite you to take action by making a donation to AFS today. Your donation helps us advance fisheries science, conserve fisheries resources, and strengthen the fisheries profession.

Budgets, legislation, and protections once solidly in place are under review. AFS has the opportunity to impart its knowledge with the Trump Administration, Congress, and other involved parties. We are uniquely positioned to share nearly 150 years of AFS endeavors in the sciences as we seek to improve the health of fishery resources and the economic sectors that depend on them. Fisheries experts will continue to make progress only with funding to publish their peer-reviewed results, travel to scientific conferences, and enhance their reputations as sources of credible information.

Earlier this month, AFS joined with other science societies to send letters to the Trump Administration and Congress about the Clean Water Rule (as covered in Science). Other activities and actions are on our horizon.

While these challenges involve the White House and Capitol Hill, their impact is felt nationally. It is up to us—our membership of more than 8,000 fisheries scientists and managers—to protect our country’s fisheries and aquatic resources. Your support ensures we have the resources to disseminate impactful research, provide ongoing education and training, and sustain our fisheries program.

You can make your donation today online. The American Fisheries Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your gift is tax deductible. Your contribution is appreciated and will make an impact at any level.

Executive Orders and Legislative Proposals Under Review:

• NOAA cuts – The Administration proposed 17% cuts in funding to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), delivering steep cuts to climate research, satellite programs, coastal management, estuary reserves and coastal resilience.
• Clean Water Rule – The Administration directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rescind the “Waters of the U.S.” rule (otherwise known as the Clean Water Rule), which would protect small waterways nationwide.
• EPA cuts – Proposed cuts to the EPA may mean a complete dismantling of the structure of the organization that protects our environment. These cuts would immediately reduce the agency’s staff by one-fifth and eliminate dozens of programs essential to fisheries science.
•  Endangered Species Act – Congressional hearings are being held to dismantle the Endangered Species Act, impacting recovery efforts nationwide, including many aquatic species.