FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2024
Contact: Beth Beard, 301-453-5818 (office & mobile)
[email protected]
FISHERIES SCIENTISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO CONVENE IN SEATTLE
World Fisheries Congress Held Every Four Years
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — More than 1,500 research scientists, educators, students, resource managers, and others are gathering in Seattle for the 9th World Fisheries Congress, March 3-7, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle and online. This event is hosted every four years by one of the member societies of the World Council of Fisheries Societies. The 2024 Congress is being hosted by the American Fisheries Society (AFS) and it is the first time that this event will be held in the United States.
The Congress includes more than 1,200 oral presentations and posters in 60 sessions on a range of aquatic research topics, including high-profile topics such as climate change, plastic pollution, aquaculture, animal welfare, stakeholder collaboration and citizen science, ghost fishing and bycatch, offshore wind development, shark depredation, distant water fleets, seafood traceability, recreational fishing, eDNA, fisheries enforcement and observers, fair trade, and highly imperiled freshwater fisheries. Topics of particular regional interest include Tribal fisheries, dam mitigation and removal, and important local species such as salmon and trout, rockfishes, and halibut. Most talks will also be pre-recorded and available online, and several sessions will be livestreamed each day.
A U.S. federal agency panel discussion featuring Janet Coit, Assistant Administrator of NOAA Fisheries, and Dave Applegate, Director of the U.S. Geological Survey, will take place Wednesday, March 6, at 2:00 pm PST. Other highlights include presentation of the prestigious International Fisheries Science Prize to Ana Parma, Argentine National Scientific and Technological Research Council, on Wednesday, March 6; a trade show with exhibitors showcasing the latest technology and services, along with government agencies, NGOs, and universities; an art exhibition, and an evening networking event at the Seattle Aquarium.
Plenary Speakers
In order of appearance. Viewable in person, via livestream, or in recording.
- Leonard Forsman, Chair, Suquamish Tribe – Monday, March 4, 9:00 am PST
- Ed Johnstone, Chair, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission – Monday, March 4, 9:00 am PST
- David Obura, Founding Director, CORDIO East Africa – Monday, March 4, 9:00 am PST
- Vera Agostini, Deputy Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture Division at UN FAO – Tuesday, March 5, 11:00 am PST
- Shakuntala Thilsted, Director for Nutrition, Health and Food Security Impact Area Platform, CGIAR – Tuesday, March 5, 11:00 am PST
- Ana Parma, Principal Scientist, CONICET, Argentina – Wednesday, March 6, 2:00 pm PST
- Janet Coit, Assistant Administrator, NOAA Fisheries – Wednesday, March 6, 2:00 pm PST
- Dave Applegate, Director, U.S. Geological Survey – Wednesday, March 6, 2:00 pm PST
- Bronwyn Gillanders, Professor, University of Adelaide, Australia – Thursday, March 7, 9:00 am PST
“Seattle is a great location for this conference as an international city with a strong local seafood industry,” said AFS Executive Director Doug Austen. “We look forward to welcoming globally prominent fisheries scientists from around the world to discuss the critical challenges facing freshwater and marine fisheries, and aquatic ecosystems.”
Editor’s note: The Congress will be held at the Hyatt Regency Seattle, 808 Howell Street, Seattle, Washington 98101. RSVP to [email protected] for complimentary in-person or virtual registration. Please come to the registration desk to pick up your badge. A quiet media room with chairs and tables will be available. A daily highlights newsletter also will be sent to all registered media.
