Announcements

Motions for AFS Business Meeting on September 18

Motions Before the American Fisheries Society Business Meeting Wednesday, September 18, 2024 Download PDF of full background materials Item #1: Vote Auditor Background: Historically, AFS used paper ballots or simplistic electronic voting (or a combination) for election of officers. This antiquated approach required a separate, independent count and audit of votes to ensure accuracy and transparency. This was the role and purpose of the AFS Audit Committee. For over a decade, AFS has been using electronic voting systems and currently uses a highly reputed independent vote software service Balloteer, developed by Telusys, Inc. This service provides a secure process for electronic voting by requiring all voters to enter the email address associated with their AFS membership and a PIN, which is generated specifically for each election, to access the online ballot. This eliminates the opportunity for inappropriate or multiple voting. It also provides a very simple tally of votes and a spreadsheet of all votes cast. There is no need or opportunity for an independent audit of the process because it is entirely transparent and automated. Due to this process update, it is proposed that the role of the Vote Auditor is no longer needed and should be removed from the AFS Rules and Procedures. Any review of the vote software contractor can be handled by AFS staff, the Management Committee, or the Nominating Committee. Proposed Motion: That AFS eliminate the Vote Auditor as a standing committee and remove all relevant language from the AFS Rules as provided below and elsewhere as appropriate. Section 1. Order of Business. Subsection h. Report of the Vote Auditor (with subsequent renumbering) Section 3. Officers, Staff, and Elections. Subsection B. Nomination and election of officers Members will be allowed at least 30 days from the distribution date to return their printed or electronic ballots to the Vote Auditor. Section 14. Standing Committees The Society has established the following standing committees: VOTE AUDITOR oversees procedures for electronic voting and officer elections. The Vote Auditor confirms the results of electronic votes (or for mail ballots, counts the election ballots), transmits the results to the President and Executive Director within 30 days of the closing date of the election or vote, and announces the results at the annual Society meeting or through other appropriate means. The Vote Auditor sends electronic results and/or mail ballots to the Executive Director, who shall hold them at least 90 days after the announcement of the results. Item #2 – Name Change of Diversity and Inclusion Standing Committee Background: The Diversity and Inclusion Committee was initially a Presidential Special Committee. Based upon the important role of the committee and the need to support the continuation of its work, the committee was established as an AFS Standing Committee in July 2020. The committee has continued to be highly active since that time and has expanded in a number of areas, including working with indigenous communities and others. Along with the recent negative political connotations associated with “Diversity” as well as the expanded committee role, a name change was determined to be important so as to better characterize the roles of the committee and support effectiveness. A larger variety of names were evaluated with the most appropriate choice being “FishCAST – Fisheries Community Advocacy for (and) Sustainability Team.” The description of the committee in the AFS Rules remains the same but new Procedures were adopted by the Governing Board to better reflect the current suite of activities. Proposed Motion: To change the name of the AFS Standing Committee on Diversity and Inclusion to “FishCAST – Fisheries Community Advocacy for (and) Sustainability Team” by modifying the AFS Rules as provided below. AFS Rules Section 14.ix FishCAST – Fisheries Community Advocacy for (and) Sustainability Team DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE provides oversight for AFS efforts to increase and maintain diversity in membership and the fisheries profession, and to assure that all AFS activities and programs are fully inclusive. Annually assesses AFS initiatives and programs related to diversity and inclusion, and makes recommendations for improvement to the Executive Director, Officers, and Governing Board. The Committee operates in close coordination with the Equal Opportunities Section, and other Sections whenever appropriate. Item #3 – Removal of Audit Committee and inclusion of duties into the Financial Planning and Procedures Committee Background: The report of Special Committee to Evaluate Status of AFS Standing Committees (Attached) included a series of recommendations to improve the efficiency of AFS operations. One of these is to merge the roles of two committees, the AFS Audit Committee and the Financial Planning and Procedures Committees. Both committees support this action. The motion to address this in the AFS Procedures and Rules was approved by the Governing Board at its meeting on Saturday, September 14. Proposed Motion: Move that AFS amend the Rules to remove all language relevant to the Audit Committee, with the text of the Rules changes overseen by the Management Committee. Rules changes would include the following: AFS Rules Section 14.b.ii AUDIT COMMITTEE conducts an audit of Society finances and provides a report to the Executive Director and President concerning the results and any recommendations AFS Rules Section 14.b FINANCIAL PLANNING & PROCEDURES COMMITTEE: Reviews AFS financial trends and the annual audit of AFS finances and provides recommendations to the Management Committee with the overall goal of ensuring financial sustainability. Item #4 – Elimination of the Names of Aquatic Invertebrates Committee (NAIC) Background: The report of Special Committee to Evaluate Status of AFS Standing Committees (Attached) included a series of recommendations to improve the efficiency of AFS operations. One of these is to eliminate the Names of Invertebrate Committee (NAIC). This committee has been inactive for over a decade and there are not plans to re-establish this committee Proposed Motion: Move that AFS amend the AFS Rules to remove all language relevant to the Names of Aquatic Invertebrates Committee (NAIC), with the text of the Rules changes overseen by the Management Committee. Rules Section 14.b.xix NAMES OF

September 16, 2024 No Comments

SP2ARK Fellowship Program

Key Details: Program Content: The SP²ARK program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering: The Training Team: The program is led by a core team of four experts with backgrounds in government affairs, marine ecology, fisheries research, and aquatic invasive species management. Their combined expertise spans scientific research, policy, media, and creative science communication, ensuring a comprehensive and innovative training experience. There will also be featured guest speakers across the fellowship program. Benefits for Participants and CASS: To Apply: We believe SP²ARK aligns perfectly with CASS’s mission to promote the importance and value of aquatic sciences. By investing in our early-career members’ communication skills, we’re strengthening the voice of aquatic sciences in public discourse and policy-making. For more detailed information about the program, including eligibility criteria and the application process, please contact: [email protected] This opportunity is funded by the National Science Foundation (Award #2233789). Links: Application: https://forms.gle/XUv2vUiQN7bktvft9 Website: https://storymaps.com/stories/200848fa16f44d148072cb60d4b4fb96 For more information: [email protected]

September 11, 2024 No Comments

Announcements

Oxford University Press to Publish the American Fisheries Society’s Publications

Oxford University Press (OUP) has announced a major new agreement with the American Fisheries Society (AFS) to publish its five prestigious peer-reviewed journals and Fisheries, the society’s monthly membership magazine, from 1 January 2025. The publications will join OUP’s portfolio of more than 500 titles, three-quarters of which are published on behalf of learned and professional societies.

September 4, 2024 No Comments

Announcements

Jeff Kopaska Selected as Next AFS Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 26, 2024 Contact: Beth Beard, [email protected](301) 453-5818 JEFF KOPASKA NAMED NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY August 26, 2024 – Bethesda, Md: After a nationwide search, AFS President Cecil Jennings has announced that Jeff Kopaska has been selected as the next Executive Director of the American Fisheries Society (AFS). He will succeed Doug Austen, who will be retiring in September 2024 after 11 years in the role. Kopaska was most recently Fisheries Biometrician for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. In this position, he performed a wide range of responsibilities including designing, developing, and managing data systems, web sites, and technology products; communicating and engaging with stakeholders; supervising employees and assisting in fisheries management activities, project development, and grant writing; and performing fiscal and planning activities including contract oversight and budgeting. Prior to joining the Iowa DNR, Kopaska held various research and science roles at Iowa State University. He holds a BA from Dordt University and an MS from Iowa State, and is a Certified Public Manager. Kopaska is already a well-known and active AFS member. He was President of the North Central Division and the Iowa Chapter, President of the Data and Technology Section, President Elect of the Fisheries Management Section, and he has served on numerous committees, often as chair. He has also served on the Governing Board of the Society three times and is currently on the Management Committee. “We couldn’t be more pleased to find a candidate who is both so well-versed in AFS and also brings such a great skill set to this position,” said AFS President Jennings. “We are confident in his ability to lead the multi-faceted operations of our Society, help us face any current and future challenges, and take advantage of opportunities to grow this historic organization.” The Executive Director of AFS leads a group of 14 full-time staff engaged in tasks such as scientific publishing, conference management, professional development, membership services, volunteer management, grants and development, fiscal management, and communications. Founded in 1870, AFS is the world’s oldest and largest fisheries science society. The mission of AFS is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals. “I’m humbled by this opportunity to direct the operations of this prestigious society that I’ve already given so much of my time,” said Kopaska. “I’m looking forward to working with the Officers, Governing Board, and staff to build upon our 150-year heritage of conserving our aquatic resources and serving the fisheries profession.” “I’d like to thank the Executive Director Search Committee for their thorough yet efficient management of this search process,” said Jennings. “Most of all, I would like to thank Doug Austen for his 11 years of leadership—I speak for the entire Governing Board in offering him hearty congratulations and best wishes on his much-deserved retirement.” # # # Caption: Jeff Kopaska, incoming Executive Director of the American Fisheries Society. Editor’s note: Contact Beth Beard at [email protected] for a high-resolution photo. Founded in 1870, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) is the world’s oldest and largest fisheries science society. The mission of AFS is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals. With five journals and numerous books and conferences, AFS is the leading source of fisheries science and management information in North America and around the world.

August 26, 2024 No Comments

Announcements

ECODIVE Survey on Scientific Conferences

Calling all AFS members! We need your help to make future conferences more accessible and equitable. AFS is a partner on the Evaluating COnferences for DIVerse Engagement (ECODIVE, ecodiveconferences.org) project and survey, which aims to understand the benefits and barriers to attending conferences. This study has been approved by the West Chester University Institutional Review Board, protocol IRB-FY2024-155. Why should you participate? You can help us make conferences better and more accessible You may enter to win a $100 Visa gift card You may enter to win free registration to the 2025 SFS annual meeting in San Antonio, TX You can help us by completing a short survey that should take you about 10-15 minutes. Please take the survey here: https://wcupa.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bENrO2Nh058nDtc For more information, contact Megan Fork ([email protected]).

August 23, 2024 No Comments

Announcements

AFS Nominating Committee Seeks Nominations for Second Vice President

The AFS Nominating Committee is charged with selecting a slate of candidates for the American Fisheries Society office of Second Vice President. We have recently begun this process for the 2025 election. However, the Nominating Committee recognizes that there are limitations to their ability to identify potential future leaders of the Society from within all of the Sections and Units of AFS. Therefore, the committee is asking for your help to identify these potential future leaders for the committee’s consideration. If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming an officer of the Society, please send their name, contact information, and a brief, few sentence background (current position within the fisheries profession, geographic location, AFS leadership experience) to Nominating Committee Chair Eric Fetherman ([email protected]). Self-nominations are welcome!

August 23, 2024 No Comments

Now Accepting Bulk Pre-Orders for Standard Methods for Sampling Book

Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes, Second Edition Bulk Pre-Orders Due to popular demand, AFS is pleased to offer bulk pre-orders for the forthcoming book Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes, 2nd edition. A special discount of 35% off will be applied to bulk pre-orders of 25 or more copies – great for agencies, organizations, and universities. Pre-ordered copies will be shipped directly from the printing press once the book is published later this summer. This pre-order offer is only available for a limited time*, so place your order before it’s too late! Bulk Pre-Order Information: *Delayed or flexible invoicing available; will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis Book Description: Second updated edition of an important, popular reference book that provides standard sampling methods recommended by the American Fisheries Society (AFS) for assessing and monitoring freshwater fishes in North America. Involves contributions from over 500 fisheries scientists from almost 200 agencies, universities, and nongovernmental organizations from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Methods apply to ponds, reservoirs, natural lakes, streams, and rivers containing cold and warmwater fishes and, new to this edition, Great Lakes, cenotes, and wetlands. Rangewide and ecoregional averages for indices of abundance, population structure, and condition for almost 50 individual species are supplied to facilitate comparisons of standard data among populations and are much expanded for this edition. Provides information on converting nonstandard to standard data, statistical and database procedures for analyzing and storing standard data, methods to prevent transfer of invasive species while sampling, information on new techniques since the first edition such as environmental DNA sampling, and the latest methods to calibrate electrofishers. Effort led by AFS, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, and five other state and federal agencies. Foreword by Ian J. Winfield, former President of the Fisheries Society of the British Isles and Member of the BSI British Standards Committee EH/003/05 Biological Methods. Edited by:Scott Bonar, Norman Mercado-Silva, and Kevin Pope 860 pages est., hardcover, indexList price: $89.00AFS Member price: $62.30Item Number: 550.90C

May 23, 2024 No Comments

American Fisheries Society Announces Search for Next Executive Director

The American Fisheries Society has launched a nationwide search for a new Executive Director to lead the staff and operations of the more than 150-year-old scientific society. After over 10 years at the helm, current Executive Director Doug Austen has announced his retirement later this year. President Cecil Jennings has formed an Executive Director Search Committee, which is now accepting applications. With more than 6,000 members from around the world, AFS is a member-driven professional organization that was founded in 1870 and serves as the leading source of fisheries and management information across North America and around the world. Members represent a broad diversity of expertise in the fisheries sector, including academics, managers, practitioners, fishers, and students. The mission of the Society is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals. Interested applicants should read the full position announcement below and apply at https://afsawards.awardsplatform.com/. Application review will begin on May 15. For questions or to recommend potential candidates, please contact Search Committee Chairs Dennis DeVries ([email protected]) or Mike Allen ([email protected]). Download PDF of Position Announcement POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTEXECUTIVE DIRECTORFull-time position with a projected start date in August 2024 The American Fisheries Society (AFS, Society) is seeking an Executive Director (ED) to replace the current ED who will retire in 2024. With more than 6,000 members from around the world, AFS is a member-driven professional organization that was founded in 1870 and serves as the leading source of fisheries and management information across North America and around the world. Members represent a broad diversity of expertise in the fisheries sector, including academics, managers, practitioners, fishers, and students. The mission of the Society is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals. About the American Fisheries SocietyAFS is active in publishing, hosting meetings and workshops, providing advice on policy, and promoting education and professional development. AFS publishes five of the top peer-reviewed journals in the field in disciplines that include fisheries science (Transactions of the American Fisheries Society), aquaculture (North American Journal of Aquaculture), aquatic animal health (Journal of Aquatic Animal Health), fisheries management (North American Journal of Fisheries Management), and marine/ coastal fisheries (Marine and Coastal Fisheries). The Society’s magazine, Fisheries, is published monthly and includes well-cited, high-impact scientific papers along with news, current events, editorials, letters, unit activities, and information from the officers. In addition, AFS publishes books that are important to management, research, and teaching in all areas of aquatic science. AFS hosts an annual meeting that takes place in different locations across North America each year. Selected units of the Society representing regional and subject focus areas (Divisions, Chapters, and Sections) are promoted and integrated within the leadership and assist as needed. Relative to policy, AFS seeks to improve the conservation and sustainability of fish and aquatic resources through thoughtful engagement with decision-makers, capitalizing on the expertise of its members to influence policy outcomes in key areas to benefit aquatic resources. Finally, AFS promotes education and professional development through its professional certification program, curriculum promotion, professional standards, and student involvement. AFS has traditionally been headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and currently employs 14 staff who work remotely other than at an approximately monthly on-site meeting. The Society subunits include 4 regional divisions, 24 Sections, 27 standing committees, 45 state/province Chapters, and 92 Student Subunits. AFS members volunteer to lead and manage those subunits, which are intended to advance the Society’s objectives within the varied disciplines of fisheries science and practice. The Executive Director PositionThe AFS ED serves as the Society’s business manager, secretary, and treasurer (duties are more fully detailed in Section 9 of the AFS Constitution and Rules; see https://fisheries.org/about/governance/constitution-and-rules/). The ED is contracted by the Society, and is provided direction by the Governing Board, the voting members of which consist of five elected officers, the Division Presidents and Presidents-elect, Presidents of Sections with >50 members, and the President of the Student Subsection of the Education Section. The Governing Board guides the Society at the highest level and is the ultimate authority for the operation of the Society. The Management Committee, which includes a subset of Governing Board members, functions as an Executive Committee of the Governing Board and is responsible for monitoring Society activities to ensure that policies and plans approved by the Governing Board are implemented appropriately. The Management Committee is also responsible for guiding the ED in executing the Society’s mission, reporting to the Governing Board on all decisions, and overseeing financial decision-making. Reporting to the Governing Board, the ED will: Primary Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe ED is responsible to the AFS Governing Board and acts with its advice and consent. The ED’s duties include managing the Society’s daily activities, representing the Society in all business operations, being responsible for and communicating with the membership through Fisheries, reporting to the Management Committee and to the Society, assisting with units and committees, and aiding with the Society’s strategic direction. The ED also maintains the Society’s official records and arranges Management Committee, Governing Board, and Society meetings (with the aid of the Arrangements Committee). As the Society’s treasurer, the ED collects and receives moneys due to the Society, has custody of Society funds, and pays all Society accounts owed and other expenditures authorized by the Governing Board. As business manager, the ED prepares annual Society budget, employs/discharges and directs AFS staff, manages space for the Society, has custody of the Society’s library, and promotes development of Society membership. Other responsibilities include: MembershipProvide a high level of service and value to Society members and continue to build AFS as an organization that enhances the professional experience of members and contributes substantially to fisheries and aquatic science conservation and sustainability. Maintain effective outreach to units and identify ways to improve member benefits and services. Ensure that member communications and marketing provide value and increase engagement to

March 29, 2024 No Comments

Announcements

Call for Abstracts for 2024 AFS Annual Meeting

Call for Abstracts – Oral and Poster Presentations Abstract Submission Opens: March 25, 2024Abstract Extended Deadline: May 3, 2024 Submit abstract The American Fisheries Society (AFS), President Cecil Jennings, the AFS Western Division, and AFS Pacific Islands Chapter are excited to host the 154th AFS Annual Meeting, September 15-19, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawai’i. Symposia related to the meeting theme “Conserving Fishes and Fishing Traditions through Knowledge Co-Production” and other sessions offer a wide range of topics focusing on the past, present, and future of fisheries conservation and management as we bring together professionals from across North America, the Pacific Islands, and countries throughout the world. Call for Abstracts Abstracts can be submitted for a live, in-person presentation. All presenters will be asked to provide a recorded version of their presentation prior to the meeting. The recorded presentations will be made available to conference registrants, during and after the meeting. We will not be able to accommodate live, remote presentations during the conference. Presentation guidelines and additional instructions will be provided in future correspondence. During the submission process you will indicate if you were invited to speak as part of a symposium session. Abstracts submitted to symposium sessions that are not selected for inclusion will be considered for inclusion in a contributed topic session. Abstracts should include the following: Primary Author, Affiliation, and contact information. Title (12-word limit) Short title (under 30 characters) Abstract (300-word limit) Session – Session information can be found here Abstract Type (Oral -12 minutes, Lightning – 5-minutes, or Poster) Keywords (maximum of 5) Student Presentation Co-Authors, affiliations, and emails Questions: Please contact the Program and Symposia Chair Julie Carter ([email protected]) for questions about abstract submissions related to symposia. Please contact Program Co-Chairs, Tim Grabowski ([email protected]) for questions related to contributed papers and Yinphan Tsang ([email protected]) for questions related to posters (unrelated to a specific symposium). Please contact Tricia Fry ([email protected]) for information on your submission or the submission process.

March 27, 2024 No Comments

Announcements

9th World Fisheries Congress in Seattle Next Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 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.

February 27, 2024 No Comments

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