Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting

Scott Bonar Becomes President of the American Fisheries Society

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 2019 Contact: Beth Beard [email protected] Tel. 240-687-3761 SCOTT BONAR BECOMES PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY RENO, NEVADA — Scott Bonar, Ph.D., has become the 135th President of the American Fisheries Society (AFS). He assumed office on October 2, 2019, at the Joint Conference of the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society in Reno. The historic joint conference drew thousands of fisheries and wildlife scientists and professionals as they gathered from throughout North America and around the world to share their expertise. Dr. Bonar is a Professor of Natural Resources at the University of Arizona and Leader of the USGS Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. He has conducted award-winning natural resources work in natural resources programs of state and federal government, universities, and private industry for over 25 years, authoring over 100 publications and supervising over 80 employees. His co-op unit won the highest award in the nation for relations with cooperators, and science respectively. He holds a B.S. degree in Science Education from the University of Evansville and a Ph.D. in Fisheries Science from the University of Washington. Dr. Bonar’s fisheries work focuses on management and biology of fishes in the Western United States. He and his students have conducted research on fish-habitat relationships, interactions between native and nonnative fishes, rare fish propagation and fish diseases. He led over 250 biologists from 107 agencies, universities and private organizations to standardize freshwater fisheries monitoring in North America, the first time this has been done on such a large scale in history. “I have enjoyed almost 35 years as a member of the American Fisheries Society, and at no other time have I seen such a compelling need for strong management action to preserve our continent’s fisheries, fish populations, aquatic systems, and frankly, our way of life,” Bonar said. “Our aquatic treasures are under a threat like never before. Many members have told me that they expect AFS to be a voice for them because they cannot provide a strong voice in their jobs. We must ensure we are fulfilling this role.” “Dr. Bonar brings a vision for the future and the communication skills needed to help AFS address some of the major issues facing North American fisheries,” said AFS Executive Director Doug Austen. “As we approach the 150th anniversary of the Society, we look forward to his leadership to lay the groundwork for continued growth and relevancy.” # # # EDITORS’ NOTES General background: AFS is dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources. Membership is mostly drawn from the scientific community but also includes fisheries professionals such as managers, administrators, educators and consultants. 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. Specific to the Joint Conference in Reno: Please see the conference website (afstws2019.org) for more information, or download the app (“AFS TWS 2019”) and follow the conference on Facebook (@AmericanFisheriesSociety) and Twitter (@AmFisheriesSoc) for the latest news and details on registration and events. The AFS TWS joint conference and associated trade show is taking place at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and will feature keynote addresses by globally renowned fisheries and wildlife scientists. Hundreds of scientific abstracts have been submitted for presentation at dozens of symposia featuring key topics and emerging issues in fisheries science. More than 3,000 fisheries and wildlife scientists and professionals are expected to attend the conference this year.

October 2, 2019 No Comments

Annual Meeting

Kenneth Beal Receives Emmeline Moore Prize

(Reno, NV) October 2019 – Kenneth Beal received the Emmeline Moore Prize at the 2019 American Fisheries Society (AFS) Joint Conference with The Wildlife Society in Reno, Nevada. AFS President Jesse Trushenski presented the award at the meeting’s plenary session. This award is 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 “We applaud the distinguished contributions of Ken Beal and thank him for his continuous efforts to service and commitment to diversity initiatives that help advance aquatic research,” said AFS President Jesse Trushenski. Ken Beal is a past president of AFS and is currently in retirement, after serving NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service in Gloucester, Massachusetts. He is being recognized today for his work on the AFS Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology program. Ken Beal and Gene Fritz conceived the Hutton Program 20 years ago to increase diversity within AFS and within the fisheries profession. Hutton Scholars learn first-hand about the profession by assisting mentors with their summer fisheries research work. This is a great success story for AFS, as the program hosted its 19th class of high school students in the summer of 2019. A total of 689 students have participated in the Hutton Program to date; of this number, 55% have been minority students and 58% have been female students. # # # Editor’s Notes: 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. General link: fisheries.org Link to AFS Annual Meeting: https://afstws2019.org/

October 1, 2019 No Comments

Annual Meeting

Harriet MacGill Perry Receives Fisheries Conservation Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2019 Contact: Beth Beard [email protected] (Reno, NV) October, 1 2019 – Harriet MacGill Perry of the University of Southern Mississippi (retired) received the President’s Fishery Conservation Award at the 2019 American Fisheries Society (AFS) Joint Conference with The Wildlife Society in Reno, Nevada. AFS President Jesse Trushenski presented the award at the day’s plenary session. The President’s Fishery Conservation Award recognizes individuals or entities for singular accomplishments or long-term contributions that advance aquatic resource conservation at a regional or local level. “We applaud the distinguished contributions of Harriet Perry and thank her for her efforts to conserve Gulf of Mexico crab fisheries,” said AFS President Jesse Trushenski. Perry is a Senior Research Scientist and Professor Emerita at the Center for Fisheries Research and Development, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, at The University of Southern Mississippi. Prior to her retirement in 2011, Perry served as Director of the Gulf Coast Research Lab. During her 50+ year career, Perry has conducted research on crabs and other marine invertebrates, including study on the effects of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill on deep-sea red crabs. Perry and her students worked with blue crab fishermen for over 40 years, teaching them about blue crab biology and how to understand their sampling gear. In return, the fishermen shared their catch data and allowed Harriet and her students to accompany them on fishing trips. The database created by Perry and the fishermen has documented population trends in blue crabs in many areas of the Gulf of Mexico over a long period. # # # Editor’s Notes: 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. General link: fisheries.org Link to AFS Annual Meeting: https://afstws2019.org/

October 1, 2019 No Comments

Annual Meeting

Daniel Hayes Receives the Excellence in Fisheries Education Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2019 Contact: Beth Beard [email protected] MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR DANIEL HAYES RECEIVES EXCELLENCE IN FISHERIES EDUCATION AWARD (Reno, NV) October, 1 2019 – Daniel Hayes received the Excellence in Fisheries Education Award at the 2019 American Fisheries Society (AFS) Joint Conference with The Wildlife Society in Reno, Nevada. AFS President Jesse Trushenski presented the award at the day’s plenary session. The Excellence in Fisheries Education Award recognizes excellence in organized teaching and advising in the field of fisheries. “We applaud the distinguished contributions of Daniel Hayes and thank him for his continuous efforts to share the value of fisheries through teaching,” said AFS President Jesse Trushenski. The recipient of this year’s award, Dr. Daniel Hayes, is a Professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife as part of the Partnership for Ecosystem Research and Management. # # # Editor’s Notes: 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. General link: fisheries.org Link to AFS Annual Meeting: https://afstws2019.org/

October 1, 2019 No Comments

Annual Meeting

Stan Moberly Receives Inaugural Stan Moberly Award for Fish Habitat Conservation from the American Fisheries Society

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2019 Contact: Beth Beard [email protected] STAN MOBERLY RECEIVES STANLEY A. MOBERLY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS IN FISH HABITAT CONSERVATION FROM THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY (Reno, NV) October 1, 2019 – Stan Moberly received the first annual Stanley A. Moberly Award for Outstanding Contributions in Fish Habitat Conservation established in 2019. American Fisheries Society’s (AFS) President Jesse Trushenski presented the award at a Plenary Session at the AFS Joint Annual Conference with The Wildlife Society in Reno, Nevada. The Stanley A. Moberly Award is presented to an individual who has achieved significant success in a fish habitat career related to research, policy, management, education, project implementation, vision, communications and outreach, or some other endeavor. “We applaud the distinguished contributions of Stan Moberly and thank him for his continuous efforts to further the conservation of fish habitats,” said AFS President Jesse Trushenski. Stan Moberly, is a familiar face at AFS events since he joined in 1964. He served as President of the Alaska Chapter and Western Division and eventually President of the Society in 1987-1988. Moberly moved from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to Alaska in 1970 to take a position with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as Project Leader for Sockeye Salmon. In 1987, Moberly elected early retirement and took a position with Northwest Marine Technology (NMT) as Director of Marketing. Moberly’s year as AFS President was during his transition from government to work in the private sector. One of his first presidential actions was to gather leaders of the nation’s conservation, environmental, commercial and recreational fishing industries, and the media to address the problem of the nation’s continuing loss of aquatic habitat. At their second meeting in October 1988, the leaders established F.I.S.H. (Fishermen Involved in Saving Habitat), a coalition for the conservation of aquatic habitat. Moberly was the first Chairman, serving from 1988-1994. F.I.S.H. was adopted by the four interstate fisheries commissions and was instrumental in NOAA Fisheries creating an Office of Habitat Conservation in the mid-1990s. His vision included writing the original Memo of Understanding which was the document creating the Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource Association (MICRA). The document was so well thought out and inclusive, that not one change was made. Moberly’s “co-authors” were Judge Harold Brown (Warrenton, Oregon) & Dr. Keith Jefferts, President of NMT (Shaw Island, Washington). Throughout his career, Moberly has worked in the trenches, served as leader, and mentored the next generation of fisheries professionals. Moberly lives in Tenakee Springs, Alaska, with his wife Linda Perine. # # # Editor’s Notes: 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. General link: fisheries.org Link to AFS Annual Meeting: afstws2019.org

October 1, 2019 No Comments

World Fish Migration Foundation Receives President’s Fishery Conservation Award from the American Fisheries Society

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2019 Contact: Beth Beard 240-687-3761 [email protected] WORLD FISH MIGRATION FOUNDATION RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S FISHERY CONSERVATION AWARD FROM THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY (Reno, Nevada) October 1, 2019 – The World Fish Migration Foundation and its founder, Herman Wanningen, received the President’s Fishery Conservation Award at the 2019 American Fisheries Society (AFS) Joint Conference with The Wildlife Society in Reno, Nevada. AFS President Jesse Trushenski presented the award at one of the meeting’s plenary sessions. The President’s Fishery Conservation Award is awarded for singular accomplishments or long-term contributions that advance aquatic resource conservation at a regional or local level. “The World Fish Migration Foundation has had a major impact on awareness of the importance of conservation of migratory fish all around the world,” said Trushenski. The World Fish Migration Foundation and its founder and leader, Herman Wanningen, is the driving force behind World Fish Migration Day, a one-day global celebration of migratory fish held in April or May every other year. The main goal of World Fish Migration Day is to “improve the public’s understanding of the importance of migratory fish, the need for healthy rivers, the communities that depend on both, and the options we have to minimize or avoid impacts.” On World Fish Migration Day, organizations, schools, and individuals from around the world organize their own events around the common theme of connecting fish, rivers, and people. Most of these events are open to the public. By working with partners, World Fish Migration Day serves to raise awareness, share ideas, and secure commitments to conserve and restore migratory fish and the rivers they use for the benefit of fish and humans. In 2018, the foundation helped local sponsors organize 570 events in 63 countries. # # # Editor’s Notes: 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. General link: fisheries.org Link to AFS Annual Meeting: afstws2019.org For more information about World Fish Migration Foundation please visit: www.worldfishmigrationfoundation.com Contact: Herman Wanningen, WFMF Founder and Creative Director, Mob +31 6 1827 2572 Email: [email protected]

October 1, 2019 No Comments

Annual Meeting

Media Advisory: Joint Annual Conference with The Wildlife Society in Reno

MEDIA ADVISORY WHO: American Fisheries Society (AFS) and The Wildlife Society (TWS) WHAT: Historic first-ever joint conference of the major North American fisheries and wildlife societies that is expected to draw more than 3,000 scientists from around the world WHEN: Five days (September 29 – October 3) WHERE: Reno-Sparks Convention Center HIGHLIGHTS: Monday (September 30) welcome from Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt (invited), Nevada Department of Wildlife Director Tony Wasley, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham Monday Joint Plenary speakers include: Becky Humphries, National Wild Turkey Federation; Zeb Hogan, National Geographic’s “Monster Fish” and University of Nevada Reno; and Shane Patrick Mahoney, Conservation Visions Thursday Joint Plenary Speakers include: Drew Lanham, Clemson University; Scott Bonar, U.S. Geological Survey; and Serra Hoagland, U.S. Forest Service Hundreds of educational presentations will cover issues such as: microplastics, Pacific salmon, invasive species, fish and wildlife diseases, effects of cannabis legalization, environmental DNA and genetics, the global decline of inland fisheries, climate change, wild horses, wildfires, endangered species, marine aquaculture, wolves and other large carnivores, dam removal, avian predation of fish, the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Clean Water Act Rule, working with private landowners, international/transboundary issues such as the Mekong River, drones and other new technology, urban wildlife and fisheries, California’s freshwater resources, and fish and wildlife management on military lands. Reno-vating Habitat Film Festival including more than 80 films Trade Show with more than 100 exhibitors featuring the latest technology for fish and wildlife scientific research 5k event for runners called the “Spawning Run,” filling Bartley Ranch Regional Park with athletic scientists WHY: Scientists and managers will gather to present the latest cutting-edge research on the major issues impacting fisheries and wildlife. CONTACT: Beth Beard, cell 240.687.3761, email: [email protected] [Note: Press Pass Required] Five-day full schedule: https://afs.confex.com/afs/2019/meetingapp.cgi/Day/2019-09-30 Conference Website: https://afstws2019.org/ Founded in 1870, 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. www.fisheries.org

September 9, 2019 No Comments

150th Anniversary

Meeting of the Generations – Panelists Needed

Meeting of the Generations – Perspectives on fisheries from those got us here to those will take us forward A proposal for the AFS 150th Anniversary The Concept: A discussion group representing the full spectrum of fisheries professionals will engage in key conversations about the development of the current state of the profession and looking into the future based on lessons from the past. The group will include 12-15 people and will consist of AFS members from the generations defined by the Pew Research Center in 2019: Silent (born 1928-1945); Boomers (born 1946-1964); Gen X (born 1965-1980); Millennials (born 1981-1996) and Gen Z (born 1997 to present). The Products: Ultimate product will be an article in Fisheries magazine as part of the 2020 volume on AFS 150th Target will be the November or December issue. Panel discussion at Columbus AFS meeting – The group will develop and participate in a session in Columbus to share their thoughts with the registrants. This should include a panel discussion with as many of the group as possible. Other activities could include selected speakers from the panel or invitees to address the challenge of learning from the past to consider the future (future-casting), how do we realize these lessons of history? Key Questions as Starting Points for the Group Introspective: Looking back on my career, how did my career path expectations reflect the reality? What could I have done differently to prepare for the course that I ended up taking? What did I do well that allowed me to succeed or at least survive? What was the greatest surprise? You’ve seen an immense amount of change during your career, what do you see as the greatest opportunities and challenges in the future? Who, if anyone, most influenced your career and how? What lessons can be learned from your experience of passing on lessons-learned from one generation to the next? Looking externally: What were the most significant events that impacted my career and fisheries? Could I have anticipated them (or not)? How do you prepare for things that you cannot anticipate? Change will happen, like it or not, and you can expect as much or more change than the generation heading towards retirement. What do you see as the biggest changes in the years ahead? How will you prepare for them? Based on what the veterans said about their career paths, how does this make you consider your own plans and dreams? What differences do you see across generations with regard to your career pathway, challenges and opportunities? How does this influence how you will look at your career and prepare for or impact the future? What role should the professional societies play in helping to prepare fisheries professionals for the challenges, changes, and career opportunities that they will experience? How have the fundamentals of the profession changed over the years and will it change in the future? What can we all do to make the career development and professional transition easier and more effective? How will this work? Panelists will be selected through nominations submitted by members of the Governing Board and general membership and will by design and to the greatest degree possible reflect the geographic, discipline, gender and ethnic diversity of the profession. Call for nominees will go out by June 1, 2019, with deadline of September 15. Selections complete by September 28. Final selection made by Jesse Trushenski, Scott Bonar, Steve Lochmann and Doug Austen Depending upon attendance, we may try to get the group together at the Reno meeting. However, an initial call of the group will be held in October. This will be mainly introductions, general discussion of goals and products, and rough timeline establishment. Group will establish timeline for subsequent gathering. General Notes While the group could certainly use the questions provided above, they have full authorization to use questions and discussion topics of their own selection. This is not a mentoring of veterans to younger professionals but an exchange of equals sharing their perspectives and learning from each other. The group can reach out as far and wide as they feel appropriate to gain additional insight and perspectives. The group can engage the larger fisheries community through social media, webinars, blogs or whatever tools they feel would be helpful to expand the conversation, share thoughts, or get comments. How to Apply? Simply send a statement of your interest in this group to AFS Executive Director Doug Austen at [email protected] This statement should be no more than one page and should include a description about you as a fisheries professional and possibly include links to a web site or social media (e.g. LinkedIn) that describes some of your work. Most importantly, you should convey how you would contribute to this discussion. As a young fisheries professional, have you been thinking about the challenges ahead? What can the older generation do (or not do) to help transition the leadership? As a more experienced fisheries professional, what do you want to share with those coming after you? Are there mistakes you’ve made, lessons learned, or concerns that you have? Tell us how you will contribute to this fun and fascinating discussion.

August 7, 2019 No Comments

Announcements

AFS 2019 Symposia Proposal Deadline Extended until March 15

Due to numerous requests, symposia proposal submission for the 2019 Joint Conference with The Wildlife Society in Reno-Tahoe has been extended one final time until March 15. “We have been hearing from many people that they simply are still digging out from the impacts of the federal government shutdown and that has impacted their ability to develop high quality symposium submissions,” said AFS Executive Director Doug Austen. “We anticipate that this short extension will give people a little breathing room to get their symposium completed or, for those who simply find the deadline unworkable given the shutdown, to take some time to construct their symposium submission.” Click here to submit a symposium proposal.

March 1, 2019 No Comments

Annual Meeting

AFWA Resolution Endorsing Participation in the AFS-TWS Joint 2019 Meeting in Reno-Tahoe

RESOLUTION #2018-05-07 TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION BY AFWA MEMBERS IN THE 2019 JOINT CONFERENCE OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY AND THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies recognizes and appreciates the importance of ensuring that state, provincial, and federal fisheries and wildlife management agency staff and their partners have access to the best available scientific information to manage and conserve our public trust resources. Accordingly, AFWA encourages its member agencies and organizations to participate in the 2019 joint conference of The American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society, to be held in Reno, Nevada, September 29-October 3, 2019. WHEREAS, state, provincial, and federal fish and wildlife agencies are charged with safeguarding public trust fish and wildlife resources, and do so by employing professional biologists and managers to guide the stewardship of these resources; and WHEREAS, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation recognizes that science is the proper tool for the discharge of fish and wildlife management; and WHEREAS, dissemination and discussion of new and innovative advances in fish and wildlife science can empower the fish and wildlife professionals at state, provincial, and federal fish and wildlife agencies to enhance management and conservation efforts; and WHEREAS, the American Fisheries Society was founded in 1870 and is the world’s oldest and largest fisheries science society, and works 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; and WHEREAS, The Wildlife Society was founded in 1937 and works to inspire, empower, and enable wildlife professionals to sustain wildlife populations and habitats through science-based management and conservation; and WHEREAS, the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society both provide scientific peer-reviewed journals, professional development opportunities, and other services that benefit the fish and wildlife professionals employed by state, provincial, and federal fish and wildlife agencies; and WHEREAS, the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society will host the first-ever joint conference of these two professional societies on September 29 – October 3, 2019, in Reno, Nevada; and WHEREAS, the joint conference will be the largest-ever gathering of fish and wildlife professionals and will provide professional development opportunities and scientific information which is pertinent to the conservation and management of public trust species. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies recognizes and appreciates the importance of this first-ever joint conference of the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies encourages the staff of its member agencies and partner organizations to participate in this joint conference, in order to continue the dissemination of fisheries and wildlife science and thereby ensure the success of science-based management and conservation across North America. Submitted by the Science and Research Committee Adopted September 12, 2018, Tampa, FL

September 28, 2018 No Comments

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