You can join AFS!
Individual Membership Types
Student Member (Max. 7 years)
You qualify for this membership if you are a student enrolled full-time in an approved educational institution. Part-time students or persons who were previously regular members are not eligible. The maximum allowed time is 7 years, after which membership is automatically changed to Early Career Professional.
Benefits: all of the benefits as Regular Membership plus reduced Annual Meeting registration fee, and free access to AFS journals online and InfoBase.
Early Career Professional (valid for 5 years after graduation)
If you are a recent graduate, this category is for you! It is valid for five years after graduation. It was designed to give early career professionals Professional membership at a discounted rate. After five years, the membership automatically changes to Regular membership.
Benefits: subscription to monthly Fisheries magazine, complementary online access to AFS journals, discounts on books and Annual Meeting registration, access to Membership Directory, professional certification
Regular Member
Designed for professionals who have held their degree for more than five years.
Benefits: subscription to monthly Fisheries magazine, complementary online access to AFS journals, discounts on books and Annual Meeting registration, access to Membership Directory, professional certification
Life Membership
Why not make a wise investment? A one-time dues payment will carry you through your entire career.
- Dues: one time cost $2,240.00 (includes lifetime subscription to Fisheries and all AFS journals online)
- Please contact AFS directly to become a Life Member – email membership@fisheries.org or call 301-897-8616, Ext. 205.
Benefits: all of the benefits of Regular Membership
Retired Member
Simply put, we appreciate the many years of service to fisheries and aquatic sciences. So, this category is designed to give our retired members an opportunity to continue to participate in the Society at a discounted rate.
Benefits: all of the benefits as Regular Membership plus reduced Annual Meeting registration fee.
Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC)
Qualification for this membership rate is based on the World Bank Country Classification where individuals from all countries except “high-income” (World Bank) qualify for the reduced membership rate.
Benefits: most of the benefits as Regular Membership. Access to Fisheries magazine is online only; printed copies of the magazine will not be mailed. LMIC members also receive complimentary automatic membership in the International Fisheries Section. Meeting registration is always equal to or slightly less than the student rate.
Gift Membership
AFS members may purchase a gift membership for a new member. Benefits are the same as Regular Membership. Please see the gift membership page for more details.
Honorary Membership
HONORARY MEMBERS are persons who, because of their outstanding professional or other attainments, outstanding service to the Society, or official position, have been elected to permanent dues-free membership in the Society. Honorary Members must be nominated by at least 100 active members and elected by a 2/3 majority of active members present at an annual or special Society meeting. A Life Member elected to Honorary membership retains the privileges of Life membership. Contact kkotche@fisheries.org.
Golden Membership
AFS Golden Members are individuals who have been members for 50 years or more. This honor is automatically conferred and announced at the Annual Meeting each year.
NOTE: All membership dues and subscriptions are applied on a calendar year basis. A print subscription to our monthly Fisheries magazine is included with dues, along with complementary online access to journals. We offer discounts on books and meeting registration. In addition, all members have access to the Membership Directory, Fisheries magazine archives, meeting podcasts, and minutes of the Governing Board.
Organizational Memberships
Strategic Partners
Strategic Partnerships are essential to advancing AFS’s mission. To support organizations that share and strengthen this work, AFS offers a Strategic Partners Program designed for entities closely aligned with our mission and actively engaged in our programs. The initiatives and priorities that define AFS are made possible through the collective contributions of our members and partners—through their expertise, financial support, and time.
The Strategic Partners Program replaces the former Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Sustaining categories with a single, cohesive framework that reflects the full range of benefits a strong relationship with AFS can provide. This updated approach also creates a clear pathway for partners to engage directly with AFS leadership, fostering deeper collaboration and shared impact.
The program has been restructured to offer customized partnership packages tailored to each organization’s specific goals, needs, and capacities. These high-impact, year-round opportunities are designed for partners seeking deeper engagement, greater visibility, and meaningful involvement in fisheries science, policy, and workforce development. Because private- and public-sector organizations bring diverse perspectives and resources, customization ensures each partnership aligns strategically while maximizing value for both the partner and AFS.
How do I become a member?
First, determine which type of membership is best suited to you. There are six types of individual membership, each designed to meet different members’ needs, and three types of institutional membership.
When you join online, you will be directed to a membership portal where you can sign up with the appropriate membership type. After completing payment, you will be able to login to this website and take full advantage of member content and tools!
If you prefer a hardcopy application, click here. Please scan and return to membership@fisheries.org.
Please note that all memberships are valid on a calendar-year basis. Dues received before September 1 will be applied to current calendar year; after September 1, dues will be applied to the next calendar year.
Join today!
