american fisheries society newsletter

Loss of International Colleague

We were saddened to learn this week of the sudden passing of Olaf Weyl of the South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIB). Many AFS members knew Olaf through his work on global inland fisheries issues. He attended the 2019 Annual Meeting in Reno, where he signed a memorandum of understanding between AFS and SAIB, and he also presented at the Virtual Annual Meeting this year. Olaf also recently won the AFS Member-Get-A-Member recruiting challenge. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and SAIB.

FISHERIES

Mid‐ and High‐Engagement Programs to Develop Future Fisheries Management Professionals’ Skills

Aquatic science and fisheries degree granting institutions prepare graduates for science, policy, management, and extension positions across the nation. Increasingly, new graduates are asked to translate their research for diverse audiences but often have received little preparation about outreach, engagement, or science communications during their graduate education. Two professional development programs are designed to prepare future professionals to integrate technical and scientific expertise with the professional skills necessary for effective public engagement.

Is there a Future in the Sustainability Certification of Sardine and Anchovy Fisheries?

Small pelagic fisheries management is difficult because they exhibit large natural abundance fluctuations and are considered forage fish. Challenges faced by these fisheries within the Marine Stewardship Council sustainability certification framework, which evaluates the sustainability of fish stocks, the environmental impact, and effective fisheries management are discussed.

SCIENCE

Assigning Fates in Telemetry Studies Using Hidden Markov Models: an Application to Deepwater Groupers Released with Descender Devices

In this paper, the authors apply a cutting-edge modeling technique (hidden Markov models) in a novel way. This technique improves on existing methods for fate assignment in fish release survival studies. Such studies have increased in popularity as discarding increases for many species (as a result of stricter regulations).

Influence of River Discharge and Temperature Patterns on Migration and Spawn Timing for Coho Salmon

The movement patterns of native migratory fishes may reflect different selection pressures in different environments that are associated with predictable patterns of temperature and discharge. The authors explore spatial and temporal variability in the movement patterns of adult Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch, using data collected from the Umpqua River basin, Oregon.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Books Subscription Program

Did you know that institutions can now provide their staff unlimited access to AFS digital book titles? The five-year subscription includes access to almost 100 current AFS titles in PDF format, as well as all future books released during the subscription period. For more information or to subscribe, please contact Aaron Lerner at [email protected].

This #GivingTuesday, Think of Fisheries

“Giving Tuesday” on December 1st is your chance to think about the organizations you care about and how much more they might be able to do with a gift from you. At AFS, we’re proud of the work we do to advance the fisheries profession. Together we’re a part of a vibrant community that includes more than 8,000 fisheries professionals, scientists, and decision makers from around the world. AFS takes our role in this community seriously and is thrilled to serve our field through convening Annual Meetings, hosting continuing education, publishing five of the world’s leading fisheries journals and a monthly magazine, and much more! This important work takes resources—both in hours of time and dollars. We value the contributions you make, and we make it easy for you to support AFS.

Climate Change Committee Approved

AFS members recently approved the motion to make the Special Committee on Climate Change into a standing committee of the Society. The committee will provide leadership and oversight for AFS communications, outreach, policy, programs, and activities related to the effects of climate change on fisheries and other aquatic resources. You can learn more about AFS climate change initiatives at climate.fisheries.org.

Renew Now for 2021

Now more than ever we need a strong community for fisheries professionals. Renew now so you don't lose access to AFS journals, and discounts on books and event registration.

RESOURCES

EVENTS: See upcoming AFS and other events in our Events Calendar
CAREERS: For the latest JOBS postings from around the U.S. and Canada
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