american fisheries society newsletter

ANNUAL MEETING

Theme Days at Virtual Annual Meeting

Several special theme days will be highlighted at the AFS Virtual Annual Meeting in September.

Spotlight on Theme Days

Diversity and Inclusion Theme Day
Learn, engage, and commit at the Diversity and Inclusion (DI) Theme Day on Tuesday, September 15. This session is open to all and free of charge. The primary goals for attendees are to become more literate in DI, normalize DI discussions, and create a list of action steps for AFS to take at multiple organizational levels.

Climate Change Theme Day
Presentations will feature current AFS engagement on climate change, introduce exciting training opportunities to communicate climate impacts on fish, highlight policy developments, and discuss the current state of the science and future research needs. Learn how you can become a champion for fish and fisheries in the face of a changing climate!

Browse the Virtual Silent Auction

Browsing is now open for the Silent Auction - look through fishing and nature trips, art and photography, fishing equipment, and books. Bidding will open the second week of the meeting on September 21.

We are still seeking donations of your talents, skills, and passions as auction items for this important fundraiser: experiences, park passes, artistic creations, tours, and more. Show off your hobbies and crafts, your favorite rivers and lakes, or your cabin at the lake - the possibilities are unlimited!

Looking Back,
Moving Forward

We are delighted to welcome Past President and author Larry Nielsen as the featured speaker for the closing day of the Virtual Annual Meeting. Larry will be followed by an all-star panel of AFS Fellows discussing the future of fisheries.

Organize a Virtual Stream Cleanup!

Despite the virtual nature of this year's Annual Meeting, there are ways to participate in-person in your community! Join or organize a Virtual Stream Cleanup near you to help AFS have an impact on waterways in communities around the country and the world. All the resources you need to organize your Virtual Stream Cleanup are available on this webpage. We are still looking for more volunteers to organize formal or informal events! Set up you own using our all online materials and gather a group of local volunteers to remove trash from a local stream. It's easy, good for your community, and good for fish!

FISHERIES

AFS 150th Anniversary Special Issue of Fisheries

The historical context of current environmental conditions offers vital guidance to North American fisheries professionals as they strive to develop effective management plans and policies. Within this Special Issue of Fisheries, you will see how fisheries professionals have dealt with the many challenges that have faced us in the past—and how we have kept going. You will see how we have celebrated the triumphs of fisheries.

These assemblages of AFS history are some of the most engrossing, entertaining, and in many ways, uniquely enlightening articles that we have published. Without a doubt, you will emerge from the adventure with a new understanding of AFS and possibly of the profession in which you are engaged.

Letter to the AFS Membership Regarding the 150th Anniversary Cover of Fisheries

In response to concerns voiced on social media and elsewhere, the AFS Officers sent a letter to the membership regarding the cover of the August issue of Fisheries, emphasizing the Society's long-term commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

POLICY

ESA Critical Habitat Designation Changes Will Leave At-Risk Species Vulnerable

In response to proposed rulemaking regarding the definition of "critical habitat" for species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), AFS submitted comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service that any definition of habitat within the ESA regulations needs to be broad and flexible enough to account for a wide variety of situations to ensure that the ecosystems upon which endangered species and threatened species depend are conserved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Member Recruiting Extension

The Member-Get-a-Member campaign has been extended until the start of the Virtual Annual Meeting on September 14th! Our AFS recruitment campaign gained considerable momentum, with nearly 50 recruiters and 260 new members. Keep it going! Visit Member-Get-a-Member to check the Leader Board, get the recruitment materials.

New Title: Lessons in Leadership

New in the Bookstore: Lessons in Leadership: Integrating Courage, Vision, and Innovation for the Future of Sustainable Fisheries, edited by William Taylor, Andrew Carlson, Abigail Bennett, and C. Paola Ferreri.

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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