DESCRIPTION

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) is an international professional and scientific organization of more than 10,000 fisheries managers and aquatic scientists. Founded in 1870, AFS is the world's oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science and conserving fisheries resources. AFS chapters exist throughout North America and members reside in 75 countries. The mission of AFS is to advance the conservation, development, and wise use of fisheries resources; promote the development and advancement of all branches of fisheries science; gather and disseminate scientific and technical information about fisheries science and practice through publications, meetings, and other forms of communication; encourage the teaching of fisheries science and practice in colleges and universities and the continuing professional development of fisheries workers.

SERVICE AND ACTIVITIES

To achieve these objectives AFS activities include publication of fisheries science, organization of fisheries science seminars, workshops and technical meetings; support of expanded and improved federal agency fisheries research and management practices; support of identification and control of fish health problems; support of management of fisheries resources and habitats for optimum sustainable yield; support of enhanced regulation of aquatic pollutants; support of strengthened and scientifically defensible governmental fisheries policies and effective interfurisdicational management structures.

AREA OF CONCENTRATION

AFS has 21 sections focusing on a variety of special disciplines including water quality, as well as bioengineering. Canadian aquatic resources, computer users, early life history, education, equal opportunities estuaries, fish health, fish culture, fisheries administrators, fisheries history, fisheries law, fisheries management, genetics, international fisheries, introduced fish, marine fisheries, native people fisheries, physiology , and socioeconomic.

GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE OF ACTIVITES

International

TYPE OF ORGANIZATION

International nongovernmental professional.