About Us
The American Fisheries Society is a worldwide organization of professional fishery scientists. Founded in 1870, the society is the world's oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources.
The Idaho Chapter is a local chapter of the Society. The Idaho Chapter was originally founded in 1963 as the Treasure Valley Chapter by 35 fishery professionals from southwestern Idaho. However, the Chapter soon expanded to include all of Idaho and was subsequently renamed the Idaho Chapter. Today, the Idaho Chapter is a large, diverse organization that has hundreds of members scattered across Idaho and surrounding areas. Click for a complete Chapter history: The History of the Idaho Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (PDF)
The mission of the Society and the Idaho Chapter is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by 1) advancing fisheries and aquatic science and 2) promoting the development of fisheries professionals.
The Idaho Chapter accomplishes this mission through a variety of means including:
- Holding an annual professional meeting
- Organizing professional development workshops
- Sponsoring student units at the University of Idaho (Palouse Unit) and Idaho State University (Portneuf Unit)
- Awarding several college scholarships to students pursuing degrees in fisheries and aquatic sciences
- Carrying out numerous public education efforts
- Promoting the development of laws, rules, regulations, and policies that provide for the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems
- Recognizing those who have made significant contributions in advancing fisheries and aquatic science or promoting the development of fisheries professionals
- Encouraging mentoring among fisheries students and professionals
- Producing a newsletter
The Idaho Chapter is governed by the Executive Committee, which consists of the following positions: President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Nominations Chairperson, Past President, Palouse Student Unit President, and Portneuf Student Unit President. These officers, which are elected by Chapter or Student Unit members, are tasked with implementing the mission of the Chapter.
The Chapter accomplishes much of its work through committees. Each committee is made up of Chapter members and is chaired by one to three committee chairpersons. The Chapter currently has nine committees which include:
- Anadromous Fish
- Aquaculture
- Fish Habitat
- Fundraising
- Membership
- Mentoring
- Native Fish
- Public Education
For more information about the Chapter, please contact one of the current Chapter Officers.
Related Links
American Fisheries Society
The History of the Idaho Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (PDF)