Committee Forum

Aquaculture Committee

Idaho Chapter American Fisheries Society

Chairperson

Brian Grant
Phone: 208-588-2219
Email: bgrant@idfg.idaho.gov

Fish culture is truly the cornerstone of the American Fisheries Society - our parent society was originally started in 1870 as the American Fish Culturists' Association. While our name and focus has changed over the years to now encompass all disciplines of fisheries and ecosystem management, one thing remains the same - aquaculture will continue to play an important role in resource management for years to come.

Idaho is extremely rich in diversity with regards to our aquaculture programs and we employ some of the "best and brightest" in the business. Between our tribal programs, federal programs, state programs, university programs and an incredibly large private sector, we've got quite a bit to be proud of!

As aquaculturists, we have a long history in the development of this professional Society and it's up to us to continue to foster growth and development as well as provide direction for the generations that follow. What better time than right now to get active in AFS at both the State and National level? As members, let's do our part to help spread the word to both member and non-member fisheries professionals. Get interested in AFS, get involved, and help us make our Chapter one of the best in the nation!

Mission

To promote the continuing development and enhancement of aquaculture and recognize its significance as an integral tool used in fisheries conservation and management.

Goals

The goals of the ICAFS Aquaculture Committee are:

Goal 1: Boost attendance at ICAFS functions from our aquaculture community.

Goal 2: Arrange for a student(s) to be mentored within the IDFG hatchery system.

Goal 3: Work in cooperation with the ICAFS President Elect to arrange a session dedicated to aquaculture related papers and presenters at the 2008 annual meeting in Post Falls.

Goal 4: Create an award to recognize an outstanding aquaculture professional or facility/hatchery. This award should be given every 1-2 years at the ICAFS annual meeting with the intent to help build positive morale amongst aquaculture professionals and encourage membership in AFS.

Progress Report

IDFG hatchery supervisors have been notified of our intent to try and incorporate a student(s) into the hatchery system during the summer months when school is out. This is a long term goal and may take a few years to get going. Plans are to contact the mentoring committee for assistance and get the ball rolling to make this happen.
Work has begun to arrange a session focusing on hatchery/aquaculture related topics for the ICAFS annual meeting in Post Falls. Numerous state, private and university personnel have responded to our request looking for presenters and are excited to participate.
Prior to the annual meeting, we will send out a request to accept nominations for an outstanding aquaculture professional or facility/hatchery. Nominations will be reviewed, a winner decided and an award given at the annual meeting in Post Falls.
The committee is in the process of arranging a continuing education course (How to Work Effectively with the Media) to be held prior to the annual meeting in Post Falls. See Page 3 - September 2007 Gillraker Gazette.