Aquaculture Committee

Chairperson

Doug Munson
Phone: 208-939-2413 ext. 113
Email: doug.munson@idfg.idaho.gov

Overview

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 active 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

The mission of the Aquaculture committee is 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 committee will seek to accomplish the mission through the following goals:

Goal 1: Boost attendance at ICAFS functions from our aquaculture community.
Goal 2: Host another continuing education workshop at the 2010 ICAFS annual meeting. The workshop will focus on disinfection products, protocols and procedures.
Goal 3: Organize a presentation which will be given to students at U of I. This presentation will focus on the field of aquaculture. The goal of the presentation is to give students some background on the roles aquaculture plays in fisheries conservation and management. We will discuss how hatcheries operate and the different responsibilities they have. We will also talk about what kind of jobs are out there for those interested in pursuing a career in the field.
Goal 4: Arrange for a student(s) to be mentored within the IDFG hatchery system.

Recent Accomplishments

We had 35 attendees at the “Preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance and invasive species” workshop held prior to the 2009 annual meeting in Boise. Everyone who participated received a USFWS Certificate of Completion for HACCP Planning for Aquatic Invasive Species.
Initiated the “Excellence in Aquaculture” award. This honor is given annually at the ICAFS meetings. This award is given in recognition for outstanding achievement in the field of aquaculture or aquaculture related research.
Our annual committee meeting had 23 participants, which is definitely a boost in attendance.

2009 Program of Work

The committee will seek to accomplish goals 1-4 through the following program of work:

Continue to encourage and support attendance and participation from the aquaculture community.
USFWS and IDFG personnel have been contacted regarding the planned disinfection workshop and are looking forward to instructing.
Committee members have volunteered to assist with the organization of the aquaculture presentation to be given to interested U of I students.
National AFS needs to be contacted regarding the start-up of a “Hatchery Hutton” junior fisheries biology student to be mentored by Idaho state hatchery personnel.