AFS - UW-Green Bay

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) was founded in 1870, and is the oldest and largest professional society representing 9000 plus fisheries scientists from around the world (http://fisheries.org/). AFS serves several important functions including: promoting scientific research and sustainable management of fisheries resources, publishing some of the world’s leading fisheries research journals and books, organizing scientific meetings where new results are reported and discussed and encouraging comprehensive education for fisheries professionals

“The mission of the American Fisheries Society is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals.”

AFS is separated into four regional divisions (North Central, Northeastern, Southern and Western) that serve member needs across a large geographic area and coordinate activities federal, provincial and state-level agencies and organizations. Divisions are then partitioned into 48 chapters in North America that connect aspects of fisheries, from marine stock assessment to hatchery management at the state level. The North Central Division, for example, comprises 13 chapters representing 16 states and Ontario (http://www.ncd-afs.org/default.asp). Student subunits are then organized within chapters, typically housed at universities or colleges, and provide a way for students to be involved within their institution and network with local professionals.

The University of Wisconsin – Green Bay Student Subunit of the American Fisheries Society (UWGB AFS) is part of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (http://www.wi-afs.org/) in the North Central Division. UWGB AFS was founded in the fall semester of 2011 by Dr. Patrick Forsythe (faculty advisor) and Dave Lawrence (first President). Our subunit generally meets every week during the academic year to view presentations by local fisheries professionals and participate in social and scientific activities. You can view our subunit mission and bylaws as a PDF by clicking here. Other Wisconsin Student Subunit Chapters include those at Northland College, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and the University of Wisconsin – Stout.