Mission

The mission of the American Fisheries Society and the Georgia Chapter 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.

The Georgia Chapter accomplishes this mission by:

  • Holding annual meetings
  • Organizing professional development workshops
  • Encouraging and supporting the development of students and professionals
  • Sponsoring the UGA subunit
  • Awarding scholarships and travel stipends
  • Recognizing those who have made significant contributions in advancing fisheries and aquatic science or promoting the development of fisheries professionals
  • Using social media platforms to communicate with members and the public
  • Updating our website regularly with news and updates
  • Supporting fish conservation efforts in Georgia by contributing monetary donations to habitat restoration projects and kids fish education programs
  • Creating and participating in aquatic education outreach programs

A special thanks to all of our members, sponsors, and donors who make it possible for us to accomplish our mission and goals.

Click Here to learn how to BECOME A MEMBER

History

The Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (GA-AFS) began in 1986. Initially, the meetings were held in conjunction with the Georgia Fisheries Workers Association (GFWA). In 1990, the American Fisheries Society officially recognized GA-AFS with approval of GA-AFS Bylaws. In 1991, Spud Woodward (GA-AFS President) proposed the combining of GFWA and GA-AFS. In 1992, the two groups voted to merge and continue as the GA-AFS Chapter.

The complete history, compiled by Ronnie J. Gilbert, GAAFS Historian, is available: A History of the Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society pdficon_smaller (444 KB). Also, Ronnie Gilbert and Tom Reinert produced a History of the GA-AFS poster pdficon_smaller (686 KB) and presented it at the 50th Anniversary of the Southern Division, during the 2002 Midyear Meeting in Little Rock, AK.

Chapter Bylaws

Bylaws were last amended in the July 2019.

Membership

Learn more about becoming a member of the Georgia Chapter.

News and Updates

Check out our newsletter.  2021 brought about many changes, including the comeback of our Chapter newsletter.  The archived newsletters can be found here. For the latest information about the Chapter, please visit our Facebook group to keep up with chapter news and events or to share information with other chapter members.