The American Fisheries Society (established 1870 in
New York City), is the "world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing
fisheries science, and
conserving fisheries resources."[1] It is a member-driven
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by an executive director, a governing board, and officers who are guided by the AFS's organizational documents, a constitution, and a set of rules.[2] Their stated mission 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."[3] AFS publishes five peer-reviewed fish journals, books, and the magazine Fisheries, organizes seminars and workshops that promote scientific research and fisheries management, and encourages fisheries education through 58 university-based student subunits. AFS has 48 chapters comprising four geographic regions in
North America — North Central, Northeastern, Southern, and Western — and includes two "bi‐national" chapters (the Atlantic International and
Washington‐
British Columbia chapters) and a
Mexico chapter.[2]
Publications
Journals
AFS publishes five peer-reviewed journals including:[1]