I am deeply honored to serve as president of the California Nevada Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, and am enthusiastic about working with the amazing officers and committee members of this outstanding and valued institution. 

 

We are in a rather challenging period... social and political turmoil, continued human expansion, climatic extremes and environmental responses.... From coastal algal blooms to continued attempts to develop answers and generate societal support; whether Delta fixes or re-watering Nevada's Walker Lake.   We are also seeing lines drawn in the sand and stakeholders focusing on how far we are on either side of a line rather than identifying points resting near the line that all can agree upon addressing.  Therefore, we are observing little measurable results from the efforts we are employing.  Now, more than ever, we need to work on finding common goals that we can agree upon and then acquire the energy necessary to achieve those goals.

 

The American Fisheries Society's mission is to improve conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals.  As I assume this role, I keep in mind my belief in the Society and the capabilities of our chapter. CalNeva is the largest regional Society chapter consisting of over 400 members.   With our ability to tap the knowledge and experience of so many fisheries professionals and students, it is clear we need to harness this energy to focus on issues we have a strong chance of fixing.  I say this because our chapter is located in a region under severe resource pressures; even more so , given unprecedented drought conditions.  It is imperative that our chapter continues aggressively engaging in activities to advance sound science that supports successful fisheries conservation, especially under these changing times and potential future scenarios. 

 

Keeping these ideas in mind over the next 12 months, I will encourage CalNeva to continue advancing its goals of mentoring future fishery professionals, maintaining professional integrity, and injecting sound, science-based recommendations to improve the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems into public decision making processes. Furthermore, I believe it's imperative that our chapter broadens its base beyond the traditional core region.  Working with our amazing executive committee and student chapters, we will increase focus on engaging fisheries scientists, educational facilities and stakeholders outside the core California Central Valley Region to be more representative of the diverse ecological and resource issues that face our region and the diversity of scientists that engage them.  Taking the lead of Ramona Swenson and Laurie Earley, we will also rebuild relationships with the Wildlife Society focusing on shared visions and goals.

 

But I also see another significant issue; over the past few years I have observed last-minute-folks wanting to join the Society simply to attend the annual meeting and save money.  In many cases there have been stalemates between employers and employees about who pays for membership.  In the end, everyone loses, including AFS.   Whether it is the employer's responsibility or the individual's does not matter. The fact that AFS has not made it clear why fishery professionals should or must be members is a failure on our part.  What do members get for the money?  What do employers get for money?  What does it mean to be a certified fisheries scientist?  What does it mean to be a member?  What is the value of taking a class or attend a meeting?  Why is it imperative that fisheries professionals participate in the Society?

 

I remember some rather heated elections when I was a student member. Today, we typically find one very busy, dedicated person who volunteers for an elected position.  Why?  More pointedly, shouldn't we reinvigorate the call from fisheries professionals to participate in AFS?   The Society offers training, knowledge sharing, an outlet for peer-review and social interaction, and a common voice for resource issues that must be addressed.  On the flip side, we as a group need to also ask what we can do for the Society.  What issues can we work on together?  How can we mentor new scientists?  What can we as individuals do to benefit the Society and fisheries issues?  We need to revive enthusiasm into our chapter and I challenge each and every one of us to provide recommendations on how to do so.  For instance, when was the last time we had an officer from Nevada?  CALNEVA must expand beyond Central Valley focus to facilitate collaboration and conversation at all corners of the chapter, focus on providing more professional training classes, and continue building on student mentorship. 

But to do so, educational facilities and resource agencies must become re-engaged.  Where else will young professionals and students get these experiences?  The bottom line is we need a clear message about the roll of mentorship!

 

In closing, I have recently seen some amazing students attending and working with AFS.  They are shining beacons of hope for our Chapter!  I look forward, not only to the challenges that lie ahead but the interaction and collaboration with our members.   With your help, I am hoping for and aspiring to great things for CalNeva this year!