Abstract submission for the 9th World Fisheries Congress has been extended until July 14, 2023. Submit your abstract to participate in one of more than 60 themed sessions available at the 2024 World Fisheries Congress in Seattle, Washington - the first World Fisheries Congress to be held in the United States!

Registration is now open for the Congress! See our now full line-up of training workshops.

Only one week remains to save with early registration rates for the Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids! And current AFS members save even more! Register by July 7 to save.

In a rapidly changing environment where fires are becoming more frequent and severe, scientists and managers need information and tools to enhance understanding of the numerous ways in which fire can affect fisheries. A series of interviews with stakeholders enabled the authors to build a general social-ecological systems model to characterize the social and ecological impacts of a large-scale wildfire on a coastal fishery. The Kenai River fisheries’ social-ecological systems model can be used as a framework to structure discussions among managers and stakeholders, organize our understanding of how fire affects the fishery, and assess vulnerabilities to future disturbance events.

In this Feature Article in Transactions, Steven Railsback and Bret Harvey describe a simulation experiment that indicates that pools cooled by groundwater can let salmonid populations persist under substantial warming, but population size can be limited by the area of refuges and their food and risk conditions.

Over the past two and a half years, professional societies have had to rely on creative brainstorming and nontypical approaches to continue to thrive in this new post-COVID landscape. In some cases, traditional activities may no longer be relevant as we adapt to new processes to engage with our scientific colleagues, recruit and retain members, and provide relevant skills and training to members and the relevant workforce. For this month's column, I'd like to reflect on the role that professional societies play in a member's current and future professional career, as well as the benefits that members currently receive or want to receive in this new space.

Marine systems worldwide and their dependent fisheries are facing a multitude of complex social, economic, and ecological challenges. Developing solutions for sustainable and resilient oceans requires diverse and inclusive science, of which gender equality is an integral part for moving towards more equitable marine futures. Gender equality involves ensuring that women have the same rights and responsibilities, are given the same opportunities and resources, and are not treated less favorably on the basis of their gender.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) requests feedback on Columbia River salmon and other native fish restoration and other relevant information to an ongoing mediation.

Some key questions include:

• What constitutes “restoration” of the lower Snake River and what steps should the federal government take to restore the lower Snake River?
• What considerations should inform the federal government's approach to restoring the lower Snake River?
• What information should the federal government develop to support discussions in the Northwest and in Congress on the restoration of the lower Snake River?
• What considerations should inform the federal government's approach to supporting the upper Columbia River Tribes' reintroduction plan?

Comments are due August 31, 2023.

The Communications Committee of AFS fills a vital role in providing expertise and guidance on developing and implementing a strategic and integrated approach AFS communications, including branding, social media, websites, newsletter, and many other channels of communication. The new co-chair will work with an experienced chair to get up to speed on committee projects and Society communication priorities. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn more about communications while gaining leadership skills! Contact Chair Julie Simpson to learn more and apply: julie.simpson@accsp.org.