Idaho Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

The [American Fisheries Society](http://fisheries.org/) is a worldwide organization of professional fishery scientists. Founded in 1870, the society is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources. The Idaho Chapter is a local chapter of the Society. The Idaho Chapter was originally founded in 1963 as the Treasure Valley Chapter by 35 fishery professionals from southwestern Idaho. However, the Chapter soon expanded to include all of Idaho and was subsequently renamed the Idaho Chapter. Today, the Idaho Chapter is a large, diverse organization that has hundreds of members scattered across Idaho and surrounding areas. The mission of the Society and the Idaho Chapter is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by 1) advancing fisheries and aquatic science and 2) promoting the development of fisheries professionals. The Idaho Chapter accomplishes this mission through a variety of means including: 1. Holding annual meetings 2. Organizing professional development workshops 3. Encouraging and supporting the development of students and professionals 4. Sponsoring student units at Brigham Young University-Idaho, University of Idaho (Palouse Unit) and Idaho State University (Portneuf Unit) 5. Awarding several scholarships and grants 6. Carrying out numerous public education efforts 7. Recognizing those who have made significant contributions in advancing fisheries and aquatic science or promoting the development of fisheries professionals 8. Producing a newsletter