Interested in fisheries? We’re glad you found us! The American Fisheries Society is here to help you. As the premier professional fisheries society in North America, the American Fisheries Society is the best resource for you in your fisheries career.  Join today!

What is “fisheries”?

“Fisheries” is the career field dealing with fisheries science and management.  A “fishery” is an aquatic resource that has biological (typically fish), environmental (like water quality), and social (people) components.  Fisheries professionals may work for the government, nonprofit organizations, universities and colleges, or private industry, and their work may range from conducting research and investigating problems, to managing a specific fishery in a region, to raising aquatic species in a hatchery.  Some of the jobs that are available in fisheries include:

• Fisheries manager
• Fisheries researcher
• Hatchery manager
• Field technician
• Consultant

Learn more about fisheries and find out if this career is for you!

How do I get started?

If you’re in high school or younger, we strongly encourage you to apply for the Hutton Scholar Program, a summer mentorship program where you will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a local fisheries professional. The sooner you find your career path, the better.  Whether you’re in high school or even younger, the American Fisheries Society has opportunities for you to get started in fisheries.  Check out the reasons to join AFS as a high school student here, and join today!

If you’re thinking about college, refer to the List of Fisheries and Fisheries-Related Programs in North America to help you choose a college that offers a fisheries program suited for you.  Also, check out the Student Subsection, a group of AFS students and young professionals who can provide you with guidance through the advice forums on their website.  Students receive countless benefits by being members of AFS!  Check out the reasons to join AFS as a student here, and join today!