Standing Committees are permanent committees established through the Society Constitution. These committees perform a variety of tasks deemed essential by the membership. Committees carry the burden of substantive work conducted for the membership as a whole.

Additional Standing Committees are established through amendments to the Constitution, usually by converting a special committee that has functioned effectively for several years and the charge of which has been deemed worthy of standing-committee status.

The AFS President appoints and charges the chairs and members of all standing committees within 30 days after the annual Society meeting unless otherwise specified. All appointees must be Active Members, and their terms of duty extend to the end of the next annual meeting if not stipulated otherwise.

Standing Committees

AUDIT COMMITTEE conducts an audit of Society finances and provides a report to the Executive Director and President concerning the results and any recommendations.

AWARDS COMMITTEE nominates candidates for Society-level awards, including the Award of Excellence, Carl R. Sullivan Conservation Award, Meritorious Service Award, President’s Fishery Conservation Award, and AFS Fellows inductees.

BOARD OF APPEALS considers appeals from fisheries professionals whose applications for original or renewed certification have been denied by the Board of Professional Certification. Only Certified Fisheries Professionals may serve on the board.

BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION certifies fisheries professionals based on standards and requirements adopted by the Governing Board. Only Certified Fisheries Professionals may serve on the Board. Board members’ terms are three years.

COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE functions as an internal advisory group to facilitate development and implementation of consistent strategies, tools, and practices that guide the conduct of communication from the Society, units (chapters, sections, and divisions). The focus of the committee is the development and maintenance of the AFS Communications Strategic Plan and provision of assessment and recommendations on communication approaches. Helping protect the integrity of the Society’s image or brand will be an outcome of this process. Separate from the committee and headquarters staff, the AFS Science Communication Section will manage science communication expertise as a service to individual members or member groups.

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE is appointed by and responsible to the Management Committee of AFS to assume the primary responsibility for guiding and executing fundraising efforts. The committee works with the staff to develop and execute the organization’s fund development plan and goals and will help educate and inform members about resources needed to realize the organization’s mission. The committee will aid the organization in identifying, cultivating, and approaching donors as well as identifying alternative sources of revenue for other organizational commitments.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE provides oversight for AFS efforts to increase and maintain diversity in membership and the fisheries profession, and to assure that all AFS activities and programs are fully inclusive. Annually assesses AFS initiatives and programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and makes recommendations for improvement to the Executive Director, Officers, and Governing Board. The Committee operates in close coordination with the Equal Opportunities Section, and other Sections whenever appropriate.

ELECTRONIC SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD provides oversight and coordination for electronic membership services, including those pertaining to AFS communications, publications, meetings, unit functions, and the content and structure of the AFS website. Its goal is to maintain high standards of technical content and presentation, ease and continuity of membership access, and review of new electronic tools for membership services according to policies set forth in the current Strategic Plan of the Society.

ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT COMMITTEE educates members about the Standards of Professional Conduct. The Committee also will periodically review and update these standards. The Committee is the authorized body to review any cases regarding ethics forwarded by the Society President. The Committee will determine any procedures for evaluating professional conduct, with special care devoted to maintaining a balanced and fair assessment. The Committee shall maintain confidentiality with respect to all cases and is authorized to review the facts and findings of all prior ethics cases in which the cases may provide precedent or guidance to the Committee in reaching a decision.

FINANCIAL PLANNING AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE works in assessing and evaluating the financial position and procedures of the Society and provides advice and guidance to the Management Committee, Governing Board and AFS leadership on such matters. This committee also coordinates with the Audit Committee and AFS Investment Advisors to develop and promulgate appropriate financial plans for the Society.

HUTTON COMMITTEE oversees the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, a summer mentoring program for high school students designed to stimulate interest in careers in fisheries science and management among groups underrepresented in the fisheries professions.

IMPERILED AQUATIC SPECIES COMMITTEE provides leadership for the Society on issues affecting endangered species and their ecosystems. The Committee provides technical assistance to all levels of the Society on issues concerning endangered species.

MEETING OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE provides overall meetings review for the Society to ensure coherent planning and development of Society and unit meetings.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE maintains or increases Society membership and recommends appropriate measures to attract new members and retain existing members. Monitors attitudes of members toward the Society by means of surveys, correspondence, and other avenues of communication. Recommends programs to address membership professional needs and problems.

NAMES OF AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES COMMITTEE deals with matters concerning the common and scientific names of aquatic invertebrates, and prepares checklists of names to achieve uniformity and avoid confusion in nomenclature. The Committee coordinates its activities with those of other organizations worldwide. The Chair is custodian of the master checklists.

NAMES OF FISHES COMMITTEE deals with matters concerning common and scientific names of fishes, and prepares checklists of names to achieve uniformity and avoid confusion in nomenclature. The Committee coordinates its activities with those of other ichthyological organizations worldwide. This is a joint committee with the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. The Chair is custodian of the master checklist.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE names a slate of candidates for the Society offices of President-Elect, First Vice President, and Second Vice President according to procedures approved by the Governing Board; it must name at least two candidates for Second Vice President. (see Article III. 3 B. i.)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE assesses the professional development and training needs of the fisheries profession and works in close coordination with the American Fisheries Society’s  Chapters, Sections, and Divisions to develop  and administer a comprehensive professional development program.

PUBLICATIONS OVERVIEW COMMITTEE provides overall publication and editorial review for the Society to ensure coherent planning and development of Society and unit publication programs.

RESOURCE POLICY COMMITTEE helps the Society identify and pursue opportunities to use best available fisheries and aquatic resource knowledge on activities related to the Society’s interests in science, management, policy, and education. Activities can be identified by the membership, by the President and Executive Director, or by the Society’s partners. Activities could include meetings, letters, formal presentations, or other actions with suitable audiences.