Call for Society Award Nominations

It’s time to recognize your colleagues and collaborators for their achievements in the fisheries field!

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) is seeking nominations and applications for several 2023 awards. Award recipients will be honored at the 153rd Annual Meeting to be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from August 20-24, 2023.

AFS is using a new awards submission platform for 2023! Awards should be submitted online unless otherwise noted at https://afsawards.awardsplatform.com/.

Nominations typically require a candidate’s name, full contact information, biographical information, and qualifications for the award and/or history of service to the Society. The nomination package should include a cover/nomination letter that describes the nominee’s qualifications and any relevant projects; letter should include the title and contact information for both the nominator and the nominee. Cover letters should be limited to two pages.

Up to three supporting documents will be accepted for each nomination. Supporting documents may include a current CV (up to 4 pages) and additional supporting letters (up to 2 pages). For more information on each award, see the corresponding award page or contact the award category chair.

The Awards Committee is dedicated to AFS goal of increasing diversity and inclusion within our Society. As part of this effort, we highly encourage nominations for individuals from historically underrepresented groups in the fisheries field.

Award of Excellence

The Society’s highest award for scientific achievement is presented to a living AFS member for original and/or outstanding contributions to fisheries and aquatic biology. Nominations should be submitted electronically by PDF attachment to an email. Materials should include a detailed letter of nomination to address award criteria, vitae of the nominee, and additional supporting materials as needed. Please include in the nomination letter, the nominee’s title and full contact information (i.e. address, e-mail, phone, etc.) to complete the package.
Click on the link above to find the criteria for selection and other important nomination information.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact:

Carl R. Sullivan Fishery Conservation Award

Presented to an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to the conservation of fishery resources. Eligibility is not restricted to AFS members, and accomplishments can include political, legal, educational, scientific, and managerial successes. Nominations should include a synopsis of fishery conservation contributions; a description of the influence of those contributions on improved understanding, management, or use of fishery resources; and, at least, one additional supporting letter. Please include in the nomination letter, the nominee’s title and full contact information (i.e. address, e-mail, phone, etc.) to complete the package. Nominations should be submitted electronically by PDF attachment to an email.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Leanne Roulson
[email protected]

Distinguished Service Award

Recognizes outstanding contributions of time and energy for special projects or activities by AFS members. The number of recipients may vary. A single member, a group of members, and AFS staff are eligible candidates. Please include in the nomination letter, the nominee’s title and full contact information (i.e. address, e-mail, phone, etc.) to complete the package. Nominations should include description of the outstanding contributions by the candidate(s) and submitted electronically by pdf attachment to an email

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Dale Burkett
[email protected] 

Emerging Leaders Mentorship Award

The AFS Emerging Leaders Mentorship Award Program was established to develop future leaders of the Society, and the fisheries profession as a whole, by providing selected candidates an opportunity to participate for one year in activities of the AFS Governing Board. Candidates must be full AFS members in good standing who submit complete application packages. Awardees will be paired with a mentor who is a member of the Governing Board and will be awarded up to $500 to offset costs associated with attending the governance meetings, held in conjunction with the annual AFS Meeting.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Michael Colvin
[email protected]

The Emmeline Moore Prize

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) has established a career achievement award, named after the first female AFS president, Emmeline Moore (1927-1928), to recognize efforts of an individual member in the promotion of demographic diversity in the society. This award will be presented to an individual who demonstrates strong commitment and exemplary service to ensuring equal opportunity access to higher education in fisheries and/or professional development in the broad range of fisheries science disciplines. Qualified nominees must exhibit clear evidence of service and commitment to diversity initiatives, including a strong research or fisheries management leadership background, public understanding of diversity issues, technical and popular writing, and inspirational leadership. Candidates should also have enunciated principles that lead to greater involvement of under-represented groups in fisheries science, education, research or management. Nominees for the award are restricted to AFS members. A nomination package should include a detailed letter of support (maximum three pages) describing the nominee’s accomplishments and including evidence of involvement in diversity initiatives given the criteria noted above. The main letter of nomination can be supported through several signatures or up to three additional letters of support can be submitted. Please include in the nomination letter, the nominee’s title and full contact information (i.e. address, e-mail, phone etc.) to complete the package. Nominations should be submitted electronically by PDF attachment to an email.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contacts: Maggie Chan
[email protected]
Chante Davis
[email protected]

The AFS Equal Opportunities Section is leading an effort to increase participation in the Society by graduate and undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups in the fisheries field (including but not limited to people who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), disabled, LGTBQIA2S+, and women). Travel grants not to exceed $500 each will be awarded on a competitive basis to assist these students with expenses incurred when attending the annual meeting.

Contact: Lian Guo
Email: [email protected]

Excellence in Fisheries Education Award

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) Excellence in Fisheries Education Award was established in 1988. The award is administered by the Education Section and is presented to an individual to recognize excellence in organized teaching and advising in some aspect of fisheries education. Nominees may be involved in extension or continuing education, as well as traditional college and university instruction. Nominees must be AFS members, have been actively engaged in fisheries education within the last five years, and have had at least 10 years of professional employment experience in fisheries education. Two or more people may act as nominators, but, at least, one nominator must be an AFS member. The nominator(s) is responsible for compiling supporting material and submitting the application. The suggested format for applications can be found on the Education Section website. Please include in the nomination letter, the nominee’s title and full contact information (i.e., address, e-mail, phone, etc.) to complete the package. This Award is administered by the AFS Education Section.

Nomination deadline is April 1, 2023
Contact: Daniel Hayes
Email: [email protected]

Excellence in Public Outreach

Presented to an AFS member who goes the “extra mile” in sharing the value of fisheries science/research with the general public through the popular media and other communication channels. Two or more individuals may act as nominators, but, at least, one nominator must be an AFS member. Entries must include a biographical sketch of the nominee (not to exceed 3 pages) and supporting evidence of communicating the value of fisheries issues/research to the general public through the media and other communication channels, plus any evidence of teaching others about communication with the public. Please include in the nomination letter, the nominee’s title and full contact information (i.e. address, e-mail, phone, etc.) to complete the package. Nominations should be submitted electronically by PDF attachment to an email. This Award is administered by the AFS Science Communications Section.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Sean Landsman
Email: [email protected]

AFS Fellows Program

AFS designates as Fellows of the Society certain members who have made outstanding or meritorious contributions to the diversity of fields that are included in the American Fisheries Society. Contributions can include, but are not restricted to, efforts in leadership, research, teaching and mentoring, resource management and/or conservation, and outreach/interaction with the public.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: TBD
Email:

Honorary Membership

Presented to individuals who have achieved outstanding professional accomplishments or have given outstanding service to the Society. Honorary Members must be nominated by at least 100 active members and elected by a 2/3 majority of active members voting. Please include in the nomination letter, the nominee’s title and full contact information (i.e. address, e-mail, phone, etc.) to complete the package.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Lauren Maza
Email: [email protected]

J. Frances Allen Scholarship Award

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted until April, 2023, for the J. Frances Allen Scholarship for a female doctoral fisheries student. The J. Frances Allen Scholarship was established in 1986 to honor Allen, who pioneered women’s involvement in the AFS and in the field of fisheries. The scholarship fund was established with the intent of encouraging women to become fisheries professionals. The qualified applicant must be a female Ph.D. student conducting aquatic research in line with AFS objectives and be an AFS member as of December 31, 2022. The award recipient will receive a $2,500 scholarship and there are no restrictions on the use of the funds.

Meritorious Service Award

Presented annually to an individual AFS member for loyalty, dedication, and meritorious service to the Society over a long period of time and for exceptional commitment to the programs, objectives, and long-term goals of the Society. Nominations should include the candidate’s name, full contact information, biographical information and/or history of the nominee’s service (not to exceed 3 pages) to the Society. Letters supporting the nomination are welcome. Nominations and any supporting letters must be submitted electronically via email in PDF format.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Patrick Hanchin
Email: [email protected]

Outstanding Chapter Award

Recognizes outstanding professionalism, active resource protection, and enhancement programs, as well as a strong commitment to the mission of the Society. One award is given in each category (small chapters – less than 100 members and large chapters – 100 or more members). Chapters must submit their nominations to their Division Presidents for consideration. Division Presidents may nominate up to one large Chapter and one small Chapter. Chapters should use the nomination form at this link: 2021_AFS_Outstanding-Chapter-Student-Subunit-Award-Application. Nomination forms should be submitted electronically to your Division President by PDF attachment to an email and include full contact information of the Chapter President (i.e. address, email, phone, etc.) to complete the package.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Lauren Maza
Email: [email protected]

Outstanding Student Subunit Award

Recognizes outstanding professionalism, active resource protection, and enhancement programs, as well as a strong commitment to the mission of the Society. One award is given. Student Subunits must submit their nominations to their Division Presidents for consideration. Division Presidents may nominate one Student Subunit. Subunits should use the nomination form at this link: 2021_AFS_Outstanding-Chapter-Student-Subunit-Award-Application. Nomination forms should be submitted electronically to your Division President by PDF attachment to an email and include full contact information of the Student Subunit President (i.e. address, email, phone, etc.) to complete the package.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Lauren Maza
Email: [email protected]

President’s Fishery Conservation Award

Presented in two categories: (1) an AFS individual or unit, or (2) a non-AFS individual or entity, for singular accomplishments or long-term contributions that advance aquatic resource conservation at a regional or local level. The award is administered by the Past President’s Advisory Council. A nomination package should include a strong and detailed letter describing the nominee’s contribution and the evidence for accomplishment at a regional or local level. If the nomination is for an individual, include a CV if possible. Nominations may be supported by multiple individuals by signing one nomination letter, or by submitting supporting letters in addition to the main nomination letter. Include the nominee’s title and full contact information (address, email, and phone). Nominations should be submitted electronically by PDF attachment to an email.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Bob Hughes and Christine Moffitt

Retired Members Travel Award for the AFS Annual Meeting

The American Fisheries Society has established this travel award to encourage and enable members of the Society to attend annual meetings, particularly those members who might play a more active role in the meeting. The Society recognizes that some retired members who desire to participate in the annual meeting might be inhibited for financial reasons. Retired members may not have funds for travel to meetings that were available to them while employed. Therefore, this award is meant for those members who truly have a need for financial assistance. The Society has neither means nor desire to verify financial need, so your request for support is based on an honor system. However, you must be a dues-paying retired member of the American Fisheries Society to apply. A maximum of $1,500 may be awarded for reimbursable expenses.
Click on Applications for the form on the AFS website.
Nominations should be submitted electronically by PDF attachment to an email.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Brian Murphy
Email: [email protected]

Stanley A. Moberly Award for Outstanding Contributions in Fish Habitat Conservation

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) Stanley A. Moberly Award for Outstanding Contributions in Fish Habitat Conservation was established in 2019 to annually recognize efforts of as many as three individuals, groups, or projects with an outstanding, long-term record of success in research, management, policy, communications, education, or other fields that support fish habitat conservation. The award was developed by the AFS Fish Habitat Section in partnership with NOAA Fisheries and the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP). The award is named after AFS President Stanley A. Moberly (1987-1988) whose leadership, vision, and 20+ years of effort helped to establish the National Fish Habitat Partnership and ensure AFS has a dedicated seat on the NFHP Board. NFHP includes 20 regional fish habitat partnerships, overlapping all 50 states, working diligently to enhance, conserve, and restore fish habitats.

Nomination deadline: May 1, 2023
Contact: Kimberly Dibble
Email: [email protected]

The Steven Berkeley Marine Conservation Fellowship

This fellowship was created by AFS in 2007 to honor the memory of Steven Berkeley, a dedicated fisheries scientist. Berkeley was a long-time member of AFS and a member of the first Board of Directors of the Fisheries Conservation Foundation. The fellowship comprises a competitively based $10,000 award to a graduate student actively engaged in thesis research relevant to marine conservation; a focus on fisheries issues is not required. Please use the current application requirements at the link below, as revisions have been made recently.
This Award is administered by the AFS Marine Fisheries Section. For more information and application requirements see: mfs.fisheries.org
Send electronic applications and recommendations, to be received no later than February 1, 2023, to

Contact: Lauren Maza
Email: [email protected]

Student Writing Contest

Recognizes students for excellence in the communication of fisheries research to the general public. Undergraduate and graduate students are asked to submit a 500- to 700-word article explaining their own research or a research project in their lab or school. The article must be written in language understandable to the general public (i.e., journalistic style). The winning article will be published in Fisheries. Students may write about research that has been completed, is in progress, or is in the planning stages. The papers will be judged according to their quality and their ability to turn a scientific research topic into a paper for the general public and will be scored based upon a grading rubric (check the AFS website on the main awards page for the grading rubric). For examples of past winning papers, see Fisheries 32(12):608&609 and Fisheries 34(1):39) Please include your full contact information (i.e., address, e-mail, phone, etc.) to complete the package. This Award is administered by the AFS Education Section.

Submission deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Mark Fincel
Email: [email protected]

William R. Mote Fisheries Fellowship Award

This award has been set up in Mr. Mote’s name; it offers support for two graduate students per year, who are working in research that focuses on the conservation and sustainability of fisheries species considered popular for recreation. Eligible applicants include those working in both marine and freshwater environments.

Submission deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Anita Kelly

William E. Ricker Resource Conservation Award

Presented to any entity (individual, group, agency, or company) for accomplishment or activity that advances aquatic resource conservation that is significant at a national or international level. The award is administered by the Past President’s Advisory Council. A nomination package should include a strong and detailed letter describing the nominee’s accomplishments and the evidence for being “significant at a national or international level”. If the nomination is for an individual, include a CV if possible. Nominations may be supported by multiple individuals by signing one letter, or by submitting supporting letters in addition to the main nomination letter. Include the nominee’s title and full contact information (address, email, and phone). Nominations should be submitted electronically by pdf attachment to an e-mail.

Nomination deadline: April 1, 2023
Contact: Bob Hughes and Christine Moffitt

Questions?

For specific awards, please contact the award committee chair.  For general questions, please contact your AFS Staff Representative Lauren Maza.