Fisheries Management Section
of the American Fisheries Society
Procedures and Evaluation Criteria for Funding Requests
The mission of the American Fisheries Society is to “improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals.” Fisheries Management Section objectives are: developing and maintaining an association of persons interested and involved in fisheries management and development; promoting sound fisheries management practices and developing new management concepts and techniques; encouraging professional growth among Section members and others interested in fisheries management and growth of the fishery management profession by holding meetings and sponsoring workshops, symposia, and publications to disseminate information related to all aspects of fishery management; encouraging publication of case histories, policy analysis, and evaluation of management programs; promoting communication between fishery managers and researchers, employers, educators, legislators, and the public; and providing a forum for identifying, focusing attention on fisheries management and resolving issues and problems.
Projects that clearly help achieve the AFS mission and FMS objectives, either individually or collectively, will be prioritized for funding over those that do not. To realize the greatest value from limited Section resources, funding requests that address AFS/FMS goals and objectives, those with high visibility, and those with a greater fishery resource impact, will be given priority.
The Executive Committee will consider the following project elements when making recommendations for funding decisions:
Does the proposal:
- Promote the AFS mission and FMS objectives (described above)?
- Incorporate and promote science-based management, conservation or understanding of fisheries resources?
- Elevate the visibility of fisheries issues to a broad audience?
- Need Section funding for completion of the project relative to other funding sources?
- Have potential for generating revenue to the Section?
Application Process
- An AFS member must submit the application.
- Applications must be received by 1 July each year. Applications must include the following information:
- A title for the funding request
- Name of requesting member
- Name, address, phone number, fax number, and email address of contact(s)
- Project description (For what purpose will the funds be used? What AFS/FMS missions or objectives are addressed?)
- Estimated time to completion
- Amount requested
- Other funding sources and amounts provided
- How will the contribution of the FMS be acknowledged?
- Disposition of unused funds
- Submit electronic applications to the Section President.
Review Process
- The Section Executive Committee will conduct a preliminary review of all requests. Those that do not adhere to the criteria and process described above will not be forwarded to the membership for consideration.
- Applications clearing the preliminary review will be:
- Posted on the FMS web page http://www.sdafs.org/fmsafs for FMS member comment.
- Presented to the membership for final approval at the annual Section business meeting.
- Officers will notify successful applicants within one week following the meeting.