Fisheries Management Section,
American Fisheries Society
Annual Business Meeting Minutes
August 2001, Phoenix, Arizona
President Tim Hess called the meeting to order at 5:00pm
Motion by Jeff Boxrucker, second by Steve Moore to approve the
minutes and financial statement of the 2000 meeting, motion carried.
The 2001 financial statement was presented for review.
A representative of Maryland spoke briefly about AFS 2002 to be held
in Baltimore, MD on Aug 18 - 22, 2002.
OLD BUSINESS
FMS Awards
Award of Merit - Brian Finlayson (CA), AFS Chemical
Subcommittee Task Force Chair, received the award for his task force
leadership and work with rotenone use in fisheries management, including
a revision of the rotenone brochure with up-to-date information. Members
are encouraged to visit the Rotenone Stewardship Information Site
located on the AFS home page. AFS has published "Rotenone Use in
Fisheries Management: Administrative and Technical Guidelines
Manual" which resulted from this task force.
Conservation Achievement Award - awarded to the Bass Anglers
Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) for their long history of protecting
recreational fisheries resources, and their work with anglers and the
sport fishing industry. Two current B.A.S.S. activities have special
significance to the FMS - the national aquatic vegetation management
strategy and their agenda for management and research on the LMB virus.
Cindy Martin accepted on behalf of B.A.S.S.
Hall of Excellence - established in 1992, located at the
Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium near Omaha NE - Lee Redmond (retired Missouri Dept.
of Cons.) and Bob Wiley (WY Game and Fish) are this years award
winner/inductees. Lee was recognized for his long history and leadership
in fisheries management in Missouri. Lee was also very active in AFS,
holding nearly every office including Society President. Bob Wiley (WY)
presented the award to Norm Stucky who accepted on Lee's behalf. Robert
(Bob) W. Wiley currently serves as the Fisheries Management Coordinator
for much of Wyoming, focusing his efforts not only on fish, but on fish
habitat awareness, protection and enhancement. Bob has also been very
active in AFS though out his career.
FAST (Fisheries Analyses and Simulation Tools)
This modeling software, developed with a FMS contract with Auburn
University, is designed to aid fisheries managers with evaluation of
proposed changes in management strategies. Software is now available
through the Computer Users Section. Jeff Slipke and Mike Maceina lead
this monumental effort and have developed a very useful tool for
fisheries managers.
Burbot Symposium
Craig Paukert, SDSU, updated the group on how to obtain copies.
Copies of the proceeding, sponsored by the FMS, are available through
AFS or Vaughn Paragamian (ID).
Electrofishing Injury Project
This is a FMS administered project which funnels Federal Aid
Administrative funds to researchers at Auburn and Mississippi State
Universities. Jeff Boxrucker (OK) updated the group on the status of the
project. 5-year study is winding down - final report due May 2002.
2001 AFS Meeting
Fish Mgmt section sponsored symposiums at this year's AFS meeting
included:
- Special Fishing regulations
- Partnerships in tribal fisheries
Web Page
The FMS web page is located on the southern division AFS website -
Fred Janssen (Texas Parks and Wildlife is the web manager). Fish
management section members should submit ideas/information for the web
site to the Section Officers.
Legislation
Legislation that is being tracked or has included FMS involvement
includes:
- Farm bill
- Magnuson Act
- CARA/WCRP
- ISTEA - motor boat fuels into sport fish restoration, Cindy
Williams updated on training opportunity being provided by the US
Forest service
USFWS Fisheries Strategic Plan review
Cathy Short (USFWS) reviewed the FWS plan for reviewing/revising
their Fisheries Strategic Plan at the Fisheries Administrators Section (FAS)
meeting held earlier.
Continuing Ed
The main office questioned each section on whether the Parent Society
be more involved in organizing continuing education courses on a
national scale. Tim surveyed the FMS officers and prepared response on
behalf of FMS. It was the feeling of most that Parent Society
involvement would be welcomed, but that it should not interfere/detract
from the very successful continuing education efforts that are taking
place at the Chapter and Division levels.
Salary Survey
There will be no AFS salary survey this year. Past surveys have had a
difficult time in making accurate comparisons across differences in
State job classifications/descriptions. The current Society Excom has
stated its desire to fund another salary survey within the next year or
two; some funds have already been budgeted. Wes Porak (FL) will continue
to be the Section's representative when the Society moves on this issue.
Request for funding
- DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery memorial - (contribution
requested)
- 12th International Trout Stream Habitat Improvement Workshop
(Ireland) - FMS has supported these workshops in the past ($1000);
1st workshop to be held outside of N. America
- New Animal Drug Applications (NADA) (see letter in Fish Admin
packet) - funding request for coordinator position/ongoing (>
$1500)
- Student Travel to AFS - Equal Opportunities Section (Gwen White -
See FAS packet) ($100 - $500)
- International Endowment Fund and steering committee (see FAS
packet) (suggested $1,000 - $2,000)
- White Bass symposium module - Jeff Boxrucker spoke on behalf of
Chris Guy
- Results of a symposium at last years meeting - hope to have it
published in February or April issue of NAJFM. Would also like to
bind WHB module separately and distribute to FMS members who do not
subscribe to the NAFJM. ($2000 request)
Filipek (AR) made a motion to provide $1000 for White Bass Symposium
module, second by Bob Wiley (WY), Discussion none, Motion Carried.
Boxrucker (OK) made a motion to donate $1000 for the International
Stream Restoration workshop , second by Wiley. Discussion: Filipek
suggested that FMS should share if there is any profit in the meeting
(as has occurred in the past) - this will be coordinated with Don Duff,
especially if FMS is to help with funding of future workshops. Motion
Carried.
A motion was made by Dirk Miller (WY) to donate $500 for Student
Travel. Doug Stang (NY) seconded. Motion Carried.
Boxrucker moved to donate $250 International Endowment Travel Fund.
Miller seconded, Motion Carried.
Membership and Membership Dues
The Bethesda Office recently asked each section if they intended to
consider a dues increase. Tim recommended to Governing Board that FMS
dues remain at $5. He suggested that future membership dues increases
should be based upon a specific need for more funds, and that any
membership dues increases should be moderate to avoid losing members.
Other Old Business
Need to ask Betsy Fritz if FMS is due any proceeds from the sale of
Inland Fisheries Management 2nd Edition.
NEW BUSINESS
AFS Strategic plan
Copy will be placed on the FMS web site - in the meantime FMS members
can email Tim Hess with ideas for FMS commitment/involvement in
achieving the goals and objectives of the plan.
2002 Symposium in Baltimore
Ideas for FMS sponsored symposium at the AFS2002 meeting, need to be
developed quickly. Ideally, ideas should be discussed at Division
meetings during the previous year and be brought up at the Annual
Meeting. The Introduced Fish Section and the FMS will be co-sponsoring a
session on managing invasive species. Anyone wishing to help with this
symposium in 2002 (Baltimore) should contact Tim.
Other New Business
Vince Mudrak discussed efforts related to the use and effects of
cultured fish - The 3rd in a series of meetings/workshops to update
"Use and effects of cultured fishes in fish management" will
be undertaken. AFS sections will be asked to participate. Steve Filipek
recommended that Tim send a letter offering FMS support for this effort.
Norm Stucky raised the concern about mercury and related fish
consumption advisories. Norm is concerned about lack of AFS interest
/involvement in this issue. The continued addition of mercury
consumption advisories on other sport fish species will have a negative
impact on angler participation. Norm suggested that FMS send letter to
EPA (trigger level for consumption advisories has also been lowered
recently) urging them to address the source of contamination (i.e. coal
fired plants). Norm reviewed a draft resolution he prepared. Jeff
Boxrucker suggested, that in the interest of time, a letter would
provide quicker action than a resolution. Tim will work with FAS and FMS
to prepare letter regarding this important issue.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:55 pm
|
