Southern Division American Fisheries Society Business Meeting Minutes February 2004

President Steve Filipek called the Business Meeting to order at 1725. Secretary/Treasurer Vic DiCenzo determined there was a quorum present. President Filipek introduced Ira Adelman, President of the American Fisheries Society and thanked him for joining us. President Filipek then introduced the current Southern Division officers, President-Elect Larry Connor, Vice President Pat Mazik, Secretary-Treasurer Vic DiCenzo and Past President Jeff Boxrucker. Previous Southern Division Presidents who were in attendance were Fred Harris, Marty Hale, Mike Van Den Avyle, Bill Fisher, Don Jackson, Larry Wilson, Larry Olmsted, and Jeff Boxrucker.

AFS President’s Remarks: The theme for Ira Adelman’s presidency is “Science to Influence Outcomes”. Ira did a PowerPoint presentation to bring the audience up to date on the Fisheries Conservation Foundation (FCF) of the American Fisheries Society. The purpose of the FCF is to (1) promote fisheries science education, (2) inform the public and decision-makers outside of the fisheries profession of the scientific knowledge underlying global fisheries conservation issues, (3) help provide direction and focus to worldwide fisheries conservation efforts, (4) identify and nurture strategic partnerships with individuals, organizations, and the fishing industry, and (5) provide the ways and means to shape informed, principled, and inspired actions for the sake of the world’s fisheries resources. Finally, Ira invited everyone to the AFS Annual Meeting in August in Madison, Wisconsin. The theme of the meeting is “The Gathering: Leopolds Legacy for Fisheries”.

President’s Remarks: President Filipek encouraged members to support the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, one of the newest and most successful programs of AFS. Continuing education has always been a priority of the Southern Division and at this meeting, there were five outstanding and diverse workshops to help serve the needs of Division members. Steve recognized the Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas chapters for the incredible work done. At the Mississippi Chapter’s annual meeting, they had several junior high and high school students give oral presentations. The technical committees of the Division have always been active and important and President Filipek noted some of the work done by the Reservoir, Warmwater Streams, and Pollution Committees. The Catfish Management technical committee is a new ad hoc committee and off to a great and productive start. Steve thanked Fred Jannsen for his hard work on maintaining the web site. The EXCOM approved for the newsletter to be distributed electronically. Much progress has been made in improving the SEAFWA meetings thanks in large part to Mike Van Den Avyle, Pat Mazik, and Jeff Boxrucker. Finally, Steve thanked all the officers for the work done in the past year.

Secretary-Treasurer’s Remarks: Secretary-Treasurer Vic DiCenzo stated that at the fall business meeting in Mobile, a quorum was not present so no official business could be conducted. Therefore, a motion was needed to approve the minutes from the 2003 spring business meeting in Wilmington. Fred Heitman moved to approve the minutes and Larry Connor seconded the motion. The motion carried without discussion. The Division’s account balance as of December 31, 2003 was $17,328.36 and details of the income and expenses were discussed at the EXCOM meeting.

President Elect’s Remarks: As President-elect, Larry Connor served as Program Chair for the SEAFWA and SDAFS Spring meetings. Larry mentioned that nearly all details for these two meetings were handled at the local level and he commended individuals in Alabama and Oklahoma for the outstanding meetings that were organized. Larry was involved in organizing a special safety session at both meetings that was not meant as training but rather as a call to action for fisheries professionals. At the SEAFWA meeting, there were14 papers accepted and several invited presentations. At the Spring meeting in Oklahoma City, there were 106 presentations (41 student) and 16 poster presentations (8 student) and several continuing education workshops. Larry then introduced Tom Kwak (NC) who presented Jeff Boxrucker with a t-shirt in appreciation for his work as Program Chair and assistance in organizing symposia.

Award Presentations: Fred Heitman presented the Division’s Distinguished Service Award to Pat Mazik (West Virginia University). The Outstanding Chapter Award went to North Carolina. Representing the Reservoir Committee, Fred Janssen presented two Robert M. Jenkins Memorial Reservoir Research Scholarships, each for $1,000, to Jessica Thompson of North Carolina State University and Lori Davias of North Carolina State University.

Stuart Welsh, Chair of the Student Affairs Committee presented the Outstanding Student Subunit to the West Virginia University Student Subunit. The Best Student Paper Award from the 2003 spring meeting went to Dave Hewitt (North Carolina State University). Second place awards were awarded to Tim Copeland (Virginia Tech) and Jessica Thompson (North Carolina State University). The Best Student Poster from the 2003 meeting was awarded to Greg Edmunds (Virginia Commonwealth University).

John Copeland, Chair of the Warmwater Streams Committee, presented the Jimmie Pigg Memorial Outstanding Student Achievement Award to Julian Olin of Colorado State University for his work in Virginia streams.

President Filipek introduced the new officers: Larry Connor (President), Pat Mazik (President-Elect), Bob Curry (Vice President), and Vic DiCenzo (Secretary-Treasurer).

Overview of Chapter Activities: President Elect Larry Connor noted the tremendous amount of work done at the chapter level in the previous year. The North Carolina Chapter hosted the 2003 Spring Meeting and had 6 concurrent sessions for technical presentations and a number of outstanding continuing education workshops. In terms of aquatic stewardship, the North Carolina Chapter passed resolutions on invasive nuisance aquatic species and stream sedimentation. The Texas Chapter wrote a position paper on the negative effects of ATV use in streambeds, which was instrumental in passing legislation. Chapters sponsored numerous outreach events as well. For example, the Texas Chapter hosted a golden algae workshop to inform biologists on the effects of golden algae on reservoir fisheries and hatcheries. Chapters also served students as well. The Auburn Chapter was able to use fundraisers to send students to professional meetings. The West Virginia Student Subunit hosted the 2003 Student Colloquium. The Virginia Tech Chapter published the two SDAFS newsletters and also had six training workshops at their monthly meetings. Finally, the Kentucky Chapter hosted kids fishing events with local hospices.

Old Business, Election Results: Dave Rizzuto announced that Bob Curry (NC) was elected as Vice President and Dick Luebke was elected as the SDAFS Representative to the Nominating Committee. Dave also mentioned that while voter turnout improved, members could do a better job at voting.

Incoming President’s Remarks: Newly installed President Larry Connor thanked the Oklahoma Chapter for their hard work in hosting the meeting and presented Steve Filipek with a plaque showing the SDAFS’s appreciation for his service as President. Larry also thanked the membership for the opportunity to serve as President. President Connor outlined his plan of work for his presidency that focused on diversifying membership. First, Larry will work toward increasing the participation of marine scientists. Since the next two Spring Meetings are in states that have coastal waters (VA and TX), symposia and workshops focusing on marine issues will be important. Another way to increase diversity is potentially revisit the formation of a Caribbean Chapter. President Connor closed by asking membership for their participation in Division activities because it can be a truly rewarding experience.

New Business: Chris Horton (BASS) suggested the formation of an ad hoc fish health committee to work on issues such as LMBV.

Dick Luebke (TX) announced that Don Jackson (MS) will be running for AFS 2nd Vice President.

A motion was made by Jeff Boxrucker and seconded by Fred Heitman to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried and President Connor adjourned the meeting at 1838.