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. In addition to the National mission, the Georgia Chapter seeks to encourage the exchange of information by members of the Chapter residing in, working in, or having a professional interest in the State of Georgia and its aquatic resources.

The Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (GA-AFS) began in 1986. Initially, the meetings were held in conjunction with the Georgia Fisheries Workers Association (GFWA). In 1990, the American Fisheries Society officially recognized GA-AFS with approval of GA-AFS Bylaws. In 1991, Spud Woodward (GA-AFS President) proposed the combining of GFWA and GA-AFS. In 1992, the two groups voted to merge and continue as the GA-AFS Chapter.

The complete history, compiled by Ronnie J. Gilbert, GAAFS Historian, is available: A History of the Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Also, Ronnie Gilbert and Tom Reinert produced a History of the GA-AFS poster and presented it at the 50th Anniversary of the Southern Division, during the 2002 Midyear Meeting in Little Rock, AK.

Visit Georgia Chapter American Fisheries Society at https://www.gaafs.org for more information and/or to become a member.