afsannualmeeting2022 – American Fisheries Society 2022 Annual Meeting, Spokane

WHAT DO FISH MEAN TO US?

Perspectives above and below the water

The American Fisheries Society, President Leanne Roulson, the AFS Western Division, and the Washington – British Columbia Chapter are excited to host the 152nd AFS Annual Meeting, August 21-25, 2022, in the second largest city in Washington State, Spokane. The city of Spokane is on the Spokane River, part of the Snake and Columbia River system, making it ideal for examining the variety of roles and meanings of fish in science and culture. The Spokane area, part of the unceded lands of the Spokane Tribe, is rich in resident and migratory fish and wildlife important to indigenous peoples of the area. We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to experience and explore this focal area for fish, fisheries conservation and management, and human resource use.

We will bring together professionals from across North America and countries around the world under the theme of “What Do Fish Mean to Us?”. In the spirit of exploring differing perspectives, we are soliciting symposia topics, collaborative efforts, contributed papers, and posters that exemplify the latest research in fisheries science and that will benefit a range of audiences with the aim of advancing the science of fisheries ecology, conservation, and management.

Attend in person, virtually, or both!

Early Bird registration rates have been extended until July 15th – register now!

AFS 152 Countdown

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Book your Spokane Hotel Reservations!

Special Event Invitation from the Spokane Tribe of Indians

Our ancestors gathered on the banks of the Spokane River near sƛ’x̣étk^w (Spokane Falls) for generations. They would enjoy the bounty of salmon and the life provided by the river. It has been over a century since we have had reason to gather, rejoice, and share in this bounty. That’s about to change!

Please join the Spokane Tribe of Indians and our partners at People’s Park on August 24^th at 12:30 pm to honor the return of salmon to the Spokane River. Help us Bring Them Home!

COVID Guidance

Update August 11, 2022:

In order to protect our diverse participants, along with their families and communities, we have updated our COVID safety policy to an expectation that face masks will be worn at all indoor meeting venues. We recognize that this policy exceeds current CDC recommendations and local regulations, given that Spokane is currently classified at the “moderate” level of transmission, but we also recognize that many attendees will be traveling from or through areas of “high” transmission rates of the newer variants. As a professional community of scientists, we must respect that some of our colleagues provide care for others who are susceptible to COVID or are themselves in categories where infection could be potentially seriously harmful. Our AFS Meeting Code of Conduct also stipulates that we provide a safe environment for all meeting participants and be mindful of everyone’s needs, challenges, and limitations. Masks are being required at many scientific conferences this summer, so this policy brings AFS more into line with what other societies are doing.

We also strongly recommend that attendees wear masks while traveling to the conference in order to protect themselves, other attendees, and the local community in Spokane. As a reminder, we will require proof of COVID vaccination (original vaccination card, photocopy, or digital image) be provided at the Vaccination Check-in booth at the entrance to Spokane Convention Center before going to Registration to pick up your badge. In lieu of vaccination, a negative COVID test from a licensed provider (not a home test) from within 48 hours of arrival may be substituted.

Speakers may remove their mask while at the podium giving their presentation. Masks should be worn at evening indoor networking events except when you are actively eating or drinking. Masks will not be expected outside on the lawn/outdoor terrace area at the Opening Networking Reception on Sunday or at the Grand Networking Event on Wednesday evening if we are able to hold it outdoors at the pavilion as planned. Public-facing convention center staff will wear masks but hotel staff will only follow local regulations. Please take sensible precautions if dining indoors off-site in Spokane – other science societies have reported that indoor bars and restaurants have been a major area for transmission.

If you become ill while in Spokane, isolate yourself and please report your status through our online form at https://afsannualmeeting.fisheries.org/covid-positive-test-reporting-form/. Also, if you test positive after returning home, please also report your status using our online form.