AFS 2020 Vision: AFS Strategic Plan for 2010-2014Preamble -- The American Fisheries Society has followed a pattern of preparing an organizational strategic plan every five years. This new plan will steer the Society during 2010 – 2014, but has been crafted with a vision to 2020 and beyond. The AFS Strategic Plan Revision Committee used information from a 2008 AFS member survey and input from several committees and the Governing Board to develop a draft Plan. The Committee then submitted the draft to the Governing Board and the members (via the Internet), for their review and input. The Plan contains a worldview of the fisheries future, revised AFS mission and vision statements, and three goal statements with objectives and suggested strategies under each goal. The three overarching Plan goals cover: 1) Global Fisheries Leadership, 2) Education, and 3) Values of Membership. The Plan does not include specific actions. Rather, it is suggested that the annual operational plans of the Society, and each of its subunits, include development of specific actions to implement the Plan.In short; we must plan for the unpredictable, seize opportunity and thrive on change. We will use our collective intellectual capacity to the fullest to achieve our goals. It is recommended that implementation of the new Plan include an on-line reporting system where AFS unit leaders can report their accomplishments under each objective and share their unit’s ideas for implementing the Plan. This new Plan builds on the many successful and popular activities that AFS already engages in, such as our annual meetings and publications, and emphasizes topics the Committee believed could be improved upon. Among the many topics included in the Plan, innovative ideas are presented for: increasing workforce and member diversity, expanded use of electronic communication technologies, additional fisheries resource policy promotion, and increasing retention and recruitment of members.American Fisheries SocietyAFS_4c696ede-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512The members of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) envision a future where world-wide fisheries production is optimized and sustained while structural and functional conditions of marine, freshwater, and estuarine ecosystems are maintained. AFS will be the premier organization of fisheries-related professionals that: 1. Supports recruitment, training, and retention of fisheries professionals with a diverse array of technical skills to meet the needs for workforce continuity and adaptability. 2. Promotes sound, science-based research, management, and aquaculture practices for the conservation of fisheries populations, aquatic communities, and their habitats. 3. Functions as an intermediary for evaluation, interpretation and transfer of high quality fisheriesrelated information using the best available communications technology. 4. Prepares and positions fisheries information to inform society on how social, economic, and political decisions alter the world’s rivers, lakes, estuaries, and oceans, and the fisheries resources that depend on those habitats. 5. Provides forums for effective discourse contributing to the identification of science-based solutions to local, national and global fisheries-related issues. 6. Supports an integrated network of AFS Units that collaborate to fulfill the Society’s mission. 7. Promotes diversity in the natural resources workforce to reflect the broad range of perspectives and skills needed to address complex fisheries issues. 8. Builds partnerships with other natural resource professional and scientific organizations to achieve common goals. 9. Supports adequate and stable funding for fisheries research and management._4c6970aa-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512The mission of the American Fisheries Society is to advance sound science, promote professional development, and disseminate science-based fisheries information for the global protection, conservation, and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems._4c697168-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Global Fisheries LeadershipAFS will be a global leader providing information and technical resources for the sustainability and conservation of fisheries resources._4c69721c-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc4295121Science & NetworkingPromote fisheries conservation throughout North America and the world, at all levels of government and society, and among all levels of AFS by supporting sound science and networking opportunities_4c6972c6-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc4295121.1(see also Objective 3.4)Conferences & MeetingsContinue to host and sponsor excellent conferences and meetings at local, regional, and international levels of AFS to provide the platform for managers and scientists to exchange ideas._4c697384-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.1Organizations & Videos_4c697456-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.2Co-ConventionSuggestion: Meetings and conferences will be convened in cooperation with other_4c69751e-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.3Environmental ResponsibilitySuggestion: Ensure that AFS meetings are as environmentally responsible as possible._4c6975dc-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.4Remote ParticipationSuggestion: Encourage remote participation via electronic media including web casts_4c69769a-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.5PublicationsMaintain and improve the excellence and expedience of AFS publications._4c697776-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.6Promotion & CooperationIdentify and network with global professional and conservation organizations to promote mutual goals of conservation and encourage cooperation among professionals of different scientific societies._4c697848-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.7Professional OrganizationsConservation OrganizationsKnowledge & ConservationHelp lead the World Council of Fisheries Societies and strive to unite fisheries scientists worldwide to improve knowledge and conservation of the world's fish stocks._4c697924-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.8World Council of Fisheries SocietiesFunding & EndowmentsWork closely with interested foundations and agencies to increase funding and create endowments to support programs within AFS._4c697a46-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.9FoundationsFisheries AgenciesProgram FundingEncourage support for increased funds to support state/provincial, federal, academic, and tribal fisheries programs, particularly critical research and monitoring._4c697b36-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.10State Fisheries ProgramsProvincial Fisheries ProgramsFederal Fisheries ProgramsAcademic Fisheries ProgramsTribal Fisheries ProgramsPartnershipsBuild stronger partnerships with fisheries-related stakeholders, such as anglers, commercial harvesters, aquaculturists, watershed groups, and local governments, to promote benefits to fisheries among the array of competing demands on aquatic resources._4c697c1c-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.11AnglersCommercial Harvesters Aquaculturists Watershed Groups Local GovernmentsCommercial HarvestersAquaculturistsWatershed GroupsLocal GovernmentsComments & InputSuggestion: Solicit and document annual comments and input from external resource stakeholders_4c697d16-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.12International RelationshipsContinue to pursue international relationships and establishment of additional units as needed worldwide._4c697e56-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.1.13InteractionsIncrease science-based fisheries conservation by increasing interactions with AFS members and government policy makers._4c697f50-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc4295121.2AFS MembersGovernment Policy MakersGuidelinesAFS headquarters and all Units use established guidelines for responsible science-based advocacy activities._4c69805e-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.2.1AFS HeadquartersAFS UnitsAquatic StewardshipCommunicate AFS goals for aquatic stewardship in resource advocacy more effectively through the use of sound science as it relates to fisheries conservation._4c698162-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.2.2Policy ActivityIncrease policy activity by producing additional science-based position statements, conferences, books, and symposia on important fisheries topics while maintaining and updating current position statements._4c698266-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.2.3TopicsSuggestion: Topics could include global overfishing, oxygen-depleted “dead zones”, climate change effects on fisheries, toxic lead in the aquatic environment, and many others._4c698388-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.2.4Sampling MethodsSuggestion: Develop and support standard sampling methods for population and assemblage assessments to enable greater exchange and comparison of data within and among institutions._4c698496-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.2.5Online CommunicationPromote fisheries programs and research by focusing on how AFS can accomplish interaction through use of more online communication tools._4c6985a4-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.2.6Policy StatementsCollaborate with leading fisheries organizations and consultants to facilitate the preparation of background documents for AFS policy statements._4c6988f6-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.2.7Fisheries OrganizationsFisheries ConsultantsCommuncationCommunicate to key government leaders, NGOs and the private sector the importance of fish and their habitats to the extent that they give high priority to dedicated, sufficient funding._4c698a40-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.2.8Government LeadersNGOs The private sectorNGOsThe Private SectorNetworkDevelop an effective network to promote best-science-based fisheries conservation and aquatic habitat protection and restoration, targeting local, state/provincial, regional and national legislators._4c698b62-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.2.9Local LegislatorsState LegislatorsProvincial LegislatorsRegional LegislatorsNational LegislatorsNorth American Agenda for Aquatic ResourcesSuggestion: Such as the North American Agenda for Aquatic Resources_4c698ca2-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.2.10OutreachPromote fisheries conservation through development and dissemination of public outreach materials._4c698dce-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc4295121.3(See also Objective 3.4)Outreach MaterialsIncrease the emphasis on fisheries science and aquatic conservation-related outreach materials produced for non-scientists, teachers, and the public through diverse media._4c698f04-a6a9-11e2-9ad9-7b9ecc429512Strategy 1.3.1Non-ScientistsTeachersThe PublicMediaNOAA & OWASuggestion: Work with NOAA, Outdoor Writers Association and others_8b926e0e-a6ad-11e2-af96-32c0cc429512Strategy 1.3.2NOAAOutdoor Writers AssociationTV, Radio & ArticlesSuggestion: Media could include TV and radio shows, articles for popular outdoor periodicals_8b9271ce-a6ad-11e2-af96-32c0cc429512Strategy 1.3.3Outreach CollaborationCollaborate with other groups to develop and disseminate outreach materials._8b92739a-a6ad-11e2-af96-32c0cc429512Strategy 1.3.4AnglersTeachersFisheries Conservation FoundationSea Grant ProgramSuggestion: Groups may include anglers, teachers, Fisheries Conservation Foundation, Sea Grant Suggestion: Materials could include pamphlets, fellowships, and workshops Increase attention to marine and estuarine issues by working with members and appropriate Units to address top priorities.Education/Continuing EducationAFS will facilitate life-long learning through world-class educational resources at all academic levels and provide training for practicing professionals in all branches of fisheries and aquatic sciences._8b927674-a6ad-11e2-af96-32c0cc4295122Practicing ProfessionalsPracticing professionals in all branches of fisheries and aquatic sciencesAcademic ProgramsEncourage educational institutions at all levels to maintain excellent academic programs in fisheries sciences and related disciplines to assure recruitment of fisheries professionals that meet the needs of employers._8b9277d2-a6ad-11e2-af96-32c0cc4295122.1Educational InstitutionsFisheries ProfessionalsEmployersCurriculaGuide colleges and universities to maintain, modify, or develop curricula of the highest quality for both undergraduate and graduate students that provide an array of courses and experiences needed to effectively manage and conserve fisheries resources and meet the needs of employers._c5cd46c2-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc429512Strategy 2.1.1CollegesUniversitiesUndergraduate StudentsGraduate StudentsDiversityEncourage colleges and universities to strive for diversity among students in fisheries sciences and related fields reflecting the composition of society._c5cd4ad2-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc429512Strategy 2.1.2CollegesUniversitiesExcellence, Leadership & Youth DevelopmentPromote and encourage academic excellence, public leadership, and youth development in fisheries through science programs at all educational levels._c5cd4cc6-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc429512Strategy 2.1.3CertificationEnsure that the fisheries professional certification program reflects the integration of many sciences relevant to fisheries while ensuring its recognition as a mark of scientific excellence and expertise._c5cd4e56-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc4295122.2PromotionPromote the professional certification program and the benefits of certification to universities, AFS members, other fisheries-related professions, and law professionals._c5cd5018-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc429512Strategy 2.2.1UniversitiesAFS MembersFisheries-Related ProfessionsLaw ProfessionalsRelevanceSuggestion: Review the professional certification program to make it relevant to the array of disciplines represented by AFS members and employers._c5cd51a8-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc429512Strategy 2.2.2AFS MembersEmployersFees & Administrative CostsSuggestion: Evaluate the fees and administrative costs of the AFS certification program relative to other professional societies._c5cd534c-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc429512Strategy 2.2.3Continuing EducationProvide a wide array of continuing education opportunities using innovative methods to reach the widest possible audience of fisheries professionals._c5cd5536-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc4295122.3CoordinationCoordinate continuing education activities among all levels of AFS using cost-effective and user friendly means._c5cd56da-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc429512Strategy 2.3.1Topics & MeansOffer continuing education courses on a wide array of topics that are pertinent to AFS members by a variety of means._c5cd5914-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc429512Strategy 2.3.2AFS MembersDistance EducationDevelop effective distance education methods by researching those used by universities and other professional societies and determining costs and benefits associated with various strategies._c5cd5afe-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc429512Strategy 2.3.3UniversitiesProfessional SocietiesTraining & Classroom MaterialsProvide training and classroom materials for instructors aimed at the public, fishers, teachers, and K12 students._c5cd5cb6-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc429512Strategy 2.3.4InstructorsThe PublicFishersTeachersK12 StudentsValue of MembershipAFS will serve its members and fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic science constituencies to fulfill the mission of the Society._c5cd5e78-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc4295123AFS MembersFisheries ConstituenciesAquaculture ConstituenciesAquatic Science ConstituenciesNeeds & OpinionsDetermine and respond to the needs and opinions of AFS members._c5cd6062-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc4295123.1AFS MembersSurveysRegularly survey members to identify their needs and opinions on a broad range of AFS issues._c5cd621a-a6b0-11e2-a550-df97cc429512Strategy 3.1.1Membership & OfficersSuggestion: Maintain updated records of membership and unit officers to allow for easy polling_a68e855a-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.2Web-Based Forums & SurveysSuggestion: Information can be gathered via web-based forums, surveys, or other means_a68e8a32-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.3CommunicationProvide a web-based forum for members to communicate with each other and the AFS leadership._a68e8c9e-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.4AFS LeadershipAFS MembersCommitteesUtilize standing and special committees at multiple levels of AFS (e.g., Chapters, Divisions, Sections and Parent Society) to effectively respond to membership concerns._a68e8e9c-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.5Guidance & PlansConsider survey results and feedback from the Membership Concerns Committee when developing AFS guiding documents and plans (annual plans of work/operational plans, the AFS Strategic Plan, etc.)._a68e90c2-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.6Information & TrainingMaintain a leadership role in providing information and training to enhance salaries commensurate with training investments, safety, and working conditions for fishery professionals._a68e92c0-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.7Fishery ProfessionalsCommunicationCommunicate to employers the value of leadership, planning, collaboration, and communication skills that employees develop through active involvement in AFS._a68e94b4-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.8EmployersEmployeesAgency SupportSuggestion: Agencies can also support their staff in serving as officers and by sharing the cost of membership and professional certification._a68e96e4-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.9Affordability & BenefitEnsure AFS services and products are affordable, viable, and beneficial to members._a68e98e2-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.10AFS MembersRecognitionEncourage recognition of volunteer contributions to the success of the Society at all levels through awards and other mechanisms._a68e9aea-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.11VolunteersInformation Management & CommunicationProvide quality information management and communication services to all members._a68e9d24-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.12AFS MembersJobs BulletinSuggestion: For example the AFS Jobs Bulletin_a68e9f2c-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.13Membership SoftwareSuggestion: Use most up to date software to maintain membership lists_a68ea1e8-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc429512Strategy 3.1.14Students & ProfessionalsEnhance participation of students and professionals at all levels of the society to assure recruitment, retention, and leadership development into the future._a68ea436-a700-11e2-900e-ad93cc4295123.2StudentsFisheries ProfessionalsExperience & BenefitsProvide a wide array of opportunities for college and university students and professionals at all levels to participate in AFS and experience the benefits of membership._325893be-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.2.1College Students University Students Fisheries ProfessionalsInternships, Grants, Scholarships & Registration FeesSuggestion: Internships, travel grants, scholarships, reduced registration_325899d6-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.2.2Mentoring & GuidanceSuggestion: Mentoring and guidance on mentoring to provide consistent experience_32589cb0-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.2.3Organizational CapacityProvide services and guidance on building organizational capacity in AFS units._32589f3a-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.2.4AFS UnitsTraining, Web Development & FundraisingSuggestion: Leadership training, web development, fundraising, relationships within AFS hierarchy, congress of AFS leaders_3258a1d8-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.2.5Marketing PlanDevelop a marketing plan for increasing college and university faculty and student participation in AFS._3258a444-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.2.6College FacultyUniversity FacultyCollege StudentsUniversity StudentsSponsorshipsSuggestion: Faculty sponsorship of students_3258a6e2-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.2.7FacultyStudentsDiversityPromote diversity within AFS and the fisheries profession._3258aa2a-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc4295123.3ParticipationRemove obstacles to full participation of under-represented groups (including women) in AFS meetings, publication activities, and governance._3258acb4-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.3.1Under-Represented GroupsWomenMentoring & ChildcareSuggestion: Mentoring program for female members, childcare and family friendly activities at annual meetings_3258af20-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.3.2Education & EngagementEducate and engage the AFS membership in diversity related issues._3258b1c8-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.3.3VisibilityIncrease the visibility of fisheries and natural resource sciences, environmental awareness, and career opportunities to under-represented populations, especially in minority-serving institutions._3258b434-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.3.4Under-Represented PopulationsMinority-Serving InstitutionsProfessional & Academic OrganizationsSupport efforts of professional and academic organizations involved in increasing diversity in student and professional populations in fisheries and natural resource careers._3258b6a0-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.3.5Professional OrganizationsAcademic OrganizationsScholarshipsDevelop scholarships for under-represented groups at all college and university levels to facilitate recruitment into AFS and the fisheries profession._3258b98e-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.3.6Under-Represented GroupsCollegesUniversitiesHutton & J. Frances Allen ScholarshipsSuggestion: Opportunities similar to Hutton or J. Frances Allen scholarships_3258bc0e-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.3.7CollaborationCollaborate with indigenous peoples of the Americas to identify and address common concerns within the fisheries profession._3258bea2-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.3.8Indigenous PeoplesReciprocal MembershipFoster reciprocal society membership with members of the World Fisheries Council to increase international participation in AFS._3258c172-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.3.9World Fisheries CouncilInformationDevelop innovative and cost effective methods to make fisheries science and management information readily available to AFS members and all levels of government entities worldwide._3258c3f2-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc4295123.4AFS MembersGovernment EntitiesPublicationsPursue open access formats for publications._3258c67c-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.4.1Broadcasting & DisseminationDevelop cost-effective means to broadcast AFS meetings and disseminate information to AFS members at all levels._3258c94c-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.4.2Electronic MediaSuggestion: Electronic media including web casts and videos_3258cbd6-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.4.3Remote ParticipationSuggestion: Increase remote participation _3258ce60-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.4.4Regional MeetingsEncourage development of regional topic-oriented meetings separate from the annual meeting._3258d1c6-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.4.5Centers of ExcellenceDevelop online virtual centers of excellence to tackle issues of concern to fisheries professionals._3258d464-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.4.6Online ForumsFoster online forums to encourage member communication._3258d6f8-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.4.7AFS MembersOnline Journal ForumSuggestion: New online marine journal web forum_3258da0e-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.4.8Technical Reports & Gray LiteratureDevelop a method for state/provincial and federal agencies, consulting firms, and other employers of fisheries professionals to make technical reports and gray literature electronically accessible._3258dcc0-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.4.9State AgenciesProvincial AgenciesFederal AgenciesConsulting FirmsEmployers of Fisheries ProfessionalsGovernance & ManagementPractice good governance and organizational management._3258df5e-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc4295123.5Transparency & ContinuityImprove the transparency and continuity of governance procedures and Society decision-making._3258e256-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.5.1Meeting MinutesSuggestion: Governing board meeting minutes on AFS website_3258e4fe-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.5.2Society PracticesSuggestion: Updated documentation of society practices_3258e7a6-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.5.3Membership InformationDevelop cost-effective and efficient means of managing membership information that will allow for better organization and governance of AFS units._3258eabc-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.5.4AFS UnitsAccessSuggestion: Access for unit leaders to recent membership information_3258ed78-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.5.5AFS Unit LeadersInstitutional MemoryDevelop a universal process for all units to preserve the long-term institutional memory of AFS by archiving important documents and other communications and making archives available to AFS membership._3258f03e-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.5.6Financial SecurityEnsure that AFS remains financially secure._3258f34a-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.5.7Implementation & ReportingImplement this Strategic Plan, including an online process for reporting progress._3258f610-a706-11e2-bd0f-dda0cc429512Strategy 3.5.82009-11-102014-12-312013-04-16http://fisheries.org/strategic-planOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net