About the TCAFS

	Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

The Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society was founded in 1975. Our present membership totals 216 individuals, including university professors and students, government agency personnel, and individuals from private enterprise and special interest groups. Membership is open to anyone interested in the progress of fisheries science and education, and the conservation and management of fisheries resources.

Member Benefits

The Chapter offers members the opportunity to increase their level of professionalism in the fisheries field through association with fellow members in the endeavors of scientific exchange and communication, public awareness, and education. Our multi-faceted membership guarantees exposure to an ever-broadening scope of concerns and interests in aquatic sciences. For those who would like to serve the chapter, we have a number of committees you can join. Our members receive a newsletter four times a year with information on chapter happenings. Members also receive the annual proceedings containing scientific papers presented at the Chapter's annual meeting.

Educators of the Public

Our collective expertise makes us a source of information for the public interested in aquatic topics and issues. Our pond management committee developed the popular Stocking and Management Recommendations for Texas Farm Ponds which is distributed to the public through the Texas A&M Agricultural Extension Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. We have an issues committee to develop positional statements for the chapter on timely fisheries issues and an exotic species committee to compile, update, and provide information to members and the public.

Annual Meeting

The highlight of our year is the annual meeting, which is held in the winter. The meeting location is usually different from year to year. the 2-day meeting features a technical session where members present scientific papers on a wide range of research interests; a business meeting that includes an awards presentation to recognize outstanding achievement by members in several categories; a panel discussion where experts are invited to present their knowledge and engage in discussion with other panel members and the chapter; and a social that includes dinner, a raffle, and an auction for which some items are hand-crafted and donated by members.

Student Friendly

We encourage student participation and have had a number of students present papers at our technical session. Special provisions for student membership, lodging, and the social dinner are made to keep costs affordable. In 1994, we added a "Best Student Presentation" award in recognition of the number and quality of presentations we have enjoyed by students. We sponsor several scholarships and a competitive stipend for student research.