IN MEMORIAM – Dr. Olaf Laurence Friedrich Weyl

The international fisheries community is deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the untimely passing of Olaf Weyl, Chief Scientist at South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity and South African Research Chair in Inland Fisheries and Freshwater Ecology.   Dr. Weyl was universally loved and respected across the fisheries profession.  With over 160 peer-reviewed journal articles, Olaf was a talented and prolific scientist whose research team addressed a wide range of fish ecology problems.  His team addressed conservation and impacts of nonnative fishes on endemic fish communities, and evaluation of factors influencing the quality of recreational fisheries.    Olaf had an infectious laugh and a true passion and curiosity about fisheries and fish ecology.   The outpouring from the international community is a clear sign of his impact on so many lives and on our profession.  He will be deeply missed throughout the world.   A tribute from his home institution can be found at: https://www.saiab.ac.za/features/official-announcement-.htm, and a full obituary will follow in Fisheries.

OLAF International and Indigenous Membership Award

Para leer en Español*, presione aquí.

Applications for the 2023 OLAF awards are closed.

THANKS TO THE GENEROUS DONATIONS from AFS members, WE ARE PLEASED TO COORDINATE GIFT MEMBERSHIPS through the OLAF International and Indigenous Membership Awards!

Goal: The Opportunity for Learning and Advancement in Fisheries (OLAF) – International & Indigenous Membership Awards support the International Fisheries Section goals of assisting the international community, especially those from low and middle income countries, as well as Indigenous peoples from around the world, with networking and conference opportunities and provide the exchange of information and technical assistance among fishery workers.  Here is what your membership includes.

Memorial: The OLAF International and Indigenous Membership award is named in memory of Dr. Olaf Weyl.  Olaf Weyl was Chief Scientist at South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity and South African Research Chair in Inland Fisheries and Freshwater Ecology.  Dr. Weyl was universally loved and respected across the fisheries profession and was dedicated to the exchange of science across the globe.  Olaf was a talented and prolific scientist whose research team addressed a wide range of fish ecology problems.  His team addressed conservation and impacts of nonnative fishes on endemic fish communities, and evaluation of factors influencing the quality of recreational fisheries.  Olaf had an infectious laugh and a true passion and curiosity about fisheries and fish ecology. The outpouring from the international community is a clear sign of his impact on so many lives and on our profession.

Eligibility:Individuals who reside in a country NOT listed on the World Bank list of HIGH-INCOME ECONOMIES, OR Indigenous peoples, following the understanding offered by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, who wish to join the International Fisheries Section of the American Fisheries Society. Individuals are only eligible to receive this award TWO times.

Application: Please fill out the application form by November 30, 2022.  Your application will not be complete until you provide the required information and upload your CV/Resume.

Selection Criteria: Applications will be reviewed on behalf of the International Fisheries Section Executive Committee. Recipients of awards will be selected on a competitive basis. Justification for how membership will benefit individuals professionally and CVs/Resumes are key considerations. In any given year, the International Fisheries Section may choose not to award any OLAF International & Indigenous Membership Awards.

Notification: Applicants for the OLAF International & Indigenous Membership Award will receive emails with a decision by the end of the calendar year. OLAF International & Indigenous Membership Awards will be announced by the International Fisheries Section President at the Annual Business Meeting.

Donations: Please consider supporting a fellow fisheries professional with your generous donation!  All AFS members have the opportunity to contribute to this award opportunity when they renew their annual membership.  Note that donations are not listed on the same page as all the renewable items and must be selected separately using the donations option at the second to last step of the renewal process.  To help fund this award, please contribute to the ‘Support of Low & Middle Income Dues.’

Thank you for your support!

*Spanish translation courtesy of Augustin Engman and Ámbar Torres.