The 2024 annual meeting of the Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society will be held at the Fredonia Hotel in Nacogdoches, TX from February 22-24th, 2024.

2024 Texas Chapter AFS Meeting Program and Schedule

*Check it out ->* 2024 TCAFS Meeting Program

TCAFS 2024 Schedule at a Glance

2024 STUDENT TRAVEL AWARDS

The Texas Chapter would like to extend an invitation to current undergraduate and graduate students (as of the spring 2024 semester) to apply for a student travel award for the 2024 TCAFS Annual Meeting. The awards will be provided as a check to each recipient with funds intended to defer a portion of the travel costs associated with attendance of the annual meeting. The total number and amount of student travel awards to be supported are contingent upon available funding. The deadline for applications is this Friday, February 16th. Travel awards will be announced and checks issued at the 2024 TCAFS Awards Banquet.

Click HERE to apply for a TCAFS Student Travel Award. Please be prepared to answer the following question: How will attendance at the 2024 TCAFS Annual Meeting contribute to your professional development goals and career aspirations (max 250 words)?

MEETING REGISTRATION & ROOM RESERVATION

Registration for the 2024 TCAFS Annual Meeting is now live! The deadline for early registration and room reservation was Wednesday, January 31st, 2024. Please use the online registration form for the 2024 TCAFS meeting found here: 2024 TCAFS Meeting Registration (Online)

State Employees: A Google Doc form will be provided at a later date for state employees that can be used to create a PayPal invoice for the registration of multiple attendees. Stephen Curtis, the secretary/treasurer, will gladly assist with this.

Room Reservations: Rooms for the 2024 TCAFS Annual Meeting may be reserved through The Fredonia Hotel Website using the TCAFS conference link provided here: Hotel Room Reservation Link

Hardcopy Registration Form: 2024 TCAFS Meeting Late Registration (pdf)

ABSTRACTS

The Call for Abstracts for the 2024 TCAFS annual meeting has passed. If you submitted an abstract, authors will be notified of abstract acceptance by January 19, 2024.

For additional questions, email Kelley Kowal (kelley.kowal@tpwd.texas.gov).

Continuing Education and Volunteer Opportunities

Title: “Translating Science to English – a Hands-on Workshop for Improving Public Messaging”
Course leader: Leslie Hartman
Description: Science can change the world!  We scientists dedicate our lives to observing and conserving the natural world.  Yet these days, it seems neither the public nor policy makers hear, or value, scientific input leaving essential policies ignored or watered down.  While many factors contribute to the seemingly intentional scientific ignorance, one component is squarely within the scientist’s control – improving our own communication methods.

This Workshop offers a short overview of the science of why communication styles matter and follows-up with hands-on group assignments to practice these skills.  The workshop will be in three components:  Know Your Audience focuses on audience values and needs and teaches how to reach any audience where they are.   ABT (And, BUT, Therefore) is a methodology to ensure your topic is honed to its essence while remaining engaging and powerful.  And, Selling Your ‘Story’ focuses on pitching your topic – and action – to community organizations or media types you wish to engage.   This workshop is a must only if your science must be heard, and acted upon.

Title: “An Introduction to ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online”
Course leader: Dan Bennett
Description: A general introduction to ArcGIS Pro that may be beneficial to new users or those migrating from ArcMap, and an introduction to the capabilities and resources available within ArcGIS Online.

 

Title: “Tour and Field Sampling at Banita Creek Preserve”
Course leader: Dr. Carmen Montana
Description: Bring your waders as Dr. Montana provides a tour of Banita Creek where you will have the opportunity to collect various East Texas fish species. Space is limited though, as we can only accommodate 30 individuals for this fun field outing. Transportation will be provided.
More Info about Banita Creek Preserve: https://www.texaslandconservancy.org/banita-creek-preserve

Volunteer Opportunity

We are happy to announce that this years TCAFS Annual Meeting will have the 1st Annual TCAFS Service Project. On Thursday the 22nd, from 3-5 pm we will be conducting a stream clean up of La Nana Bayou lead by Dr. Carmen Montana. Transportation will be provided but we are asking those attending to please bring their own waders.

 

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS was November 12, 2023.

Please direct applications and questions to:
Jennifer Butler – Scholarship Committee Chair
(979) 292-0100 ext. 225 or text (832) 444-4122
Jennifer.Butler@tpwd.texas.gov

 

OUTSTANDING FISHERIES WORKER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

We would like to congratulate our 2024 Outstanding Fisheries Worker of the Year Award Winners!!

-Fish Culture: Paul Cason

-Fisheries Education: Steven Bardin

–Fisheries Research: Kevin Conway

-Fisheries Student: Chase Nimee

-2024 Special Recognition in Fisheries Work: Ivonne Blandon

-Past President Appreciation Certificate: Chris Mace

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SPONSORS, EXHIBITORS, AND DONATIONS

ALL EXHIBITOR BOOTHS NEEDED TO BE CONFIRMED BY FEBRUARY 1, 2024.

The Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (TCAFS) is a non-profit organization committed to the conservation, development, and wise utilization of recreational and commercial fisheries, the promotion of all branches of fisheries science and practice, and the exchange and dissemination of knowledge about fish, fisheries, and related subjects.

To facilitate these objectives, the meeting will consist of training workshops, the Chapter business meeting, technical committee meetings, and symposium and sessions consisting of an anticipated 50 scientific presentations. A highlight of the meeting is awarding academic scholarships to our future fisheries professionals. Directed donations and a fund-raising event, held during our annual meeting, finance these scholarships. Our primary fund-raising event is the raffle and auction held during the annual meeting. Merchandise, artwork, services, vacations, and guided fishing and hunting trips donated by individuals and businesses have made this event possible over the past years. The continued growth of the student awards and scholarships program is dependent upon the success of this event.

We sincerely request that you consider contributing to our fund-raising efforts. Any item or service you donate would greatly benefit our organization as we strive to improve the quality of management of our waters and biological communities. Beyond that, this is a great opportunity for you to advertise your company’s name and products. Please note, your contributions are tax deductible (Employer Identification Number/EIN #52-1069108).

There are three ways you can help. First, if you are marketing services or products that you feel may be of interest to fisheries professionals, please consider setting up an exhibition/information booth at the trade show. Second, you can elect to sponsor the meeting. These sponsorships contribute directly to various student scholarships, student travel expenses, and student housing during the conference. Third, you can make a monetary or product donation to the meeting’s auctions and raffle.

Click here for the TCAFS 2024 Meeting Sponsorship and Donation Form

For questions, contact:
Dylan Kwak
Publicity and Exhibits Committee Chair
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
979-272-1430, Ext. 224
dylan.kwak@tpwd.texas.gov

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CURRENT SPONSORS

Gold sponsors are San Antonio River Authority, Stephen F. Austin State University Biology Department, and Water Monitoring Solutions, Inc.
Silver sponsors are American Sport Fish, Sabine River Authority of Texas, and Texas Pro Lake Management.
Bronze sponsor is Fish On Aquatic Plants.