The mission and programs of the american fisheries society (AFS) align closely with the mission and objectives of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA)

Specifically, noaas goals related to understanding coastal and ocean conditions; disseminating that knowledge to various audiences; and conserving and managing coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. NOAA support, as outlined below, will enrich primary programs of AFS, and in the process provide NOAA with access to the largest network of fisheries professionals dedicated to advancing fisheries science and conserving fisheries and aquatic resources and habitats. These programs are: AFS annual meetings, to facilitate the ongoing exchange of fisheries and aquatic sciences information among professionals to advance knowledge, understanding, and management of these resources. AFS affiliated meetings, to promote the exchange of fisheries and aquatic sciences information in specialized settings focusing on specific geographic regions or areas of focus. Science communication workshops, designed to provide AFS members with tools and skills to enhance their ability to compellingly convey the results of their research, practice, management and/or work. Issue briefing seminars, designed to improve public understanding of fundamental underpinnings of fisheries and aquatic sciences through interactive forums for policy makers and the public. Hutton junior fisheries biology program, designed to recruit the future workforce for the fisheries and aquatic sciences professionals, who will be prepared and equipped to step into the void left by a rapidly maturing workforce, thereby meeting the needs of the future. This program is unique in that IT focuses exclusively on recruiting and connecting high school students into fisheries science. NOAA membership in AFS will open the full suite of AFS services to NOAA, providing access to state-of-the-art information on fisheries issues, opportunities to interact with fisheries professionals worldwide in addressing issues impacting these resources, and maintaining a solid basis for AFS to build upon the reputation of excellence in fisheries science established over the past 150 years. Through these programs managed by AFS, NOAA will continue to strengthen the decades-long cooperative relationship established between the two organizations for the common purposes of advancing the knowledge, understanding, and scientifically-based management of the nations fisheries and aquatic resources.