American Fisheries Society
Alaska Chapter
The Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is a professional organization of individuals interested in maintaining high standards for the fisheries profession and ensuring conservation of Alaska's fisheries. This web site is a source of current information regarding the Alaska Chapter and its activities.

(rev May 23, 2000)

The name of this organization shall be the Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, and herein after referred to as the Chapter. The objectives of the Chapter shall be those of the American Fisheries Society as set forth in Article I of the constitution, and to encourage the exchange of information by members of the Society who belong to this chapter.

The membership of the Chapter shall be composed of those American Fisheries Society members in good standing residing in, working in, or having a professional interest in the State of Alaska.

The officers of the Chapter shall consist of a President, President-Elect, First Vice-President, Treasurer and a Secretary.

Officers shall be elected from ballots presented in the Chapter newsletter, Oncorhynchus. The term of the Treasurer and Secretary shall be two years, with the Treasurer’s election occurring on even numbered years and the Secretary’s election occurring on odd numbered years. The term of the First Vice-President shall be one year. At the end of the one-year term, the First Vice-President shall succeed the President-Elect, who in turn shall succeed the President.

In case of a vacated position in the succession, officers shall succeed for the remainder of the term and the Executive Committee shall conduct a mail-ballot election for the office of First Vice-President.

In the event of a cancellation of an annual meeting, the officers and members of any committee shall continue to serve until the next scheduled meeting.

The President of the Chapter shall preside at all meetings, serve as the Chairperson of the Executive Committee, represent the Chapter to the Western Division and to the American Fisheries Society, and make such appointments and perform other duties and functions as are authorized and necessary.

The President-Elect shall be Chairperson of the Program Committee and shall assume the duties of the President in the event of his inability to act.

The First Vice-President shall be Chairperson of the Membership Committee, shall assist the Program Chairperson, and shall perform other duties as assigned.

The Treasurer shall collect and be custodian of Chapter funds; disburse funds as authorized by the Executive Committee or membership; submit a record of receipts and disbursements at the annual Chapter meeting; and, discharge other duties that may be required by the Executive Director of the American Fisheries Society and officers of the Western Division.

The Secretary shall keep the official records of the Chapter; submit a copy of the minutes of the annual business meeting to the Executive Director of the Society within 30 days after said meeting; and discharge other duties that may be required by the Executive Director of the American Fisheries Society and officers of the Western Division.

The Executive Committee of the Chapter shall consist of the elected officers of the Chapter, subunit presidents, and the immediate Past President. The committee is authorized to act for the Chapter between meetings and to perform appropriate duties and functions.

Functional committees and the Chairpersons of committees, except as listed in Section 4 of these Bylaws, shall be appointed by the President as may be necessary for the conduct of Chapter activities.

The terms of office for members of Chapter committees shall end upon discharge of the duties for which they were appointed, or, at the next annual meeting of the Chapter, whichever comes first.

The Chapter shall hold at least one general membership meeting annually at a time and place designated by the Executive Committee. The program and presentation of papers shall be the responsibility of the Program Committee.

Decisions at meetings of the Chapter shall be in accordance with the Constitution of the American Fisheries Society. Robert's Rules of Order shall govern in all cases not covered by the Constitution or these Bylaws.

A quorum at any general membership meeting for the transaction of official business shall be 20 members of the Chapter.

The Executive Committee may assess fees to cover the costs of meetings and Chapter activities. Membership dues shall be modified through the resolution process.

Bylaws of the Chapter may be amended by a 2/3 majority of those members voting, provided that prior notice of at least 30 days be given to the membership of the proposed change(s). Said change(s) must be approved by the Executive Committee of the Society before taking effect.

Resolutions place the view of the Chapter on record regarding the matters affecting fisheries resources. To protect the credibility of the Society, the membership must thoroughly and rigorously review resolutions. There must be opportunity for the broadest participation in discussion and debate.

a. Submission - A resolution must be submitted through the President to the Chair of the Resolution Committee.

b. Resolutions Committee Report - The Resolutions Committee Chair (or substitute appointed by the President if necessary) shall report to the Executive Committee any resolutions, any reports on issues surrounding a resolution that the Committee finds appropriate, any alternative resolutions the Committee might propose, and a recommendation on whether to present a Resolution to the membership.

c. Executive committee review. The Executive Committee will review the Resolutions Committee Report and decide whether to present a resolution to the membership for a vote at the Annual Meeting. If the Executive Committee does not approve the Resolutions Committee recommended actions on a resolution, then the Executive Committee shall append rationale for its decision to the Resolution Committee Report.

d. Prior distribution. The President shall distribute the Report to the membership not less than 30 days before the Annual Meeting.

e. Emergencies. The President may, with the consent of the Executive committee, determine that an emergency exists and waive the requirement of prior publication.

f. Voting. Resolutions must be approved by a 2/3 majority of members voting by mail ballot or at the annual Meeting.

The Alaska Student Unit is a statewide organization of Alaska Chapter members who are AFS student members, The Alaska Student Unit provides representation for and attention toward issues concerning students of fisheries and aquatic sciences.