Overview

The Colorado State University Student Sub-Unit of the American Fisheries Society is a nonprofit, student run organization. The mission of the CSU Student Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is to enhance the education and professional development of its members to help them become leading fisheries professionals dedicated to advancing the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems.  Officially, we are a sub-unit of the Colorado Wyoming Chapter and national organization of the American Fisheries Society. Our by-laws can be found HERE.

 

Join AFS! Our current members are a very social group and represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. Only minimal membership dues are required and students are welcome to join at any club event.  Benefits of becoming a member include updates and invites to AFS events, fishing tips, career networking opportunities, presentations from leading fishery industry professionals, and discounted membership in the national chapter of the American Fisheries Society.

Becoming involved with the American Fisheries Society is an excellent opportunity to meet new people with the same interests. AFS members can participate in exciting events including habitat restoration projects, group fishing trips, the annual College Lake fishing derby, snorkeling local river systems, Western Division of the AFS meetings, the Colorado/Wyoming AFS meeting, and community events.

 

CLUB MEETINGS:  Both undergraduate and graduate students that attend meetings can meet experts in every area of fisheries and aquatic biology, and acquire information about academic and professional opportunities.

MEETING TIME/PLACE: AFS CSU meets every other Thursday evening at 5:30 pm in Wagar 132. Pizza will be available for attendees.

Spring 2025 SCHEDULE:

  • February 6: Pete Cadmus – CPW Aquatic Toxicologist
  • February 20: Terry James – Hatchery Technician at Bellevue Watson Hatchery
  • March 6: Fish Drawing Workshop
  • March 27: Carrie Brace – CPW Aquatic Veterinarian
  • April 10: Fish Trivia
  • April 24: Shawna Svodoba – Wyoming Game and Fish Aquatic Health Inspector

LIVE AQUARIUM DISPLAYS: CSU AFS manages four live aquarium displays to help raise awareness and improve education about aquatic species and their habitats. The aquariums are located in the Wagar Building at CSU and include a tropic community fish display, a Colorado native fish display, a Colorado native amphibian display, and a Colorado endangered species display. Check out our display education posters and stop by Wagar Building next time you are on campus.

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FLYCASTERS: For students that are particularly interested in flyfishing, feel free to check out Trout Unlimited’s Rocky Mountain Flycasters. RMF holds monthly meetings with fly tying demos and speakers, along with restoration and community outreach opportunities; all in which CSU AFS members are welcome to attend. For more information check out their website.

 

CONTACT

 US: Email: [email protected]

Officers

Alex Brown (she/her/hers), President
I am a Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation biology student with a focus in fisheries science. I am from Aurora, Co. I developed a passion for fish from a snorkeling experience and ever since I have been hooked on freshwater species that I never knew I had around me while growing up.

 

 

 

Alex Wagner, Secretary

Hey! I’m Alex, a third year student majoring in fish, wildlife, and conservation biology! I enjoy all aspects of fisheries bio, from the science to the sport, and even creating fish art!

 

 

Student holding a fishMoira Benish-Kingsbury, Student Liaison 

Hi! I’m Moira, and I’m a third year studying Fisheries Biology! I am pretty new to fishing, but I have kept fish all my life and love aquariums. Recently, I have fallen in love with fishing and enjoy it as a hobby. 

 

 

Student Holding Fish

Max Griffith, Aquarium Curator

My name is Max Griffith and I am from Fort Collins CO. I am studying Natural Resources Management with a minor in Fisheries Biology. I love the biology of fish and fishing as a pass time.

 

 

Student holding a fishMeredith Sehlmeyer, Aquarium Curator 

My name is Meredith,  and I am a fourth year FWCB student with a concentration on fisheries and aquatic sciences. I am from Littleton, CO, and love all kinds of native fishes!

 

 

Dr. Yoichiro Kanno, Faculty Advisor
Hi all, my name is Dr. Yoichiro Kanno, I was born and grew up in Tokyo, Japan. I developed my enthusiasm for fish as a kid by going saltwater fishing and keeping tropical fish tanks at home. I received my B.A. (law) in Japan, M.E.S. (environmental studies) in Canada and Ph.D. in natural resources at the University of Connecticut. Prior to joining CSU in Fall 2017, I was a faculty member at Clemson University, South Carolina. I study stream fish ecology and conservation, with a broad interest in genetics,  behavior, population and community dynamics, and landscape ecology. My current research projects are located not only in Colorado, but also in the eastern USA and Japan. I have worked with undergraduate students on research projects and look forward to working with members of the CSU AFS Student Subunit on local aquatic research and outreach issues.

Upcoming Events

Next Meeting: March 6th 2025 5:30 PM Wagar 132: Draw your own fish sticker workshop

Draw your own fish sticker workshop

Stay tuned for more details here and on our Facebook and Instagram pages!!!

Facebook: American Fisheries Society Colorado State University

Instagram: afs_colostate

 

For more information, contact [email protected]