Theme: Renaturalization, Restoration, and Sustainability of Ontario Fisheries
February 22–24, Geneva Park, Orillia, Ontario
The Ontario Chapter of the American Fisheries Society hosted our 2018 Annual General Meeting and Conference at the YMCA—Geneva Park in Orillia, Ontario, on February 22nd-24th.
The conference was attended by a total of 68 participants including 51 professionals, 15 students and 2 exhibitors. Sixty-two percent of attendees were AFS-OC members. Professional attendance included a full range of representatives including Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, conservation authorities, consultants, non-profits and academic researchers.
Our Keynote Speaker was Dr. Trevor Pitcher, Executive Director (Acting) for the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER) & Associate Professor at the University of Windsor. Dr. Pitcher spoke of “Restoring Aquatic Biodiversity in the Anthropocene: Developing the Science of Reintroduction Biology”.
Conference attendees enjoyed a total of 17 oral presentations and 8 posters, including the 2017 Outstanding Mentor Award winner, Dr. Rob McLaughlin from the University of Guelph. Dr. McLaughlin talked about managing connectivity to enhance the production and biodiversity of desirable fishes.
On Saturday afternoon, Scott Gibson (MNRF) and Erling Holm (ROM) offered the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP) Fish ID Certification test. Fourteen participants, including both students and professionals were certified as beginner (Level 1), intermediate (Level 2), or advanced (Level 3), depending on test results.
Sarah Walton from Carleton University, was awarded the E.J. Crossman Award for best oral presentation, and the Ontario B.A.S.S. Nation (OBN) Award for best poster presentation was awarded to Geraint Element from Queens University. Abstracts for both presentations can be found within the 2018 Annual Meeting Program. The 2018 Outstanding Mentor Award was won by Dr. Kathleen Gilmour from the University of Ottawa.
Following the business meeting, trade show and poster session of Friday, many spent the afternoon ice-fishing on Lake Couchiching. After dinner, our evening social, including a student subunit raffle, was enjoyed by all.
Two vendors exhibited in the AGM, including Lotek Wireless and Haltech Aquatic Research Inc.
Thanks to Geneva Park staff, AFS-OC Executive Committee, Student Subunit, our Keynote Speaker, and all who attended and participated, for making the 2018 AFS Annual Meeting and Conference a success!
Photo Gallery
We would like to thank our sponsors and exhibitors who provided financial support and/or prizes. They include:
