Each year the Fisheries Administration Section of the American Fisheries Society recognizes outstanding fisheries projects completed with Sport Fish Restoration (Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux) funds. Awards are given in three categories: Sport Fishery Development and Management, Research and Surveys, and Angler Recruitment/Retention/Reactivation and/or Aquatic Education. Outstanding projects will be announced in early September. Award recipients will be recognized through national press releases and on the AFS website and other media, and will be presented with handsome award plaques at an appropriate function in the winning state or protectorate. Previous winners can be viewed at Recipient History.
Nominations from your state or protectorate are currently being soliciting for 2025. Please submit a nomination for projects that are outstanding examples of the use of Sport Fish Restoration fund or notify appropriate personnel in your agency and urge them to nominate a project. Nominations from states or protectorates will be accepted through August 9, 2025.
See below for a detailed description of the awards program (includes instructions for submitting nominations) and judging criteria.
Please email nominations as PDF files to Christian Waters at christian.waters@ncwildlife.gov. The AFS Fisheries Administration Section looks forward to the opportunity to recognize outstanding projects and help promote all the benefits of the Sport Fish Restoration program. If you have any questions about this unique and important award program, please contact me by email or at (919) 707-0151.
Additional information about the Sportfish Restoration Award Program and the fisheries Administration Section of AFS can be found on our website at this link: https://fas.fisheries.org/.