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, and Reactivation (R3) and/or Aquatic Education. Outstanding projects will be announced at the 155th AFS Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas on Sunday, August 10, 2025 (postponed to December). Award recipients are recognized through national press releases, on the AFS website and other media, and are 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.
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 the current FAS President-Elect Christian Waters christian.waters@ncwildlife.org or (919) 707-0221.