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 156th AFS Annual Meeting in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Award recipients are recognized through 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 for 2026 can be submitted soon. Look for the announcement. Please consider submitting 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.
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 Lance Hebdon lance.hebdon@idfg.idaho.gov.