Celebrating 50 Years of Progress

The Golden Anniversary of the Southern Division

February 21-24, 2002

Fifty years after its formation on 20 October 1952, the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society celebrated its golden anniversary in 2002 at the Division’s Spring Meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas. The celebration was highlighted by a plenary session in which esteemed Division members, young and old, recalled the changes that have occurred in the past fifty years and speculated about what the future holds. An afternoon reminiscing session also provided a time for members to chat about the history of the Division and the fisheries profession. The day of celebration ended with a social and evening poster session, in which chapters and other units within the Division displayed synopses of their histories and touted all of their successes.

Coinciding with the event, a 50-year history of the Southern Division was released.  Authored by Mike Allen, Mike Van Den Avyle, Richard Noble, and Fred Harris, the document summarized the issues and accomplishments of the division from 1952-2002.  A look back at the first 50 years provides snapshots of how fisheries management and aquaculture evolved in the southeastern United States.

Click to Download: A 50-year History of the Southern Division American Fisheries Society PDF.