The past, present, and future of fisheries science will be on display as we bring together professionals from across North America and countries throughout the world under the theme of “Investing in People, Habitat, and Science.” We are soliciting invited and contributed papers and posters that exemplify the latest research in fisheries science and that will benefit a range of audiences with the aim of advancing the science of fisheries ecology, conservation, and management. The 2021 Annual Meeting is being planned as a hybrid meeting with flexible in-person and virtual attendance and presentation options.  All in-person presenters will be asked to also provide a prerecorded presentation that can be viewed by virtual attendees and by in-person attendees to watch later on demand.

We encourage submissions that will be of broad interest, as well as those organized around the meeting’s “Investing in People, Habitat, and Science” theme. However, we also recognize the importance of papers and posters that focus on particular topics, ecosystems, and geographic areas.

As you may know, AFS moved its Annual Meeting dates to November 6-10, 2021. In an effort to address travel questions and other uncertainties, the abstract submission deadline for the 2021 AFS Baltimore Annual Meeting has been extended a few months to August 16, 2021. The Baltimore planning team is currently exploring all options to employ creative and flexible solutions to allow as many people to participate as possible.

The rapid increase in Covid vaccinations and the resulting CDC, State of Maryland, and City of Baltimore guidance on gatherings and events now provide confirmation that AFS may safely host its Annual Meeting as a traditional in-person event after a long year of remote activity. We are designing this meeting to be a hybrid event to allow those unable to travel to have access to all of the science content, live-streamed plenary sessions, and a variety of other ways to be engaged and involved. We are rethinking our abstract deadlines, building new presentation opportunities, and creating ways for people to participate in the conference in a timely and efficient manner.

Please keep working on your abstracts (and feel free to submit them if you’re ready). We'll share updated timelines and details with you in the coming weeks. Hotel room blocks  are now open.

ABSTRACTS

• See the preliminary list of symposia here .
• Watch a video about how to submit your abstract here .
• You can find answers to Frequently Asked Questions here .
• The deadline for abstracts for symposium and contributed paper session oral presentations and posters has been extended until August 16th, 2021.
• Notifications of acceptance will be emailed by August.
• Virtual vs. in-person oral presentations: All presenters will be pre-recording their talks, which will be available in an on-demand format to both on-site and virtual attendees and includes online written Q&A. Those presenters not attending the meeting in person will only have their talk available in this on-demand virtual format. Live virtual presentations will not be possible outside of a limited number of special sessions, such as plenaries, due to bandwidth limitations at the venue.
• Poster Dimensions: 42" x 42"
• Registration is now open! Click here to Register!
• Students, please see this year's process to be considered for Best Student Paper or Poster.

Please note that registration fees are not waived for presenters. Register early for the lowest rates. AFS members can save up to $200 on registration costs.

Please note that we are using a new submission platform this year and you will need to create an account. We recommend that you use the same email address that you use for your AFS membership account.