Each year, the Western Division bestows awards on individuals and entities who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to fisheries education, science, management, and conservation. We also present awards to the best Chapter and Subunits within the Division. All of us know people who are deserving of recognition. Please consider nominating a worthy person or group for one of the WDAFS awards listed below. Nominations are due February 27, 2026 and WDAFS will select award winners and notify nominees of the outcome no later than March 25, 2026. Submit your nominations for all awards here.
The Western Division encourages recognition of individuals and groups representing all aspects of the fisheries profession. Nominators are encouraged to consider submitting nominations for individuals at all points in their career.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Award of Excellence – This award recognizes sustained professional excellence; it is the most prestigious award offered by the Division. It is given to an AFS member who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and exceptional competence in fishery resource applications through monumental works, new methodologies, inspirational leadership, or multiple successful contributions that benefit our resources and profession.
Award of Merit – This award is given to AFS member(s) who have made a positive and regionally
significant contribution within the Western Division, to our profession and to fisheries resources.
Award of Special Recognition – WDAFS gives this award to an AFS member or non-member (or,
alternatively, to an organization) whose actions have directly benefited the Western Division and its
members.
Robert Borovicka Conservation Achievement Award – This award is presented to an AFS member or
non-member who has significantly contributed to fisheries conservation within the geographic region of
the Western Division.
Community Development Service Award – The Community Development Service Award will be presented to an AFS Western Division Member who has exhibited service and commitment to recruitment and retention initiatives within the fisheries profession. The purpose of the award is to celebrate everyday, unsung heroes who dedicate their time and passion to recruitment and retention efforts.
ORGANIZATION AWARDS
Award of Special Recognition – WDAFS gives this award to an organization whose actions have
directly benefited the Western Division and its members.
Conservation Achievement Award – This award is presented to an organization who has significantly
contributed to fisheries conservation within the geographic region of the Western Division.
Excellence in Riparian Management Award – Also known as the Riparian Challenge Award, this
award recognizes organizations that have restored riparian systems along lakes, streams, and wetlands in
the geographical region of the western United States or the Pacific Islands that comprises the Western
Division. Each year, the WDAFS recognizes outstanding achievements in riparian management by
bestowing the “Excellence in Riparian Management” awards in three categories: (1) U.S. Forest Service
(USFS) projects; (2) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) projects; and (3) projects completed by entities
other than the USFS and BLM.
CHAPTER AND SUBUNIT AWARDS
Each year, the Western Division of the American Fisheries Society recognizes the large chapter, small
chapter, and student subunit that best exemplify a commitment to the mission of the Society by actively
working to achieve the goals set forth in the AFS Strategic Plan. We encourage you to nominate your
chapter or student subunit for these awards.
Large Chapter are: AK, CA/NV, ID, OR, WA/BC.
Small Chapters are: AZ/NM, CO/WY, MT, PI, UT.
Student Subunits: Any within the geographical boundaries of WDAFS.
