New American Fisheries Society leader

Tor-Eddie Fossbakk Her research at VIMS focuses on the population dynamics of finfish. She also manages the Institute's juvenile fish surveys, which have since 1955 played an important role in helping to manage Chesapeake Bay's fish populations. Fabrizio has an ambitious work plan during her tenure in the AFS's top spot. Her two top priorities are to promote sound stewardship of fisheries resources and provide clear channels for communicating science-based information to stakeholders. According to a press release from the College of William and Mary, Dr. Fabrizio plans to promote aquatic stewardship through continued AFS support of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, a broad coalition of US conservation groups; universities; industry partners; and federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. Fabrizio also plans to enhance AFS activities internationally. She recently represented AFS at the first meeting of its new Mexican Chapter, and plans an active role for the Society at the 5th World Fisheries Congress in Yokohama, Japan in October 2008. This five-day conference will focus on current global issues in fisheries, including aquaculture, biotechnology, biodiversity and management, and climate change and fisheries. Fabrizio will also promote a continued shift toward electronic communication of AFS findings, including creation of an open-access electronic journal in coastal and marine fisheries. AFS already publishes several leading peer-reviewed print journals, including Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, North American Journal of Fisheries Management, North American Journal of Aquaculture, and the Journal of Aquatic Animal Health. Digital communications, writes Fabrizio, can "deliver fisheries information to professionals working in remote areas or in parts of the world where one of the few links to science-based information is through the Internet. Such information strengthens the knowledge base upon which we manage our resources." Another part of Fabrizio's plan is to develop strategies for recruitment and training of student leaders. "AFS has taken significant steps towards improving opportunities for student contributions to Society activities, including participation at meetings, involvement with publications, and serving in leadership roles," says Fabrizio. She envisions developing a cadre of new leaders to champion member needs, and ensuring leadership development opportunities for AFS members. During her career, Fabrizio has published more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and 26 technical reports. She is a fellow with the American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists, a member of the Board of Directors for the Fisheries Conservation Foundation, and served as President of the AFS Marine Fisheries Section from 2002-2004.